dogs of winter is a historical fiction told from a boy named mishka.
His life starts out like many peoples, with his mother loving and caring telling him stories and teaching him, however after the death of his grandmother his mum falls into a state of depression turning to a vile man hereby named as Him.
One day miskas mother goes missing there is blood on the floor and He tries to take Mishka to an orphanage. However mishka escapes the mans grip and from there on lives on the streets of russia.

I never chose this book to read as i dont normally read this kind of book, but my boyfriend picked it up for me so thought id give it a go and im glad i did.
The story put me off a little at first as it was much like them books you see middle aged women reading about...like a child called it etc.

However it turns out to be a great read of a boy surviving life on the streets and after ordeals with different people finds himself confiding in a pack of strays with whome he throughout the story growws a very intense bond with, losing his humanity and learning to survive by instinct and the way of the pack.

An enjoyable and at times very sad read that im glad i stuck with as it isnt just a story about a boy on the streets it is a glimpse into a world that many people would never know of. ( )

With his loving mother gone and her boyfriend the suspected murderer, 5-year-old Ivan Mishukov is homeless and living on the streets of Moscow with many other “invisible” homeless children. He learns to survive, even in the bitterly cold Russian winters, by begging and living and running with homeless dogs who become his family. Based on a true story, this chapter book will grip you from beginning to end.

Sharyn H. / Marathon County Public Library
Find this book in our library catalog.

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Heart-breaking, gut-wrenching, fascinating story based upon a true story. I highly recommend it! Also check out the author's blog on her website. Bobbie Pyron is becoming my new favorite author of dog stories. ( )

An amazing story, moving and poignant, packed with action and emotion. ( )

Stories are meant to entertain. They sometimes teach a message. They give you insight. Many times, they do all three. Bobbie Pyron does all that and more in The Dogs of Winter.

This is the story of a five year old Russian boy whose life is turned upside down when his mother brings in a new man who is abusive. Not long, he is taken to the big city and abandoned. What saves him is his determination and a pack of dogs that becomes his friends. They will survive each season and the cruelty of humans.

This is a children's book of about ages 8 and up, but adults would enjoy it, too. I found the story to be captivating. The pace is slower than most adult books, but there is nothing in it that shouldn't be.

I'm going to deviate a little from my typical review style because this book needs special attention. Yes, the story is well done. Yes, the characters are extremely captivating. The dogs had more personality than most humans which I really did enjoy. But I want to focus on the message of the book.

I was drawn into this story through the soul of the dogs and those of the humans. To me, this book shows a lot about human nature. It is not just limited to cities or to Russia. They can be found all over the place. There were some kind people, but most humans proved to be deceitful or with their own agendas. I found that to be quite fascinating as most people do. Even the ones that meant no harm to the boy acted like those that did. I think the most innocent were the ones who just fed him without doing anything else. Those simple acts had more goodness in them than anything.

And the dogs.....Their love for the dog was amazing and so accurate. Dogs do love more loyally than humans. They are honest and caring. I wanted to be part of the pack. I wanted to feel how that little boy felt when those dogs loved him.

This is more than a simple story. It is a look into the soul. Great book for all ages. Adults, I encourage you to read it.

Note: This book was given as part of a tour with no expectation of a positive review. ( )