Understanding Shiloh: Key Themes and Questions

Marty is troubled by dreams of Shiloh, a dog he wants to save from an abusive owner, Judd Travers. Determined to buy Shiloh, Marty explores ways to earn money, including collecting bottles and cans. His family life is depicted, showing his responsibilities and interactions with his sister and parents. Marty joins his dad on a mail route, where he encounters Judd and learns about Shiloh's harsh treatment. Despite the challenges, Marty remains determined to rescue Shiloh.

What keeps the narrator awake at night?

• Reading a book

• Listening to music

• Thinking about Shiloh

• Worrying about school

What does the narrator decide they must do to help Shiloh?

• Ask a friend for help

• Run away with Shiloh

• Buy Shiloh from Judge Travers

• Train Shiloh to escape

What is the father's job?

• Mechanic

• Farmer

• Teacher

• Postman

What does the narrator ask their father about?

• Where to find Shiloh

• Ways to earn money

• How to cook breakfast

• How to fix a car

What suggestion does the father give for earning money?

• Selling lemonade

• Walking dogs

• Mowing lawns

• Collecting bottles and cans

Why does the narrator consider babysitting?

• Their friend suggested it

• They enjoy playing with kids

• They need to save for a bike

• They read about it in a book

What does the narrator's mother notice?

• The narrator's good grades

• The narrator's preoccupation with Shiloh

• The narrator's new haircut

• The narrator's messy room

What does the narrator do with their father on the mail route?

• Collect mail

• Fix mailboxes

• Deliver mail

• Deliver newspapers

What reminds the narrator of Shiloh during the mail route?

• A stray cat

• A picture of a dog

• A jar of lightning bugs

• A barking dog

What does Judge Travers reveal about his treatment of dogs?

• He feeds them well

• He names them lovingly

• He trains them gently

• He keeps them half-starved