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Screenwise Verdict
This isn't your standard, tear-jerker 'sad dog' book. It's a vibrant, weird, and beautiful story about a dog who basically thinks he’s a superhero.
Dave Eggers avoids the typical middle-grade tropes and gives kids something that feels sophisticated but remains totally accessible. It won the 2024 Newbery Medal for a reason—it’s top-tier literature that doesn't feel like 'homework.' If you want your kid to read something that actually expands their brain while keeping them entertained, this is the one.
Perfect for 8 to 12-year-olds to read solo, but it works beautifully as a read-aloud for kids as young as 7 who have the attention span for a longer story.
WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
95
It centers on a dog named Johannes who takes his job as 'The Eyes' of a park very seriously. The story is built on a foundation of loyalty, friendship with three bison, and a deep respect for the natural world. It’s emotionally resonant without being manipulative.
Imaginative
98
The narrative voice is incredibly distinct—Johannes is fast, proud, and sees the world through a unique canine lens. Plus, the physical book features Shawn Harris's illustrations painted directly onto 19th-century landscape paintings, which is a brilliant creative touch.
Safe
98
It’s a Newbery Medal winner, so it’s vetted for its target audience. There’s some mild tension when animals are captured or in peril, but it’s handled with grace and is entirely appropriate for middle-grade readers.
Enriching
96
Beyond the adventure, it explores sophisticated concepts like the meaning of freedom, the power of art (the 'Impossible' things), and how our perspective shapes our reality. It challenges kids to think about the environment and their place in it.
Parent Info
✓
Why It Might Be Great
Johannes is a hilarious narrator with a massive ego and a heart to match, making the 'dog book' genre feel fresh again.
The artwork is stunning; illustrations are integrated into classical landscape paintings, making it a great coffee table book for kids.
It tackles big ideas like freedom versus safety without being preachy or slowing down the plot.
It’s a top-tier read-aloud choice because the prose has a rhythmic, energetic quality that keeps everyone engaged.
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What to Watch For
There’s a sequence involving a goat being captured that might be a bit stressful for very sensitive animal lovers.
The vocabulary is quite sophisticated—it doesn't talk down to kids, so younger readers might need a little help with context clues.
Conversation Starters
"If you were the 'Eyes' of our neighborhood, what's the most important thing you'd report back to the bison?"
"Johannes thinks he’s the fastest thing alive. Is it better to be super confident like him or more humble?"
"Would you rather be safe inside a beautiful fenced park or free in the 'Impossible' world outside?"
"Why do you think Johannes calls the human art 'The Impossible'?"
