76 pages • 2 hours read
Phyllis Reynolds NaylorShiloh
Fiction | Novella | Middle Grade | Published in 1991A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, eleven-year-old Marty Preston bonds with an abused beagle named Shiloh and wrestles with moral dilemmas as he attempts to rescue the dog from its cruel owner, Judd Travers, in rural West Virginia. Marty secretly shelters Shiloh, navigates his family's struggles, and ultimately seeks a just solution to save Shiloh, learning about courage and integrity along the way. The book deals with themes of animal cruelty and moral ambiguity.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor is celebrated for its heartwarming narrative and compelling themes of compassion and morality, making it a beloved classic for middle-grade readers. Some reviewers noted predictable plot elements, while others appreciated its portrayal of difficult ethical choices. Despite minor criticisms, it remains a poignant, thought-provoking story.
Who Should Read Shiloh?
Readers who would enjoy Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor are typically middle-grade students who appreciate stories about courage, empathy, and moral dilemmas. Similar to fans of Because of Winn-Dixie and Where the Red Fern Grows, these readers value emotional narratives involving animals and deep character connections.
RecommendedReading Age
8-12yearsLexile Level
890LBook Details
Children's Literature
Coming of Age / Bildungsroman
Natural World: Animals
Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice
Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies
Realism