“Stella” by McCall Hoyle.
Shadow Mountain, 2021, 168 pages, Grades 4-6.
Animal stories are frequently cherished by children. The reason for this is that animal stories allow children to experience difficult situations from a safe perspective. The animals in these books often feel lonely or frightened. Sometimes they are looking for friendship and support. As the animals solve these problems, the children gain a deeper understanding of how they can work out similar issues.
McCall Hoyle writes a tender story of a beagle unraveling the problems in her life. The title of this novel is “Stella.”
Stella is a traumatized dog. Early in her life, she worked as a detection dog sniffing out drugs and dangerous chemicals at an airport. One day, she and her handler, Connie, are involved in an explosion at the airport. Connie is killed and Stella is now frightened by loud noises. Taken to a dog shelter, Stella longs to have Connie return.
After several failed adoption attempts, Stella is adopted by Esperanza. At Esperanza’s farm, an attempt is made to rehabilitate Stella. But it is not particularly successful. Esperanza’s daughter Cloe wants to keep Stella as a pet. Her mother does not want a dog that can’t work on the farm or learn new skills.
But Cloe loves Stella. With her advanced sense of smell, Stella can anticipate an immediate danger. Stella can smell the changes in Cloe’s bodily chemistry caused by her epileptic condition. Before Cloe has an epileptic seizure, Stella has been whining and pulling at her leash to get Esperanza’s attention. But Esperanza just doesn’t get it.
One day, Cloe takes Stella deep into the woods. Two boys have been shooting off firecrackers in the forest. One of these firecrackers sets the underbrush ablaze. The trees begin to explode in flames. Stella is terrified because the last time she experienced explosions was during the terrorist attack at the airport.
As the smoke begins to surround them, Cloe looks like she is going to have another epileptic attack. However, the horrific memories of the airport attack overwhelm the beagle. Terrified, Stella leaves the stricken child in the forest and runs for her life. Exhausted, she finally stops and thoughts of Cloe’s affection flood her memory. Why did she turn her back on someone in need? Maybe it is finally time to face her fears. Stella gathers up her courage and acts.
What does Stella do? Can she overcome her fears of fire and danger? What does her love for Cloe motivate her to do? How does Stella grow in strength through the terrible dangers she faces? What can people do when they love others? To find out the answers to these and other questions, go to the library and check out this Golden Sower Nominee for 2022, “Stella” by McCall Hoyle.
This is a comforting book. Children will easily identify with Cloe and Stella. Their struggles and triumphs will touch children’s hearts. It reminds me of books I read 40 years ago when I began studying children’s literature. Do yourself and the youngsters in your family a favor: take them to the library and check out this lovely title.
