Gabe: A Story of Me, My Dog, and the 1970s

Gr 6–9—The saga began in 1972, as 17-year-old Gill administered first aid at a counterculture event called the Rainbow Gathering. When the crowds disperse, she was left with an unclaimed and injured dog, whom she dubs Gabe. This is an autobiographical account of Gill's journey as she and her canine companion navigated the vast United States during the turbulent years at the end of the Vietnam War. Although the story may have been more successful with an older audience had it been told with more detail, it will be a fantastic supplement if used in conjunction with classroom discussions about the post-Vietnam era. Some of the references may be a bit adult for middle schoolers (e.g., hitchhiking, bad trips), while other allusions may simply be outside of the typical preteen frame of reference (e.g., Evel Knievel). Addressing this hurdle, the author provides contextual information at the back of the book, including simplified explanations of the Vietnam War, the civil rights movement, the women's movement, and the meaning of the phrase Age of Aquarius. The illustrations are a fitting accompaniment to the text and exude a kaleidoscopic 1970s vibe. Gabe is no cute and cuddly pup and occasionally looks pretty terrifying. Nevertheless, animal lovers will appreciate the author's attachment to her dog.