Johannes is a stray dog who loves his life of freedom in a large, wooded park. His speed and stealth allow him to serves as the ‘eyes’ of the park, informing other animals of his many observations. But life is changing for Johannes. Humans have taken notice of the stray dog and begun attempts to capture him. They’re also building an art museum in the middle of the park – a project that Johanne finds dangerously captivating. Through these challenges, he must find a way to preserve the free and wild life that he and his other animal friends have enjoyed in the park.
This 2024 Newbery Medal winner is deserving of the award. Eggers delivers a slow burn of a story, immersing the reader in Johannes daily life, and showing us how much is at stake for these wild animals of the park. When the crisis arrives at the end, we can feel the painful, hard choices that these characters have to make to preserve a semblance of freedom. Readers prone to symbolic extrapolation will understand that Eggers is exploring the human condition and the harsh realities that we impose on ourselves and other species.
Highly recommended.
Leave a Reply