School Library Journal Starred Review (Sun Dec 01 00:00:00 CST 2013)

Gr 4-7 Sixth-graders Derek, Pascal, and Merrilee are assigned volunteer work at the Twillingate Cemetery, assisting with gravestone upkeep, among other tasks. On rainy days, cotton-eyed Mr. Creelman, along with the eccentric Cemetery Brigade, instructs the trio in the nearby library on reading carvings, symbols, epitaphs, and the properties of different types of stones. Meanwhile, Merrilee discovers a trail of secret codes inside several mystery books that leads to a locker at school that is a time capsule. The more clues the friends find, the more secrets are unearthed. The more they learn from Creelman, the more Derek's fear of cemeteries lessens. Unfortunately, his nightmares about a childhood accident involving an orange rubber ball have returned to haunt him. Kerrin understands this age group and creates a sympathetic protagonist who will draw in readers. While the dialogue is sharp, the moments when Derek admits his most private feelings and recalls his nightmares for readers are standouts, as they portray authentic preteen feelings of self-doubt, self-consciousness, and even guilt. Given the subject matter, the author strikes just the right balance between gloomy ambience and lighthearted humor. While the many plot threads seem to tangle here and there, the author delivers a satisfying conclusion with all loose ends tied up. Even though Derek experiences an upsetting loss, he finds closure. Going far beyond mystery book conventions, Spotted Dog is also a well-told story of growth and self-forgiveness.— Elly Schook, Jamieson Elementary School, Chicago

Horn Book (Tue Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2014)

Derek, with two misfit classmates, is learning about the care and history of an old cemetery for a school community service project. The work disturbs Derek's old memories of a friend's long-ago death but also propels him to deal with thoughts he would rather bury. A mystery lightens the somber tone of Derek's emotional journey to self-forgiveness in this satisfying novel.

Kirkus Reviews

A sixth-grade community-service project at the town cemetery leads to mystery, new friendships and a cathartic resolution for a troubled young boy. He and his fellow project members, each with their own quirks, meet first at the library, where they learn about cemetery maintenance from a group of elderly men led by Mr. Creelman, who barks out information and gives pop quizzes. Along the way, they discover a mystery book with a secret code scribbled in the margins, and they find all kinds of interconnections among Mr. Creelman, other members of the community, past and present, and a time capsule. The project unleashes a host of painful memories for Derek, who has persistent nightmares involving his best friend, Dennis, who was hit by a car and killed when he was chasing a ball that Derek had kicked. Kerrin makes it all work. Derek tells his own story, allowing readers to empathize with his fears and struggles as he comes to grips with them. The supporting characters are pleasingly eccentric, and the action is fast-paced. The plot is convoluted and deals with some serious issues, but it all comes together in a manner that seems perfectly reasonable. There is even a secret code for readers to solve for themselves. Surprising twists and turns amid laughter and tears. (Fiction. 9-12)