Strider
- Language
- English
- Published
- 1991
- Publisher
- Harpercollins
- Pages
- 192
- ISBN
- 9780688099015
Fourteen-year-old Leigh Botts is navigating the complexities of his parents' divorce and the daunting start of high school when a stray dog enters his life. Leigh and his friend Barry discover Strider, a dog with an undeniable love for running, and decide to share "joint custody." This unexpected companionship sparks a transformation in Leigh, inspiring him to join the school track team and discover a newfound sense of purpose and confidence.
Through Strider's influence, Leigh begins to confront his feelings about his family's changes and even finds the courage to connect with a girl he admires. This story, told through Leigh's diary entries, explores themes of friendship, personal growth, and the surprising ways hope can emerge even in challenging times. Discover how one loyal, running dog can help a boy find his stride in life.
Through Strider's influence, Leigh begins to confront his feelings about his family's changes and even finds the courage to connect with a girl he admires. This story, told through Leigh's diary entries, explores themes of friendship, personal growth, and the surprising ways hope can emerge even in challenging times. Discover how one loyal, running dog can help a boy find his stride in life.
Other editions (26)
Listen to the summary Narrated summary
Life unfolds in the pages of Leigh Botts's diary, two years after the letters to his favorite author ceased. Now fourteen, Leigh is navigating the complex world of high school, his parents' divorce still a raw, ever-present reality. His entries capture the daily rhythms of his life, from the clutter under his bed to the awkwardness of new social landscapes. Yet, amidst the familiar struggles, an unexpected encounter is about to change everything.
It begins on a foggy June day at the beach, a place of quiet solitude for Leigh and his friend Barry. There, abandoned and forlorn, they discover a tan dog with white spots, his sorrowful gaze mirroring Leigh's own feelings of being left behind. They name him Strider, a dog who seems born to run, and in a moment of shared empathy, they decide to take him in. They agree to joint custody, a poignant reflection of Leigh's own family situation, sharing Strider as divorced parents might share a child.
Initially, the arrangement works, a new responsibility shared between friends. Strider, with his boundless energy and love for movement, brings a spark of joy into Leigh's days. However, as time wears on, Barry's commitment wanes, and Strider's care increasingly falls to Leigh. The weight of this responsibility, coupled with Barry's casual neglect, creates a quiet tension between the two boys. Leigh, feeling a deep connection to the dog and worried for his well-being, eventually takes on full custody, a decision born of desperation and a growing devotion.
With Strider now wholly his, Leigh's life begins to transform in subtle yet profound ways. Every morning, he runs with his new companion, the dog's powerful stride pushing him faster, further. This newfound passion for running soon propels Leigh onto the school track team, an unexpected avenue for self-discovery and confidence. The rhythmic pounding of his feet on the track, the wind in his face, becomes a metaphor for moving forward, leaving behind some of the lingering pain of his parents' separation.
On the track team, Leigh also finds himself drawn to Geneva, a red-haired girl who hurdles with grace and determination. His diary entries fill with observations of her, a burgeoning crush adding another layer of excitement and nervousness to his high school experience. He also begins to reconnect with his father, who has fallen on hard times, a conversation at a Mexican restaurant marking a turning point where their relationship deepens beyond simple father and son.
Through Strider, Leigh learns about responsibility, devotion, and the unexpected paths to hope. The dog's unwavering loyalty and love for running become catalysts for Leigh to embrace the challenges of his life, to find his own strength and voice. The future, which once felt uncertain and unwelcome, now holds a glimmer of possibility, a sense of belonging he hadn't anticipated, all sparked by the stray dog who chose to place his paw on his foot.
It begins on a foggy June day at the beach, a place of quiet solitude for Leigh and his friend Barry. There, abandoned and forlorn, they discover a tan dog with white spots, his sorrowful gaze mirroring Leigh's own feelings of being left behind. They name him Strider, a dog who seems born to run, and in a moment of shared empathy, they decide to take him in. They agree to joint custody, a poignant reflection of Leigh's own family situation, sharing Strider as divorced parents might share a child.
Initially, the arrangement works, a new responsibility shared between friends. Strider, with his boundless energy and love for movement, brings a spark of joy into Leigh's days. However, as time wears on, Barry's commitment wanes, and Strider's care increasingly falls to Leigh. The weight of this responsibility, coupled with Barry's casual neglect, creates a quiet tension between the two boys. Leigh, feeling a deep connection to the dog and worried for his well-being, eventually takes on full custody, a decision born of desperation and a growing devotion.
