Hachiko Waits : Based on a True Story
Author(s): Lesléa Newman
"What a good dog you are. What a fine dog you are. Hachi, you are the best dog in all of Japan."
Professor Ueno speaks these words to his faithful dog before boarding the train to work every morning. And every afternoon, just before three o'clock, Hachi is at the train station to greet his beloved master. One day, the train arrives at the station without the professor. Hachi waits.
For ten years, Hachi waits for his master to return. Not even Yasuo, the young boy who takes care of Hachi, can persuade him to leave his post.
Hachiko Waits, a novel inspired by a true story, brings to life the legendary Akita who became a national symbol for loyalty and devotion. This is a must-read for dog lovers of all ages.
Hachiko Waits is a 2005 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.
Review(s):
“Hachiko embodies all the best qualities of a dog. He is loyal, brave, gentle, and childlike. Based on a true story from Japan, this is a beautiful tribute to a historic dog.” —Book Sense Pick of the List, Fall 2004
“Lesléa Newman has done an amazing thing. She has written a book that is both profoundly sad and hopeful at the same time. When the world needs such a story, Hachiko Waits shows us the very best in life: loyalty, devotion, our ability to love, to nurture, to care about someone other than ourselves--all taught by a beloved, intelligent and heroic dog. The voice and the art are authentically Japanese, though the heart of the book and its meanings cross all cultures. This book is for all ages. I love it.” —Patricia MacLachlan, Newbery Award-winning author of Sarah, Plain and Tall
“This will be popular with dog lovers; consider having a packet of tissues on hand.” —Booklist
Winner Alabama Emphasis on Reading Award, Long-listed Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year, Illinois Bluestem Book Award ML (2011), Long-listed Kansas William Allen White Award Master List, Commended Charlotte Zolotow Award / Honor Book, Long-listed Great Lakes Book Award - Master List, Winner ASPCA Henry Bergh Award, Winner Illinois Bluestem Book Award (2011), Winner Kansas State Reading Circle, Tennessee Intermediate Volunteer State Book Award Master List, Long-listed West Virginia Children's Book Award ML, Long-listed Book Sense Children's Pick, Nominated Kiriyama Pacific Rim Book Prize - Nominee, West Virginia Children's Book Award Master List, Long-listed TN Intermed Volunt State Book Award ML, Long-listed Indiana Young Hoosier Award Master List, Indiana Young Hoosier Book Award Master List
ISBN: 9780312558062