With cover art reminiscent of a psychedelic rock poster, this illustrated memoir, full of rich color, is clearly rooted in the early 1970s. That's when Gill, at 17, left home to begin a vagabond life that would take her from festivals in Colorado to dicey streets in New Orleans, concrete canyons in New York, and finally to Alaska. Centered around Gill's dog e titular Gabe is story is one of countercultural adventure. Because of references to hitchhiking, break-ins, and drugs, this is ideal for teens d even adults terested in tales of alternative lifestyles and the turmoil of the post-­Vietnam era. Scheff catches the roiling times and Gill's obvious nostalgia with busy brushstrokes and captures Gabe's ferocity and tenderness. This quick read, appealing to those who struggle with longer memoirs, will satisfy readers when Gill settles down in the snowy forty-ninth state, where Gabe's wolf-dog tendencies are especially suited. The concluding pages, called "Signs of the Times," explain Vietnam protests, the Age of Aquarius, and the Equal Rights Amendment.

This illustrated memoir follows seventeen-year-old Shelley Gill's travels with her beloved dog, Gabe, whom she adopted while volunteering at the 1972 Rainbow Gathering. Scheff's lush, romantic illustrations (pencil and Photoshop) fill each page, capturing the turbulence of the times as well as Gabe's intensity. Gill's story is unique, but her subject and tone seem well beyond the intended audience. A brief historical note is appended.

Gr 6-9 The saga began in 1972, as 17-year-old Gill administered first aid at a counterculture event called the Rainbow Gathering. When the crowds disperse, she was left with an unclaimed and injured dog, whom she dubs Gabe. This is an autobiographical account of Gill's journey as she and her canine companion navigated the vast United States during the turbulent years at the end of the Vietnam War. Although the story may have been more successful with an older audience had it been told with more detail, it will be a fantastic supplement if used in conjunction with classroom discussions about the post-Vietnam era. Some of the references may be a bit adult for middle schoolers (e.g., hitchhiking, bad trips), while other allusions may simply be outside of the typical preteen frame of reference (e.g., Evel Knievel). Addressing this hurdle, the author provides contextual information at the back of the book, including simplified explanations of the Vietnam War, the civil rights movement, the women's movement, and the meaning of the phrase Age of Aquarius . The illustrations are a fitting accompaniment to the text and exude a kaleidoscopic 1970s vibe. Gabe is no cute and cuddly pup and occasionally looks pretty terrifying. Nevertheless, animal lovers will appreciate the author's attachment to her dog. VERDICT Although some of the themes may require explanation, this is a solid example of autobiography for younger teens. Times may have changed, but this tale of a young woman and her dog looking to find their place in the world will resonate across generations. Alyssa Annico, Youngstown State University, Youngstown, OH