Synopsis:

One Boy - One Dog - One Dream

Life is not easy for twelve-year-old Diego Escobár. It was wonderful raising Aloha from puppyhood to eighteen months, but now he must return her to the guide dog school for her formal training. Diego always knew that Aloha was on loan to him, but letting her go is proving to be the hardest challenge of his young life.

In this tender, inspirational tale, based on the true-life story of Aloha, Diego discovers that the sweet and sad in life are often interwoven. The unconditional love and trust between Aloha and Diego will enable her to become the dog she was bred to be. In giving her up, Diego gains unexpected rewards.

“Wherever you go, you will walk with a piece of my heart beside you.”

Book Excerpt:

PROLOGUE

Diego took a deep breath and closed his eyes, fighting to keep the tears from slipping out. I knew this day was coming, he told himself. Why can’t I stop thinking about losing her? He stole a quick glance at Aloha, sitting quietly by his side and waiting for his command.

Any minute now, girl. Help me get through the speech and not mess up. Aloha, could you please give me some of your courage? he pleaded softly. Aloha turned her face toward Diego as if she understood his thoughts. Her rich chocolate eyes smiled up at him and her tail thumped softly. She knows, thought Diego. This day is a victory for her, but she is confused by my sadness. I’ve got to pull myself together for Aloha and her new life.

Then Diego heard his name called from the podium. He pulled back lightly on the leash. “Aloha, let’s go,” he directed. Together they climbed the stairs and walked to center stage. Diego looked into the audience and quickly found his family. Smiling shyly, he felt his courage returning.

Before he began to speak, he bent over and lifted Aloha’s chin up so their eyes met. “Thank you, Aloha,” he whispered tenderly. “I’m letting you go now, but always remember how much I love you.”

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Author Comment:

This book is dedicated to all the selfless guide dog raisers, the marvelous guide dogs, and to their valiant sight-impaired partners everywhere. You have my greatest admiration.

Topics/Categories:

Blindness, Dogs, Guide Dogs, independence, Michael Hingson, Mobility Training, Puppy Raisers

Genre:

Children's Books, Children's Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Dogs, Fiction, General Young Adult, Pets

Type of Work:

Book

Publishers:

Piñata Publishing

Awards:

2003 Dog Writer's Association of America Special Category Final 2004 Children's Choice as selected by the International Reading Association - Children's Book Council 2008 Mom's Choice Awards Finalist (Silver: Fiction) in the Juvenile Level 2 (ages 9-12)

Purchase From:

Amazon
Pamela's Website

Formats and associated ISBNs:

ISBN-13: 978-0-9685097-3-9 ISBN: 0-9685097-4-6

Reading Guides:

Teacher's Guide - http://kiskalore.com/StudyGuide_HelloGoodbye.pdf

Publishing Notes:

Awards and Honors for "Hello, Goodbye, I Love You" 2008 Mom's Choice Awards Finalist (Silver: Fiction) in the Juvenile Level 2 (ages 9-12) book category. 2008 Zaner-Bloser will use excerpts from "Hello, Goodbye, I Love You" in the Pupil's Edition and Teacher's Edition of its "Voices: Identity Awareness" project which is scheduled for publication in May, 2008. 2007 Harcourt Assessment and the Florida State Department of Education will use portions of "Hello, Goodbye, I Love You" in the new version of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT). 2005-2006 Young Readers' Choice Selection - Schaumburg Township District Library. 2004 Children's Choice as selected by the International Reading Association - Children's Book Council. 2003 Dog Writer's Association of America Special Category Finalist for the Merial Human Bond Award.

Formats:

Paperback Audio CD

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