4. PET CHAT. Bailey’s Story is narrated in first person by Bailey, the golden retriever. This helps readers understand the dog’s point of view and is also a model for helping children see other peoples’ and animals’ perspectives. Invite your child to describe, using “I,” a few minutes in the life of his or her own pet. If desired, invite your child to describe, use “I,” an experience in the life of a younger sibling, parent, grandparent, or friend.
5. HELP OUT. Bailey is a lucky dog to have been rescued and adopted by Ethan’s family. Your child can to help more unhappy dogs find safe, happy homes by designing an awareness-raising poster. Brainstorm poster titles (e.g., “DON’T SHOP AT PUPPY MILLS,” “ADOPT A SHELTER PET,” or “BE KIND TO DOGS”). Consider using paint, marker, colored pencil, photographs, or other images found online or cut from magazines. Once your decisions are made, make your poster. Visit a nearby supermarket, veterinarian, or library with your child and encourage him/her to ask if they have a good spot to hang your poster. Take a photo of your child beside their mounted poster to share with friends and family!
Reading Bailey’s Story in Your Classroom
These Common Core–aligned writing activities may be used in conjunction with the pre- and post-reading discussion questions above.
1. Point of View: Bailey’s Story is narrated by Bailey, the golden retriever. To make this feel realistic, the author relies heavily on sensory descriptions, especially scents, sounds, and tastes. Have students imagine “hero dog” Bailey is visiting their school with Ethan. Write 2–3 paragraphs from Bailey’s viewpoint, including his experience of arriving at the school entrance, meeting various students and teachers, and the view from the front of the auditorium or a classroom as Ethan tells their story.
2. Communities and Relationships: Bailey enjoys joining Ethan for fun and games in the neighborhood. Using clues from the novel, write a welcome letter to families who might be new to Ethan’s neighborhood. In your letter, introduce the kids and pets in the neighborhood, and describe the kinds of fun they enjoy in different seasons. Then, write a welcome letter to families who might move to your own neighborhood, including people, pets, activities and other interesting details. Read your letters aloud to friends or classmates. What similarities and differences do you see between Ethan’s community and your own? Between the real-life neighborhoods of your classmates? What good qualities do most communities share?
3. Text Type: Opinion Piece. Write a one-page essay explaining what you think Ethan should have done to end the argument he and Todd have at the end of chapter 17, and whether you think Ethan should feel partly responsible for Todd starting the fire. Does any argument justify putting peoples’ lives at risk?
4. Text Type: Narrative. In the character of Hannah, write the story of how Bailey helped your friendship with Ethan grow. Or, in the character of Todd, write the story of why you tried to kidnap Bailey when you were young and why Ethan makes you feel so angry.
5. Research and Present: PROTECT OUR PUPS. Although Bailey does not realize this, he was born in a “puppy mill” or “puppy farm,” a place focused more on breeding dogs for profit than on their health and safety. Go to the library or online to learn more about the problems with many puppy mills. (Hint: Visit www.humanesociety.org or www.PAWS.org). Have small groups of students create oral presentations encouraging dog lovers to avoid puppy mills, how and why. If possible, have students give their presentations to others in their grade or school.
6. Research and Present: FIRE SAFETY. Bailey saves the family from a terrible fire. Go online to learn more about how families can plan for a fire emergency. (Hint: Begin your research at www.redcross.org or www.nfpa.org.) Create an informative booklet or informational poster sharing what you have learned. If possible, make copies of your booklet to distribute to others in your school or community.
Supports English Language Arts Common Core Writing Standards: W.3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.7; W.4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.7; W.5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.7; W.6.2, 6.3, 6.7; W.7.2, 7.3, 7.7
Also by W. Bruce Cameron
Ellie’s Story
A Dog’s Purpose
A Dog’s Journey
The Dogs of Christmas
About the Author
W. BRUCE CAMERON is the New York Times bestselling author of A Dog’s Purpose, soon to be a major motion picture, A Dog’s Journey, and The Dogs of Christmas. Ellie’s Story: A Dog’s Purpose Novel was his first book for young readers. He lives in California. You can sign up for email updates here.
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Contents
Title Page
Copyright Notice
Dedication
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Reading and Activity Guide
Also by W. Bruce Cameron
About the Author
Copyright
This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
BAILEY’S STORY: A DOG’S PURPOSE NOVEL
Copyright © 2016 by W. Bruce Cameron
All rights reserved.
Cover photograph by Getty Images
A Starscape Book
Published by Tom Doherty Associates, LLC
175 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10010
www.tor-forge.com
The Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available upon request.
ISBN 978-0-7653-8840-7 (hardcover)
ISBN 978-0-7653-8842-1 (e-book)
e-ISBN 9780765388421
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First Edition: May 2016