Sounder by William Armstrong tells the story of a young boy in a struggling African American family in the rural South. When his father is arrested for stealing food to feed his family, the family's loyal dog, Sounder, is injured trying to protect him. The boy searches for Sounder and learns to read and write with the help of a kind teacher, while dealing with the trials of his father's imprisonment and the dog's recovery.

Sounder by William Armstrong receives praise for its poignant depiction of a Southern African American family's struggles, capturing the essence of resilience and hope. The prose is lauded for its lyrical quality, but some find the pacing slow and the narrative bleak. Overall, it is regarded as a powerful, if somber, exploration of hardship and familial bonds.

Potential readers of Sounder by William Armstrong are often drawn to poignant, coming-of-age stories that explore themes of courage, family, and hardship. Fans of Where the Red Fern Grows and Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry will appreciate its emotional depth and historical context. This novel appeals to both middle-grade and adult readers interested in introspective, character-driven narratives.

Melancholic / Gritty / Emotional / Inspirational / Challenging

- Sounder by William H. Armstrong was awarded the Newbery Medal in 1970, recognizing it as the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children that year.
- The book's title, Sounder, refers to the family dog, whose barking plays a significant role in the family's life and symbolizes loyalty and perseverance.
- William H. Armstrong drew inspiration from stories he heard during his childhood, which he spent among sharecroppers and tenant farmers, experiences that deeply influenced the setting and themes of Sounder.

William Armstrong

Middle grade

Novel

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