One in a Million

Deborah Dowson is a children’s librarian in Pickering, Ontario.

An unwanted puppy named Joey feels scared and confused when he is
brought to an animal shelter. As this German Shepherd mix experiences
kennel life, we learn about the prospect of loneliness, illness, ill
treatment, and death facing the animals there. While there is always the
hope that they will be adopted, the harsh reality is that most of them
will not be, or that the new owners will fail to train and care for them
properly.

The sad truth about life for these animals is softened by the charming,
innocent, and lively character of Joey. With the support of other
animals and a caring shelter worker, he manages to survive the obstacles
that confront him. In the end, he is adopted by a loving family.

Although uncomfortably didactic at times, One in a Million offers
engaging animal characters, excellent descriptive prose, and a deep
understanding of animal behavior. Young readers learn about responsible
pet ownership and about the tragic consequences of negligence. Highly
recommended.