What are the common themes in middle grade story about dog historical fiction?
Survival is also common. In historical settings, life could be difficult, and the dog and the human characters often have to fight to survive. Take 'Woods Runner' for instance. The boy and his dog are in a dangerous situation during the American Revolution, and they rely on each other to get through. And family is another theme. The dog is sometimes seen as part of the family, and the story may explore how the family protects and cares for the dog, and how the dog, in turn, affects the family dynamic.
The theme of growing up can be found in these stories too. The main character, often a child, grows and learns through their experiences with the dog. In all of these middle grade dog historical fictions, the relationship with the dog becomes a catalyst for the child's development. They learn about responsibility, love, and the harshness of the historical world around them. For example, in 'Sounder', the boy learns about life's difficulties and how to persevere, in part because of his relationship with the dog.
