Dog People (Native Dog Stories)

In Dog People, acclaimed Abenaki storyteller Joseph Bruchac explores the profound and ancient connection between Native Americans and their canine companions. Set in the woodlands of the Northeast 10,000 years ago, this collection of interconnected stories follows the adventures of several children and their loyal dogs. Through these narratives, Bruchac illuminates how dogs were not merely pets, but essential partners in survival, spiritual guardians, and beloved members of the tribal circle.

Drawing on extensive research and traditional oral histories, Bruchac weaves a rich tapestry of Pre-Columbian life. Readers are transported into a world where the bond between human and animal is tested by the challenges of the wilderness and celebrated through shared triumphs. This lyrical work serves as both a thrilling adventure for young readers and a reverent tribute to the enduring "dog people" who have walked alongside indigenous nations since the dawn of time.