Hound Dog True Audiobook

" A slim, introspective look at being shy and coping with many moves and bullying. I liked the use of custodial wisdom as metaphor for life wisdom. It was a pleasure to spend time with the strong but gentle Mattie Breen and her colorful family. "

" A character that you sympathize with, that you feel for, that you want to hug and encourage. A good story that tugs at your heart and leaves you smiling. "

" This is no "Crooked Kind of Perfect," but it still has a lot of charm and appeal. The characters of Mattie and Uncle Potluck are quirky, but still downhome and true. And I think it says something good about the book when we watch our talented heroine yearn to be a custodial assistant and we go right along rooting for her. Linda Urban has a simple, poetic way of writing, and I look foward to reading more of her stories in the future. "

" Enjoyed a slower re-read of Mattie's story. "

" Wowee. I loved it. Love love loved it. The way Linda Urban is able to make us feel Mattie's painful shyness and understand the way she thinks. The touches like Mama's piccolo fingers or Quincy "plunking" her words. That last line. So good. "

" Special characters like Mattie Breen come around now and then. . .please take some reading time to get to know her. She writes stories. "

" Hauntingly sweet. Hits close to home. "

" I really like this author. This book reminds me of Becoming Naomi Leon. it's about tweens overcoming fears and finding their own voice and strength. "

" The light sketches of characters made me want more detail and indepth storytelling. but I loved what was there. "

" A little book with a lot to say about being shy and trying to navigate the world of new school, friendship and being who you are. Love the character of Uncle Potluck. "

" I quickly developed an appreciation for Uncle Potluck - wise, funny, gentle...I would also have preferred working as a custodial apprentice to school had I been working for him. I liked that Mattie Mae felt capable and competent around him, that he allowed her to be capable and competent. "

" A warm and delightful story. Linda Urban does a wonderful job of creating characters, especially quirky ones. I think Uncle Potluck deserves his own book! She also has a knack for capturing the feelings and worries of children. "

" A great read aloud. Perfect for an elementary age girl. "

" Good book...author's second novel. Both of her books give a realistic picture of some of the awkwardness of making and keeping friends. I liked it. "

" A very sweet, gentle middle grade book about a shy little girl. I think if I'd had this book when I was 10 it would have been a revelation--I remember thinking often that everyone else seemed to have gotten a how-to book for life. Mattie seems to feel the same way. "

" Maybe my mind wasn't where it needed to be to enjoy this book. I'll have to reread it. "

" This is a good book. I think that many children can relate to it. "

" This sweet, simple book made me want to climb up on the rock with Mattie. I wish it were longer so I could live in her world a bit more. "

" I loved the character development of Mattie as she began to take personal risks. A little gem. "

" This one struck a chord, and struck me silent, I guess. I never reviewed it. But I loved it. "

" Beautifully written and such a sweet little girl as a main character! "

" A fan of "A Crooked Kind of Perfect" this is another sweet, honest about reaching out and learning about yourself and others. "

" Cute story, enjoyed the custodian job celebration through the story. Interesting character development and discovery over how to communicate and make friends as well. "

" A sweet little story. Quite touching in parts. Best if can be read in one sitting. "

" cute but lacking enough artistry to be a true Newbery contender. "

" I had a bittersweet feeling when the book ended- sad that it was done, but happy that I had just read such a good book. "

" A very sweet, gentle middle grade book about a shy little girl. I think if I'd had this book when I was 10 it would have been a revelation--I remember thinking often that everyone else seemed to have gotten a how-to book for life. Mattie seems to feel the same way. "

" I had a hard time focusing at first, but in the end I really the book. Thought the ending was about as good as it gets. "

" I loved the characters and the language in this book. It will definitely speak to kids who are shy about letting their hound dog truths show. "

" A good book to recommend to all the shy girls. "