With Strider now wholly his, Leigh's life begins to transform in subtle yet profound ways. Every morning, he runs with his new companion, the dog's powerful stride pushing him faster, further. This newfound passion for running soon propels Leigh onto the school track team, an unexpected avenue for self-discovery and confidence. The rhythmic pounding of his feet on the track, the wind in his face, becomes a metaphor for moving forward, leaving behind some of the lingering pain of his parents' separation.
On the track team, Leigh also finds himself drawn to Geneva, a red-haired girl who hurdles with grace and determination. His diary entries fill with observations of her, a burgeoning crush adding another layer of excitement and nervousness to his high school experience. He also begins to reconnect with his father, who has fallen on hard times, a conversation at a Mexican restaurant marking a turning point where their relationship deepens beyond simple father and son.
Through Strider, Leigh learns about responsibility, devotion, and the unexpected paths to hope. The dog's unwavering loyalty and love for running become catalysts for Leigh to embrace the challenges of his life, to find his own strength and voice. The future, which once felt uncertain and unwelcome, now holds a glimmer of possibility, a sense of belonging he hadn't anticipated, all sparked by the stray dog who chose to place his paw on his foot.
What readers say
3.89
3K ratings across the webReaders largely welcome the return to the life of Leigh Botts, the protagonist from "Dear Mr. Henshaw," appreciating the natural and believable portrayal of his growth into adolescence. The book is praised for its realistic characterization, subtly handling themes such as navigating parents' divorce, nascent romantic feelings, and the development of self-assuredness. Many find the diary-entry format an effective way to delve into Leigh's thoughts and experiences, especially as he copes with loneliness and the everyday challenges of entering high school. The introduction of Strider, an abandoned dog Leigh and his friend adopt, is a significant positive, with the loyal companion being a source of comfort and growth for Leigh. Reviewers commend the author for presenting a wholesome story about real-world issues without dramatization, making it a quality read for young people. The audiobook narration by Pedro Pascal is also frequently highlighted as excellent.
Despite its strengths, some readers found the book to be less impactful or memorable compared to the author's earlier works, including its prequel. Criticisms include a perceived lack of significant closure for Leigh's character at the end and a feeling that the narrative sometimes "tells" rather than "shows." A few reviewers noted that the conflicts, such as those with a challenging English teacher or minor disputes, felt underdeveloped or resolved too easily, leading to a sense of the story being somewhat "flat and mundane" or focused on everyday routines without strong antagonists. One review suggested that by its publication date, the style of "social realism young adult" literature, while once groundbreaking, had become less fresh, making it potentially not the best introduction to the author's wider body of work. Additionally, a dated reference regarding divorced families was noted as potentially cringeworthy by one reader.
Overall, "Strider" is generally considered a pleasant and worthwhile read, particularly for those who enjoyed "Dear Mr. Henshaw" and are interested in continuing Leigh Botts' journey. It excels in offering a sensitive and realistic portrayal of adolescent life, tackling common issues like loneliness, friendship, and family changes in a gentle manner. This book is highly recommended for older middle-grade and younger young adult readers, especially those seeking stories about ordinary children navigating real-world challenges without overly dramatic or fantastical elements. It would also appeal to dog lovers and parents looking for wholesome literature that can positively influence young readers. While it may not be universally regarded as the author's most groundbreaking work, it remains a touching and relatable story about growing up and finding one's place.
Despite its strengths, some readers found the book to be less impactful or memorable compared to the author's earlier works, including its prequel. Criticisms include a perceived lack of significant closure for Leigh's character at the end and a feeling that the narrative sometimes "tells" rather than "shows." A few reviewers noted that the conflicts, such as those with a challenging English teacher or minor disputes, felt underdeveloped or resolved too easily, leading to a sense of the story being somewhat "flat and mundane" or focused on everyday routines without strong antagonists. One review suggested that by its publication date, the style of "social realism young adult" literature, while once groundbreaking, had become less fresh, making it potentially not the best introduction to the author's wider body of work. Additionally, a dated reference regarding divorced families was noted as potentially cringeworthy by one reader.
Overall, "Strider" is generally considered a pleasant and worthwhile read, particularly for those who enjoyed "Dear Mr. Henshaw" and are interested in continuing Leigh Botts' journey. It excels in offering a sensitive and realistic portrayal of adolescent life, tackling common issues like loneliness, friendship, and family changes in a gentle manner. This book is highly recommended for older middle-grade and younger young adult readers, especially those seeking stories about ordinary children navigating real-world challenges without overly dramatic or fantastical elements. It would also appeal to dog lovers and parents looking for wholesome literature that can positively influence young readers. While it may not be universally regarded as the author's most groundbreaking work, it remains a touching and relatable story about growing up and finding one's place.
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