The Story of Edgar Sawtelle is a must-read for anyone who loves a coming-of-age story filled with family drama and the struggle for survival. Wroblewski's unique use of sign language as a mode of communication throughout the book adds a compelling layer to the story. Readers will be engrossed in Edgar's journey and will find themselves emotionally invested in the fate of the three yearling pups that accompany him. The book's exploration of the intricacies of human language and communication makes it an especially poignant and thought-provoking read.

Riley is your virtual thrift companion, and here to help you find your next favourite read. You can also find in-stock similar reads linked by topic and genre here!

• John Sargent, Sr. First Novel Prize (2008)
• Colorado Book Award for Literary Fiction (2009)
• Sakura Medal Nominee for High School Book (2010)
• Indies Choice Book Award for Best Author Discovery (2009)
• Puddly Award for Fiction (2009)
• The Center for Fiction First Novel Prize Nominee (2008)

Born mute, speaking only in sign, Edgar Sawtelle leads an idyllic life with his parents on their farm in remote northern Wisconsin. For generations, the Sawtelles have raised and trained a fictional breed of dog whose thoughtful companionship is epitomized by Almondine, Edgar's lifelong friend and ally. But with the unexpected return of Claude, Edgar's paternal uncle, turmoil consumes the Sawtelles' once peaceful home. When Edgar's father dies suddenly, Claude insinuates himself into the life of the farm—and into Edgar's mother's affections. Grief-stricken and bewildered, Edgar tries to prove Claude played a role in his father's death, but his plan backfires—spectacularly. Forced to flee into the vast wilderness lying beyond the farm, Edgar comes of age in the wild, fighting for his survival and that of the three yearling dogs who follow him. But his need to face his father's murderer and his devotion to the Sawtelle dogs turn Edgar ever homeward. David Wroblewski is a master storyteller, and his breathtaking scenes—the elemental north woods, the sweep of seasons, an iconic American barn, a fateful vision rendered in the falling rain—create a riveting family saga, a brilliant exploration of the limits of language, and a compulsively readable modern classic.

Note: While we do our best to ensure the accuracy of cover images, ISBNs may at times be reused for different editions of the same title which may hence appear as a different cover.