Notes from a Liar and Her Dog

Choldenko, Gennifer. Notes from a Liar and Her Dog. G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2001. ISBN:0-399-23591-4

Plot Summary

Antonia MacPherson is always in trouble. In fact, her little sister keeps a notebook of all the things Ant does wrong so that she can tell their mother. This time, Ant is in trouble for telling people that she was adopted. But it makes sense, she has dark hair where her sisters are blonde. Her mother is always praising her sisters, and always annoyed with Ant. So Ant writes letters to her real parents. She also finds comfort in her dog Pistachio. No one else in her family likes dogs, so Ant has to keep Stachi in her room and when she takes him to the vet, she just writes down the billing address wrong. Lately, Just Carol, the art teacher has been encouraging Ant and has agreed to take Ant to the zoo if she promises to stop lying. But no one believes Ant even when she does tell the truth. When Ant's Dad quits his job (again) and they might have to move (again) Ant and her sisters join forces for once to convince their family to stay.

Critical Evaluation

Although Ant doesn't show a lot of personal growth, I think Choldenko teaches the reader a lot about family dynamics. Just Carol is the voice of reason, calling the situation a "no-win" where when Ant does tell the truth, no one believes her. Besides, most of Ant's lies focus on ways to get her dog to the vet, which in another situation would be a sign on maturity. But even Just Carol is not a miracle, as her advice back fires and gets both her and Ant kicked out of the zoo. Each of the characters has a unique and reasonable view of the situation, given their past. Choldenko demonstrates how sometimes focusing on the past keeps us from acknowledging that people are trying to change. This book reminded me a lot of me and my sister, which speaks volumes for the truth and honesty of this story. Whether you are the good kid or the one no one listens to, you'll want to cheer Ant on as she gets the story with her family straight one small truth at a time.

Reader's Annotation

Ant must be adopted. How else could you explain the differences between Antonia MacPherson and the rest of her family? This is just one of many lies Ant tells. So when Ant starts to tell the truth, no one will believe her.

About the Author

Gennifer Choldenko has previously written picture books. This is her first novel for children. She currently lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and two kids.

Genre

Realistic Fiction

Ciricculum Ties

None

Booktalking Ideas

Ant's love for Pistachio

Reading Level/Interest Age

Grades 4-7

Controversial Subject Matter and Defense of Ideas

None

Why book was Included

Appeared on a list of titles recommended for 5^th and 6^th graders that was compiled by the Sacramento Public Library.