Shiloh

Heartwarming, Powerful, Suspenseful, Riveting, Upholds Integrity

 Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

Published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers Copyright 1991

1992 Newbery Medal Award Winner
American Library Association Notable Children's Book

"A moving and powerful look at the best and worst of human nature." - Booklist

11-year-old Marty Preston lives in West Virginia and has always wanted a dog.  When he discovers a beagle in his yard, he names him Shiloh and desperately wants to keep him.  However, Marty soon realizes that Shiloh already has an owner, Judd Travers.  This abusive alcoholic who hunts out of season and mistreats animals makes it impossible for Marty to keep Shiloh.  Marty's parents do not tolerate Travers' behavior, but they also remind Marty Shiloh belongs to Travers.  When Shiloh repeatedly runs away from Travers, Marty is determined to not only keep Shiloh, but keep it a secret from everyone.  The story unfolds as Marty finds himself telling lies and stealing in order to keep Shiloh out of Travers' hands.  Soon the secret is out, and Marty must decide whether he should return Shiloh to Travers or admit the truth and courageously fight for Shiloh!  Be sure to read the sequels, Shiloh Season (1996) and Saving Shiloh (1997) by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor for the dramatic conclusion of the series.

Reading Level: Lexile Framework 890L, Grade 4

Suggested Delivery: Small Group Read
Description: Fiction, Morals, Animal-Human Relationships

Electronic Resources:
Discussion Questions
This is a link to discussion questions that can guide students in their small group meetings.  It also offers teachers possible answers to each of the questions, a summary of the text, and background information on the author.

Study Guide
This is a link to a PDF file that provides in depth discussion questions as well as printable concept maps and graphic organizers to enhance the discussion of the text and serve as resources for during reading activities.  There are also vocabulary activities and writing prompts.

Scholastic
This is a link to Scholastic that provides discussion questions with an emphasis on literal and inferential comprehension, higher level thinking skills, literary elements, and personal response.

Key Vocabulary: Abandoned, Commence, Feeble, Grovel, Jowls, Jubilation, Omission, Sickle, Suspicions, Turpentine

Teaching Suggestions:

1. Use this text to discuss ethical decision making.
2. Use this text to explore animal rights.
3. Use this text in reading and language arts to analyze how Shiloh is a Coming of Age text.  How has Marty changed from the beginning to the end?  What did he learn?  What other stories show the protagonist has grown and learned considerably?

Comprehension Strategies
Pre-Reading- Provide students with an Anticipation Guide.  The statements should focus on the main themes.  See the example below:

• If you find something you should be able to keep it.  Finder's Keepers! (True / False)
• Telling the truth is always important. (True / False)
• Sometimes keeping a secret can be better for everyone. (True / False)
• The positive results always outweigh the consequences of our actions. (True / False)
• If you try hard enough, you will always succeed. (True / False)
• Enemies can learn to be friends. (True / False)

During Reading- Have students complete a cause and effect concept map to explore how Marty's decisions and the choices he makes all have consequences.  This will help students recognize the impact of actions and how they shape the climax of this text.

Post-Reading- Have students participate in a Popcorn Review to discuss the main themes in the story.  Some suggested questions include:

1. Why does Marty love Shiloh so much?  Can you relate to Marty's feelings in any way?
2. In the end, Judd Travers seems to be different.  How would you describe this other side? Did you find that your opinion of him had changed?  Why or why not?
3. What do you predict for Marty and Judd Travers' future? Do you think they might become real friends?
4. How did you feel when Marty's family was able to keep Shiloh? Is the ending what you expected?
5. What did Marty learn from this whole experience?  Did he change in any way?

Writing Activity: Have students write a persuasive essay about one choice Marty made and whether they believe he made the right or wrong choice.  Students can use their cause and effect concept map to help explore the relationship between choices and consequences.  Students should include textual evidence to support their argument.

Naylor, P. R. (1991). Shiloh. New York: Atheneum.