Sport: Ship Dog of the Great Lakes

Author

By Pamela Cameron. Illustrated by Renée Graef

Summary

In 1914 crew members of the lighthouse tender Hyacinth rescued a stray puppy from the Milwaukee River and named him Sport. For the next twelve years, this charming Newfoundland-retriever mix lived the life of a ship dog, helping the Hyacinth crew as they carried supplies to lighthouses and maintained the buoys and other safety features around Lake Michigan. Sport quickly became a valued companion to his crew and a recognizable mascot of the lake -- making friends in every port.

In this beautifully illustrated children's book based on historical documents and photographs, readers share in Sport's adventures while discovering the various ways lighthouse tender ships helped keep the lake safe for others. Helpful diagrams, a map, and a historical note supplement this engaging story for young readers.

Reading Level

This book can be enjoyed by kids of all ages but is rated for elementary school readers (2nd to 3rd grade) and has a Lexile® Measure: 710L.

Awards

• 2020 Wisconsin Library Association Outstanding Children’s Book of the Year
• 2020 Midwest Book Award Gold Medal
• 2020 Library of Michigan Notable Book Award
• 2019 Historical Society of Michigan State History Award
• 2019 Moonbeam Children’s Book Award

Sport, the stuffed dog toy, is also available! See related items, below.