I can't review this book because I can't open the PDF on my computer.

The compelling second installment of "A dog like Sam" further explores the relationship between Sam, a stray dog and Kix, a nine-year old boy. The story is presented to young readers through Kix`s thoughts and observations. It is complete with a number of vivid characters and absorbing episodes.

Kix at the beginning is still a boy whose mother reads to him at night. But as time passes and winter arrives, Kix starts to learn about life through Sam. The coming of age of this little boy is expressed to readers when Kix refuses to be read to, by his mom. When Sam disappears into the deep winter, Kix becomes more and more agitated. In his desperation he turns to a one time enemy for help.....

The rich and subtle text flowis. And the plot addresses deep emotions; grief, hope, love and life. An emotionally moving, brilliant classic! It`s a book not to be missed by early readers. Edward van de Venel is an award winning Dutch author.

It's been a while since a book for young people really made me cry but this one had me tearing up from the get go- with happiness as well as sadness. Wonderful story about what it means to find friends in every shape and size.

I really loved this book and can see so many possibilities of integrating it in my classroom.

A 9 year old kid who still likes being read to in bed—he particularly enjoys the vampire rabbit stories—can read his dog’s mind, or at least his howls.
Sam is a pretty weird dog. I’ve trained a lot of canines, but I’ve never seen one like this. Then he disappears and Kix can’t think about anything else. It’s hard to believe this book can be so big with a really simple premise, but then the scene where they search in the snow went on forever. There’s an interesting bit on doggie dementia, but even though I mostly enjoyed this, I feel it dragged too much. There were a couple of times when I almost gave up on it, because other than the walking around parts, everything was Kix’s thoughts.
Where this story takes place is never really told, and the fact the author is Dutch doesn’t help. There are too many places in the world that get so cold and snowy. Finally First Nations told me it was Canada, and then I remembered what a Chinook was from when I went to Calgary for the ‘88 Olympics. Wish they would have simply said so, though.
There’s a few simple sketches amongst the text. The photo at the end, with the author and the dog who inspired this story, is a great touch.

I loved this book. Its spare drawings were the perfect counterpoint for the raw emotions felt by Kix when Sam left. Kix was a thoroughly believable 9 year old boy. He was thoughtful and sensitive, which I really appreciated. I see many students of this type, and am pleased they would be able to see themselves in Kix.

As a dog lover, I also understood the devotion, and pride one would have for such a dog. To recognize that you are in the company of an animal that feels deeply, seems to join you in your emotions, and has other recognizable characteristic human characteristics is a rare privilege. It was very clear that Sam was this type of dog, and that his people knew it. It was no surprise, but a delight nonetheless, to see that there was a real, living Sam that the author knows.

I also liked the sweet treatment of dementia. In picturing the dog acting like a puppy, staring off into space, and eventually going back to his familiar first home, a clearer understanding of this illness is available. I could see it comforting a child whose grandparent suffered from it.

So, a rave review for a book I can't recommend. Why? I am very liberal, and teach at an independent school with a like minded community. With these things in place, I still cannot give a book to a 9-10 year old with the words 'bastard' and 'shitty' appearing in it. I can't imagine any of my colleagues willingly doing so either. At that age, swear words are BAD. They make kids uncomfortable, as there are no shades of gray in their ethics here. In fact, I would say it's one of the few behaviors that children will report to an adult, should they hear a peer say something taboo. In short, though I have no problem with salty language, I dare say the sales of this book will suffer due to those words. Surely, with our rich vocabulary, other fitting words could be substituted.

A beautifully written book, powerful. I enjoyed it very much.