Shadow's Stand

By Raymond Teague

In Shadow's Stand a visionary fiction novel for children ages 8 to 11, Raymond has woven a heartwarming story that was inspired by the true story of a dog whose illusive nature while camping out near the Humane Society of North Texas in Fort Worth some twenty years ago earned it the name of Shadow. For six months Shadow lived on a median of a busy street right across from the humane society and escaped various capture attempts. Only the general situation and Shadow's name are borrowed from history.Shadow is a special dog who draws two young people together in their quest to help Shadow and each other. The characters, Becca, a determined and budding young journalist whose heart goes out to all of God's creatures, and Shake Canwell, a troubled youth with an appreciation for life despite his deeply challenging family circumstances. Aiding Shadow, Becca and Shake is a colorful humane society director, who always has motivational quotes to fit any circumstance.The novel skillfully introduces character and plot and builds to a climax that changes everyone's lives. The story deals with some difficult situations and issues with which today's young people must face -- such as loneliness, and animal and human cruelty.Spiritual and inspirational themes are subtly woven throughout the story, and includes such concepts and life lessons as all life is one and interconnected, something we learn when we reach out to people in need; lives touch for a purpose; a good way to live is with a perspective of appreciation; good comes out of seemingly bad situations; and there is a divine plan for our lives and things happen for a reason.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0871592657
• ISBN13: 9780871592651
• Release Date: May 2001
• Publisher: Unity
• Length: 123 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.3" x 0.3" x 5.5"
• Age Range: 8 to 11 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 6

Customer Reviews

Superior story for all with a heart.

The basis of the book is a true story of a dog who lived on the median strip across from an animal shelter in Texas. The humans in the book are "fictitious", but in fact, as real as those in our lives. This is Raymond Teague's second book, his first being THE REEL SPIRIT which commented on movies with a spiritual basis. Now, he goes into a story that should be interesting and suitable for those between 9-15. The story is told with humor, compassion, and a sense of adventure, not to mention some very, very important spiritual values. The link between the confused dog longing for love and care and the confused boy, Shake, longing for love and understanding. The story does deal with the real life issues of abuse and cruelty, both toward animals and toward fellow humans; but it also deals compassionately with the human condition. The human characters are absolutely true to life and people we all know. This is indeed great entertainment suitable for young readers, but it also has an important message about the importance of love.