Bristle Face.  Zachary Ball

Holiday House, 1962; Awarded 1965.

Synopsis: Half-dog, half porcupine in appearance, Bristle Face becomes an outstanding dog and good friend of the fourteen-year-old orphan boy who adopts him.

Themes: Fox hunting, dogs, friendship, orphans

Discussion questions:
1. Why did Jace leave his home?  What would you do in his situation?  Standard 3, Benchmark 3
2. Why do you think Lute is running for Sheriff?  How do Jace and Bristle Face help him?  Standard 3, Benchmark 3
3. How do election campaigns differ today from when Lute was running for Sheriff?  Standard 2, Benchmark 4

Activity Suggestions:
1. Hold a class election and design a campaign poster.  Standard 3, Benchmark 4
2. Research different breeds of dogs.  Discuss the different breeds and what they are trained to do.  Standard 2, Benchmark 4
3. Set up a General Store with items and prices you think would be in a general store in the early 1900s.  Standard 5, Benchmark 3