BookBright
ABOUT THE BOOK
NO SPOILERSFred is a scrappy mixed-breed mutt living in a New York City basement with Big Tony, an unpleasant man who wanted a guard dog and got anything but one. Fred's one joy is watching his favorite streaming show, Dog Squad, where the brave and heroic Duke leads his team on impossible rescues every Thursday night. When Big Tony throws Fred out into the alley, Fred ends up at an animal shelter facing an uncertain future, until a lucky audition for a Broadway musical lands him with animal trainer Jenny Yen and her niece Abby. Then an injury to the real Duke changes everything, and Fred gets a chance he never imagined: stepping into the role of his TV hero and discovering what it actually means to be brave.
Free Battle of the Books questions for Dog Squad
SPOILERSEvery one of these has the same answer, and that is the point. In a real battle the question is read aloud with a dozen other books in play, and students have a few seconds to place it. Here is what a battle might ask about Dog Squad. Use them as a quiz, a trivia round, or BOTB practice.
Where in the book they come from
- Early in the book
In what book does a chihuahua named Chico do backflips in a shelter cage to charm potential adopters?
✓ Answer
Dog Squad by Chris Grabenstein
Chico is Fred's spunky cellblock neighbor who insists folks love amusing antics. His backflips earn him the first adoption at the audition, when a photographer scoops him up on the spot.
- First half
In what book do animal actors stay in a pet-friendly hotel where they eat Salisbury steak with brown lumpy gravy?
✓ Answer
Dog Squad by Chris Grabenstein
When the cast films on location in Millville, New York, room service waiters bring the animal stars Salisbury steak in their hotel rooms. Scruffy gives Fred tips about stealing leftovers from trays in the hallway, but to stay away from the pickles.
- First half
In what book are squirrels secretly revealed to be alien invaders from the Nutzoid Galaxy?
✓ Answer
Dog Squad by Chris Grabenstein
In a barn-set episode, the heroes discover that squirrels are not nut-scavenging rodents but extraterrestrial invaders using acorn-powered propulsion. The episode is filmed at the Second Chance Ranch.
- Second half
In what book does a feisty puppy bite a kidnapper's pant cuff and get scooped up too?
✓ Answer
Dog Squad by Chris Grabenstein
When Big Tony is hauling the wrong dog out of the bungalow, Tater rushes up and sinks his tiny teeth into Big Tony's pants. The kidnapper shakes Tater off and decides to take the puppy along too, locking him later in the motel bathroom.
- Second half
In what book does a frightened TV star lose control of his bladder during a warehouse scene?
✓ Answer
Dog Squad by Chris Grabenstein
Cha-Cha keeps teasing Fred until he gets so anxious he pees during filming. Jenny rushes over to settle him but only makes him more nervous, and he tinkles a second time, ruining the take.
- Near the end
In what book does a Doberman smash through a safety glass window at a coastal animal shelter?
✓ Answer
Dog Squad by Chris Grabenstein
Petunia bursts through the front window of the Coastal Animal Shelter to check for any animals left behind. She says years of dumpster diving made her tough enough to handle safety glass without getting hurt.
