Buzzard Breath

From Publishers Weekly Will Winkle, sixth grader and lover of all things canine, knows so much about dogs that he could "practically write a book on the subject." Allowed to choose a dog of his own, he determines to find just the right pet. He puts his search on hold, however, to provide temporary shelter for an unattractive abandoned German shepherd, nicknamed Buzzard Breath by the class bully. Will realizes his true bond with Buzz only when he almost loses the dog for good-thought to have attacked a toddler, Buzzard is rescued from a death sentence after an overly dramatic sequence in which Will proves Buzz's innocence. A subplot involving an ungainly new classmate rounds out the book's message that appearances aren't everything. A device shifting the narrative to the dog's point of view is used inconsistently but, at its best, acts as a witty counterpoint to Will's dog obsession. Despite flaws, this is a promising debut, full of energy and ripe with thoughtful themes. Ages 8-12. Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. From School Library Journal Grade 4-6?Will dreams of finding the "perfect dog" with a pedigree. Through a series of events that rely heavily on coincidence, he ends up rescuing Buzzard Breath, a grungy tan German shepherd that yearns for a kind master, from an animal shelter. When Buzz saves a little girl from being mauled by vicious dog, he is mistaken as the attacker and nearly put to death. Will proves his innocence and realizes that, even if he's not perfect, Buzz is his best friend, and takes him home for good. Told occasionally from the canine point of view?an unusual but effective technique?the language tends to be sophisticated and sometimes crude, while the plot is laden with undeveloped subplots about a bully and an abusive shelter worker. The characters also tend toward the stereotypical?the cranky old-lady neighbor with a good heart; the wimpy best friend who finally stands up for himself; parents who don't have a clue about their children's lives?but readers will respond to the heartfelt bond between boy and dog and the satisfying happy ending.?Cyrisse Jaffee, formerly at Newton Public Schools, MACopyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.