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Cover of A Dog's Purpose

A Dog's Purpose

W. Bruce Cameron (2010)

SubgenreMagical Realism
Age groupMiddle Grade 8-12
Content ratingPG
Pages332 (Standard (250-400))
SettingModern/Urban
CSM age10
Goodreads4.36/5 (140736)

Content levels

ViolenceMild
Sexual contentNone
LanguageNone

Trigger warnings

Animal DeathDeathGrief

Synopsis

A Dog’s Purpose—the #1 New York Times bestseller and major motion picture—is a perfect gift to introduce dog lovers to this wonderful series. Based on the beloved bestselling novel by W. Bruce Cameron, A Dog’s Purpose, from director Lasse Hallström (The Cider House Rules, Dear John, The 100-Foot Journey), shares the soulful and surprising story of one devoted dog (voiced by Josh Gad) who finds the meaning of his own existence through the lives of the humans he teaches to laugh and love. The family film told from the dog’s perspective also stars Britt Robertson, KJ Apa, John Ortiz, Peggy Lipton, Juliet Rylance, Luke Kirby, Pooch Hall and Dennis Quaid. A Dog’s Purpose is produced by Gavin Polone (Zombieland, TV’s Gilmore Girls). The film from Amblin Entertainment and Walden Media will be distributed by Universal Pictures. Screenplay by W. Bruce Cameron & Cathryn Michon and Audrey Wells and Maya Forbes & Wally Wolodarsky. Heartwarming, insightful, and often laugh-out-loud funny, A Dog's Purpose is not only the emotional and hilarious story of a dog's many lives, but also a dog's-eye commentary on human relationships and the unbreakable bonds between man and man's best friend. This moving and beautifully crafted story teaches us that love never dies, that our true friends are always with us, and that every creature on earth is born with a purpose. Bailey's story continues in A Dog's Journey, the charming New York Times and USA Today bestselling direct sequel to A Dog's Purpose. A Dog's Purpose Series #1 A Dog’s Purpose #2 A Dog’s Journey #3 A Dog's Promise Books for Young Readers Ellie's Story: A Dog’s Purpose Puppy Tale Bailey’s Story: A Dog’s Purpose Puppy Tale Molly's Story: A Dog's Purpose Puppy Tale Max's Story: A Dog’s Purpose Puppy Tale Toby's Story: A Dog's Purpose Puppy Tale Shelby's Story: A Dog's Way Home Novel The Rudy McCann Series The Midnight Plan of the Repo Man Repo Madness Other Novels A Dog's Way Home The Dog Master The Dogs of Christmas Emory’s Gift

Is A Dog's Purpose appropriate for my child?

Suitable for most readers 10 and up.

A heartwarming story told from a dog's perspective across multiple lives. Contains mild peril and inevitable animal death as the dog completes each life cycle, which may be emotionally challenging for sensitive readers.

What to know going in

This book has mild violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include animal death, death, and grief.

Who'll love this

Kids who love dogs will connect with this unique story about a dog discovering his purpose through different lives and owners.

Tags

Animal FantasyLiterary FictionContemporary FantasyInspirational