by Karen Hesse
First published 1994
A skinny stray dog wanders into Tate's yard one afternoon, and she falls in love immediately. The dog's coat shines dark and smooth, earning her the name Sable. Tate works hard to convince Mam and Pap that she can care for the animal properly. They finally agree to let her keep Sable as her own pet. But Sable proves difficult to control. The dog creates problems that upset people living nearby. Tate watches her dream of keeping Sable slip away as complaints pile up. She must face the possibility that her beloved companion might have to leave. The story follows Tate as she struggles between her deep love for Sable and the reality that some dogs cannot adapt to settled life. Tate learns hard lessons about responsibility, sacrifice, and the painful choices that come with caring for something wild at heart.
Genres: fiction, animals, family-life, contemporary
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, pet-owner
96 pages · Hardcover · Redfeather Book from Henry Holt