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Dog Star

By Megan Shepherd
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Check link for latest rating. ( 137 ratings, 39 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Laika, a stray known as a "Cold Dog," is taken from the streets of Moscow to a classified Soviet lab where she will be trained as a starflyer—one of the first animals launched into space during the Soviets' mission to outpace America. Twelve-year-old Nina, also a "Cold Girl," faces heartache when her best friend defects to America. When they meet in Nina's father’s lab, their bond grows, helping them uncover hidden secrets. Together, they must choose whether to break away or reach for the stars. Inspired by true events, Dog Star explores friendship, courage, and loyalty during a critical moment in history.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$1999
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Ideal for children interested in history, space exploration, and stories of friendship and bravery.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

This historical fiction adventure follows a girl's bond with Laika, the famous dog cosmonaut of the Cold War—by a Carnegie Medal Nominee and New York Times bestselling author!

Trust takes courage.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Trust takes courage.

Laika is a Cold Dog - a stray pawing the streets of Moscow until Soviet researchers take her to live at the top-secret facility. Nervous and alone, she learns she will be trained to become a "starflyer," an animal launched into outer space in the Soviets' race against American innovation.

Twelve-year-old Nina is also a Cold Girl, heartbroken after her best friend defects to America. When Nina and Laika meet in Nina's father's lab, their growing bond slowly warms the cold that has settled in each of their hearts. Together, they uncover a system of secrets and must decide if they too will separate from the pack, or rocket to the stars.

Inspired by the true story of Laika, Dog Star is a novel about friendship, personal agency, and the real meaning of love and loyalty.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

A NCSS Notable Book. Publishers Weekly praises Shepherd's "tautly paced historical novel" and compelling depiction of a dog and girl connected to space exploration. Kirkus Reviews calls it "a poignant story" illuminating a key moment in space history. Beth Rosania recommends it for its emotional insight and historical depth.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781250854018

Publisher: St Martin's Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 28 March 2023

Country: United States

Imprint: St Martin's Press

Illustration: selected black and white photos

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 20.0mm

Width: 135.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 177g

Pages: 224

Collections

Children's Books Children’s, Teenage and Educational Megan Shepherd

About the Author

Megan Shepherd is a New York Times bestselling author and Carnegie Medal nominee. She grew up in her family's independent bookstore in the Blue Ridge Mountains and is the author of many acclaimed middle grade and young adult novels, including the Madman's Daughter series, the Cage series, The Secret Horses of Briar Hill, and the Grim Lovelies series. She now lives on a haunted 125-year-old farm outside Asheville, North Carolina, with her husband and children, two cats, chickens, bees, and an especially scruffy dog. meganshepherd.com

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