Away to Me, Moss

From School Library Journal Grade 5-8-Zanna is drawn to Moss, the Border Collie penned up in the Catherwood's barn. And as she slowly learns how to train this dog for herding sheep, she also finds herself developing a bond with his owner, Rob, a stroke victim no longer able to work with his dog. Her affection for the two grows as she begins to understand Rob's attempts to communicate with her in order to help her train Moss. Then the news of her family's moving away threatens to tear Zanna's world apart and everything she has come to love. Levin shows great insight into the recovery process of stroke patients as well as the training of Border Collies. However, the novel is unfocused. A lengthy plot and unnecessary characters impede readers' involvement with the interaction between the girl, the dog, and the elderly man. And that basic story line is rich with complex emotions as each individual struggles to overcome barriers to gain a sense of trust and accomplishment in themselves and in one another. Young adolescents in similar situations could be inspired by the intentions in this enjoyable, but uneven novel.