Are you looking for a great book to read with your students? Students love reading the novel Shiloh!
Reading Level
Lexile 89L
Interest Level
Grades 3-7
Length
156 pages
Award
Newbery Medal
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⭐ About the Book: Shiloh
Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor is a heartfelt and memorable novel about a young boy who discovers a beagle in need of help and learns that doing the right thing is rarely simple. When Marty Preston finds a shy, mistreated dog in the hills of Friendly, West Virginia, he quickly forms a bond with him and names him Shiloh. Marty soon learns that Shiloh belongs to Judd Travers, a man known for being cruel to his dogs. Returning Shiloh feels wrong, but keeping him leads Marty into a complicated web of secrets, lies, and difficult choices.
As Marty struggles to protect Shiloh, he becomes emotionally involved in a problem much bigger than he expected. The story explores themes of responsibility, family, friendship, and moral courage. Readers see Marty grow as he learns that right and wrong are not always clear and that standing up for what you believe in can come with consequences.
⭐ Book Details
| Publication Date | June 26, 2012 |
| Reading Level | Lexile 890L • Guided Reading Level R |
| Interest Level | Grades 3–7 (Ages 8–12) |
| Awards | Newbery Medal Winner |
| Length | 156 pages |
| Word Count (Shiloh Quartet) | Approx. 209,840 words |
| Estimated Reading Time (Quartet) | About 13 hours and 59 minutes |
| Audiobook Length | 2 hours and 47 minutes |
| Genre | Realistic Fiction |
| Setting | Friendly, West Virginia |
| Themes | Emotional involvement, family, friendship |
| Point of View | First-person (Marty Preston) |
| Memorable Quote | “…and I’m thinking how nothing is as simple as you guess—not right or wrong, not Judd Travers, not even me or this dog I got here. But the good part is I saved Shiloh and opened my eyes some. Now that ain’t bad for eleven.” |
| First Line | “The day Shiloh come, we're having us a big Sunday dinner.” |
Shiloh Teaching Ideas
This sample contains the following:
- Vocabulary for Chapters 1-2
- Comprehension for Chapters 1-2
- Constructed Response Question on Setting
Teaching Idea #1 ~ Pay Back Judd – Math Problems
This interactive multiple‑choice quiz asks students to solve eight math problems based on Marty’s agreement with Judd Travers. Students receive immediate feedback as they work through each question, making this a great way to reinforce computation skills while connecting directly to the novel.
Teaching Idea #2 ~ Shiloh Vocabulary Challenge
This vocabulary activity focuses on eight words tied to the novel’s themes of honesty, conscience, and compassion. Students answer multiple‑choice questions and get instant feedback. It’s a quick, meaningful way to reinforce vocabulary in context.
Teaching Idea #3 ~ Shiloh Story Review — Connect Four Game
This interactive Connect Four game uses comprehension questions from the novel to create a fun, competitive review activity. Students answer a question correctly to earn a turn. Two players take turns dropping pieces — get four in a row to win! It’s an engaging alternative to traditional review worksheets.
All three activities are available on the same page.
Teaching Idea #4 ~ Name That Dog
Your students will love this trivia quiz! Twenty questions ask them to identify famous dogs from books, cartoons, television, toys, and movies. This activity is perfect for a friendly class competition and ties in nicely with Marty’s love for Shiloh.
Teaching Idea #5 ~ Research Topics
Extend your Shiloh unit with short research projects. Students can choose one of the topics below and answer the guiding questions.
Becoming a Veterinarian
Marty dreams of becoming a traveling vet. Students can research:
- ways to gain experience working with animals
- how long it takes to become a licensed veterinarian
- the starting salary for veterinarians
Beagles
After reading about Shiloh, students may want to learn more about beagles. They can research:
- size, weight, and height
- coat colors
- lifespan
- special talents
- sociability
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Students always enjoy learning about the author. They can research:
- when Naylor published her first story
- whether she studied writing formally or learned through experience
- her most award‑winning novel and the awards it received
Teaching Idea #6 ~ Fun Crafts for Your Shiloh Novel Study
Crafts are a great way to help students connect with the story.
Magazine Collage Beagle
Students create a beagle silhouette and fill it with magazine clippings. This quick, creative project is always a hit.
Pipe Cleaner Dog
A simple, hands‑on craft that students can complete with minimal materials.
How to Draw a Beagle
Use step‑by‑step drawing videos to help students create their own beagle illustrations.
See the product that inspired this post.
Shiloh Novel Study includes vocabulary practice, comprehension questions, constructed response writing, and skill practice.
