Review Detail

Narrated by the title character, A Place to Call Home: Toby’s Tale features a white German shepherd puppy who is discarded by a heartless breeder because of his color. The story follows Toby from his birthplace in a Northern California farm across the country, where he finally finds his forever home. However, before he finds a loving family in Connecticut, Toby experiences losses (of his canine family and his first adoptive family) that challenge him to learn to trust again. He also meets some good people along the way, and even some animal friends who help him in his quest. The story contains situations that can encourage conversations about prejudice, dysfunctional families, communication within and between species (the animal characters talk with and understand each other), afterlife, animal souls, and growing up.
Although there are animal deaths and a family in crisis, the descriptions are not gory or gratuitous. Because the author does not preach or argue a specific faith, this book is thought provoking as well as engaging. Toby’s quest inspires readers to reflect on their own relationships, and its final message is hopeful and uplifting.
This newer edition includes a discussion and activities section in the back that offers some engaging ideas that homeschoolers will love.