Best Mate by Michael Morpurgo

{Alternative title is Born to Run}

Subtitled "The many lives of one incredible dog" that is exactly what it is. Written for middle school children in the same flowing style that characterises Michael Morpurgo's books. Best Mate is rescued as a pup from a bag full of puppies that has been thrown in a canal. He grows up with his saviour, Patrick, and is then dognapped by the cruel and unscrupulous Craig who races dogs.

A change of name and a successful career is followed by a flight from home with a young girl. Life on the road and another change of name puts him in a life of protest with an old man fighting for the survival of an old people's rest home. All through the story the dog is true and faithful to his owners and this makes the ending sad and heartwarming at the same time.

You don't get better writing than this for children. Read it!!

Published by HarperCollins Children's

Reviewed by Bob