Digger and Me

I really liked Digger and Me. It was a book about James's overwhelming life and he feels like nothing's ever the same again. First, his parents get divorced and both find their new loves. Then, Digger (his dog) gets cancer. James then tries to do anything to protect Digger although he isn't there for many of the treatments in which they take Digger to. This is a great way to show life in an easy to understand way. I also love poetry and James' new Year 6 supply teacher, Mr Froggatt, makes them do poetry every week. Overall, this book is the very literal best!

256 pages 

Suggested Reading Age 9+

In Digger and Me we meet James who is in Year 6 and muddling his way through a confusing time in his life. His mum and dad are separated so he spends his time between two houses - mum and her boyfriend, Dave and Dad and his girlfriend, Kathy. James isn't sure whether he likes Dave and Kathy. They both seem to have brought a lot of change with them. The one constant in James' life is his dog, Digger, who even goes to his Dad's with him when he stays there. Even school has been a bit uncertain as his class has had a few different teachers over the last few months. They've got a new teacher called Mr Froggatt now though and things seem to be looking up.

One day, James finds a lump on Digger's leg and he's worried it's something serious. On top of everything else that James is finding confusing and worrying, this just all seems a bit much. Mr Froggatt gives the class a different theme to write a poem about every week, though, and James finds comfort in that.

Digger and Me is so honest and relatable, I can see a lot of children finding it a comfort as they recognise things that are going on in their own lives in the story. Having parents that are separated is very common but it can be a confusing time for children, especially if they feel they haven't got anyone to talk to about it. James is honest about how he feels about the situation and he ends up channeling his feelings into writing poetry. I enjoyed the poetry interspersed into the story, this was something different and proved a great way for Mr Froggatt and the children to get to know a bit about each other.

The story deals with a pet having a serious illness in a sensitive way but still allows James to express his feelings about it. I read this book over a couple of days as I was totally hooked and wanted to know more about all of the characters. I am a Year 6 teacher myself and will definitely be recommending this book to my class. Such a heartwarming story and important topics addressed.

256 pages / Reviewed by Kristen Hopwood, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 9+