Peyton Taylor

Block: 2b

My Life in Dog YearsAuthor: Gray Paulsen

Publisher: Thorndike PressYear of publication: 2003

There are many different settings in the book My Life in Dog Years. In most parts of the book the setting takes place in northern North America, Philippines, and Alaska.

The first key event in this story is the story about Cookie and how she was his head dog when he was sledding dogs. The second key event is when Paulsen told his mother that he wanted to save Snowball from being killed and eaten by the Philippines. The third and final key event is how much Rex amazed Paulsen.

Introduction

There are not that many characters (people characters).Gary Paulsen is the protagonist. Gary Paulsen has a passion for dogs ; any breed. Paulsen ran sled dogs for a while, but was also raced sled dogs in marathons. He lived in the woods and had to live off things he grew. Gary Paulsen describes nine dogs that he has had in his life time and how they effected his life and how he effected theirs.

There is not an Antagonist in this book.

Protagonist and Antagonist

Gary Paulsen

There are many climaxes in this book( one in every chapter).

In chapter 1, when Paulsen is describing his relation with Cookie, Paulsen is sledding on his on which is not safe and Paulsen falls through the this ice when the water 50 below degrees Fahrenheit.

In chapter 2, Paulsen is explaining his time with Snowball in the Philippines. Snowball and Paulsen are walking through the high grass and Paulsen gets close to a snake and just when the snake tires to strike, Snowball kills it.

In chapter 3, he is explaining his relationship with Ike. Ike was a dog that came into Paulsen’s life for a small period of time due to his owner coming back from the war not abled to use his legs.

Central Climax

In chapter 4, Paulsen interacts with this mute he calls Dirk. Dirk and Paulsen meet by a way of “you scratch my back I scratch yours”. Paulsen would get beat up by this group of kids almost every day and one day Paulsen gives Dirk a half of a hamburger and repays him by protecting him from the group of kids.

In chapter 5, there is not really a central climax. In chapter 6, there is not a central climax. In chapter 7, there is not a central climax. In chapter 8, Paulsen ends up with a dog named Quincy.

Quincy had a close relationship with Paulsen’s wife. One day when Paulsen’s wife was in the garden with Quincy a huge black bear appears and starts to attempt to attack her, but Quincy jumps on the bear before he reaches her.

In chapter 9, there is not a central conflict.

Central Climax Continued

The minor characters in this book are all of Gary Paulsen’s dogs. Cookie- Cookie is a sled dog( he did not describe cookie). Snowball- Snowball is a black female with a perfect white circle on

her side. Snowball was protective or Paulsen. Ike- Ike is a huge black Labrador. Ike was so big he was like a bear. Dirk- Dirk is a mangy mute who has patches of missing. Dirk was

kind of protective of Paulsen. Rex- Rex is a collie cross with long fur and bright eyes. Caesar- Caesar is a huge Great Dane who loved hotdogs. Fred- Fred was a black mute with brown eyes and he was short and

fat. Paulsen thought he is a Labrador-Norwegian elkhound cross. Quincy- Quincy is a white mute that was given to Paulsen. He is very

protective towards Paulsen’s wife. Josh-Josh is a Border Collie with brown eyes and black and white fur.

Josh was a smart dog.

Minor Characters

Cookie

Cookie and Snowball

Snowball

Ike

Ike and Dirk

Dirk

Rex

Rex and Caesar

Caesar

Fred

Fred and Quincy

Quincy

Josh

Mrs. Wilkins said, “I would recommend to ones who love dogs and amazing stories. My reasons is that the dogs in this book have funny and interesting personalities and Gary melds that into the story beautifully. Also some of the stories touch your heart in a way that can not be explained.”

6th Grade Literary Critics: My Life in Dog Years by Gary Paulsen (Review by Lauren Sbarra) From Kirkus Reviews Issue Gary Paulsen

described his dogs and what they did wonderfully.MY LIFE IN DOG YEARS by Gary Paulsen, Ruth Wright Paulsen | Kirkus Book Reviews

What Critics Say

This novel was an ok novel it shows how dogs and other animals have a personality to and they are pretty smart.

What I Say