Stray

Cynthia Rylant

Fiction | Novel | Adult

Book Brief

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Cynthia Rylant

Stray

Fiction | Novel | Adult

Book Details

Format

Novel • Fiction

Audience

Adult

Super Short Summary

In "Stray" by Cynthia Rylant, a young girl temporarily shelters a stray dog during a harsh winter. Living with her practical parents, she grows attached to the dog, demonstrating empathy and longing for companionship. This tender story explores themes of love, responsibility, and the challenges of growing up.

Melancholic

Heartwarming

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

3.3

7 ratings

29%

Loved it

57%

Mixed feelings

14%

Not a fan

Review Roundup

Stray by Cynthia Rylant receives praise for its heartfelt storytelling and strong emotional resonance. Readers appreciate the development of the protagonist and touching themes of family and belonging. Criticisms include a somewhat predictable plot and simplistic writing style. However, the book's warmth and empathetic tone successfully engage younger audiences.

Who Should Read Stray?

Ideal for readers who appreciate poignant, heartwarming narratives like those in Kate DiCamillo's Because of Winn-Dixie, Cynthia Rylant's Stray will resonate with animal lovers and young readers drawn to stories about compassion, belonging, and the special bonds between humans and pets.

3.3