Review of The Last Dogs by Joe Siple

Read for: Requested Review/Netgalley/ Middle Grade March

Synopsis: "In a time when nearly all dogs have been euthanized as a safety precaution, fifth-grader Ashley Dubois and her friend Mason discover a book that claims something unbelievable—that people and dogs once lived happily together. They seek a mad scientist named Dr. Bukowski to discover the truth.

Meanwhile, Amy-Bell, a Great Dane mix, is separated from her owners during a round-up of the few remaining dogs. As the reluctant leader of a small group of dogs who escaped, Amy-Bell tries to care for them.

When Ashley and Mason find Dr. Bukowski and his pack of renegade dogs, they’re shocked to find the animals aren’t vicious killers. So they join the quest to save the last dogs—Amy-Bell and her pack—before it’s too late."

My Review: Can you imagine life where dogs are the mortal enemy and being exterminated to extinction? Yeah, me neither, so as a dog lover I was really intrigued by this book. It was a perfect book to pick up during Middle Grade March. It is great for young readers from 7 to 10 but I think readers of all ages would really enjoy it. The story takes place in Colorado in a setting about 70-80 years in the future, so it makes it easy for young readers to picture. I enjoyed the characters and quirky Dr. Bukowski was a great character, a grown up figure but like that odd great uncle. We also get the point of view from one of the dogs, Amy-Bell, which I think a lot of dog lovers will really enjoy. As an adult reader, I really enjoyed the story but it feels like just the tip of the iceberg, there is so much more that can happen after this story ends.

My Rating: This was a really great book that gives readers a little something different than I have seen in a lot of Middle Grade books. I think young readers and older readers alike will really enjoy it.  I give it a rating of Four Paws!

I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley, the above is my honest review and opinion. 

You can find out more about Joe Siple and his books on his Goodreads Page or Website.

The Last Dogs was released in January, so you can obtain your own copy in print or digital format from Amazon or in print format from Barnes & Noble or request it at your local library or independent bookstore.