Banjo

Salisbury (Hunt for the Bamboo Rat) sets his latest novel in Oregon ranch country, where he explores themes of loyalty, honesty, and the delicate balance between livestock and pets. Summer vacation seems off to a good start for 13-year-old Danny as he practices for the county fair and rodeo’s team-roping event with his border collie, Banjo. But everything changes when the unpleasant neighbor boys falsely accuse Banjo of attacking their sheep. Per the law of the land, Banjo must be killed, even though Danny is sure that his well-behaved pup is innocent. A botched scheme to save Banjo’s life lands the dog lost and afraid in a nearby woods, where he’s eventually rescued by Meg, a young animal lover who becomes fixated on finding Banjo’s owner. Salisbury transports readers with his evocative descriptions of the rural Oregon landscape, rodeo events, and the chore-filled days of life on a ranch. He adroitly builds suspense by relating Banjo’s journey in brief alternating chapters told from Danny and Meg’s points of view. A tail-wagging denouement wraps things up in believable fashion. Ages 10–up. [em](Oct.) [/em]