No More Dead Dogs

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. Telling the truth is generally considered good, but when might it not be? Why might telling the truth create tension in relationships? When might individuals refrain from telling the truth?

Teaching Suggestion: Wallace’s father rarely tells the truth. As a result, Wallace has vowed always to tell the truth. This character trait in Wallace becomes problematic when his teacher forces him to write a positive book report on Old Shep, My Pal, a novel where the dog, Old Shep, dies. Extended discussion possibilities include honesty, when it is the most beneficial, and whether it may be beneficial to tell a white lie in some circumstances. Information from these or similar resources can help students develop additional context on the topic.

• This 17-minute video explores why people lie. Around the 2:45 minute mark, the presenter defines lying and the different kinds of lies.
• This article analyzes honesty and when it may or may not be the best approach.

2. How do stereotypes and biases shape our perspectives? Why might people apply these principles to individuals they encounter?

Teaching Suggestion: Wallace must attend after-school detention until he agrees to write a positive paper about Old Shep, My Pal. Detention is held with the drama club, where Mr. Fogelman, Wallace’s English teacher, directs a play based on the book. While Wallace is there, he experiences stereotypes based on his involvement on the football team. Other stereotypes are present in the novel, such as the drama members being considered less important than the sports teams. Students might first reflect on stereotypes, common stereotypes in schools, and the biases individuals might encounter in a reading journal. The video and article discuss stereotypes and how they are formed.

• This 2-minute video explains stereotypes and why the brain creates them.
• This article describes stereotypes and where they come from.

Personal Connection Prompt

This prompt can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before reading the novel.

Have you ever disagreed with someone because you refused to compromise your values? What values are you willing to protect, no matter the cost? What kinds of consequences may arise when you refuse to compromise values?

Teaching Suggestion: Wallace’s refusal to lie isolates him from his friends and removes him from participating on the football team. Once students have a chance to write independently, it may be beneficial to share discussion points regarding personal values and the consequences of upholding them, no matter the cost.

Differentiation Suggestion: Students who require an additional challenge may find it beneficial to explore how one’s perceptions of another individual’s values are shaped by their background and experiences. Students might share their findings with peers in a brief slideshow or visual aid and compile a collection of resources throughout the unit.