The core idea of How to Steal a Dog is about a young girl named Cymbeline, or “Em,” who attempts to “steal” a dog that she believes is being mistreated, hoping to reunite it with its original owner and earn a reward to save her family home.
This long-form post offers a thorough look at the book. We will break down the dog theft summary, explore the novel plot points, discuss the main themes of ‘How To Steal A Dog’, offer a character analysis of[]{}, detail the key events in the story, provide a complete synopsis of dog theft novel elements, share book report insights, examine the major conflicts in the book, trace the protagonist’s journey summary, and list the important takeaways from the story.
Deciphering the Dog Theft Summary
How to Steal a Dog by Sarah Edwards-Pitman is a moving story seen through the eyes of Em. Em is a sharp, observant girl living in tough times. Her family is struggling financially. They are facing eviction from their small apartment. This pressure drives Em to desperate measures.
She notices a wealthy family’s dog, Wilbur, who often sits alone outside a cafe. Em believes Wilbur is lonely and maybe even neglected. She gets an idea: steal the dog. Her plan is not for personal gain, but to return the dog to its supposed rightful, better owner and claim a reward. This reward money would solve all her family’s problems.
The summary revolves around Em’s complex moral choices. It is a story about doing the wrong thing for what she thinks are the right reasons. The narrative explores loyalty, the meaning of home, and what it truly means to be a good person when you have very little.
Novel Plot Points: The Sequence of Events
The book moves forward quickly, driven by Em’s secret mission. Here are the main steps in the plot:
Initial Setup and Motivation
Em’s family is poor. Her dad lost his job. Eviction looms large. Em feels helpless. She watches Wilbur daily. Wilbur is a small dog, often left waiting. Em starts building a detailed plan. She researches dog theft, learning the risks.
The Act of “Stealing”
Em executes her plan carefully. She manages to lure Wilbur away without being seen. This is a major turning point. She takes Wilbur to a secret hiding spot—an abandoned shed. She tries to care for him while keeping him hidden from her mother.
Rising Tension and Complications
The guilt starts to weigh on Em. She worries about Wilbur. She also worries about getting caught. The police get involved. A “Lost Dog” notice appears. The wealthy owners express distress. Em begins to doubt her mission. She starts questioning if Wilbur is actually unhappy.
The Climax: Confrontation and Decision
The situation comes to a head. Em is nearly discovered. She has to face the consequences of her actions. She sees the deep sadness the supposed owners feel. This forces Em to look closely at her initial assumptions about Wilbur’s situation.
Resolution and Aftermath
Em ultimately decides to do the right thing. She returns Wilbur. This requires immense bravery. While she doesn’t get the reward, her honesty leads to a different kind of positive outcome for her family. The ending focuses on repair, not riches.
Character Analysis of[]{}: The People Who Drive the Story
The characters in How to Steal a Dog are deeply layered. They show the struggle between right and wrong.
Em (Cymbeline)
Em is the heart of the story. She is clever and resourceful.
- Strengths: Very determined. Loyal to her family. Good at planning.
- Weaknesses: Impulsive due to stress. Her moral compass gets skewed by desperation.
- Core Motivation: To save her family from homelessness.
Em’s Mother
Em’s mother represents quiet strength under pressure. She tries hard to keep things normal for Em despite the financial hardship. She embodies dignity in poverty.
Mr. and Mrs. Harrington (Wilbur’s Owners)
They are the owners Em initially judges harshly.
- They appear wealthy and distant.
- Their grief over losing Wilbur is genuine, showing they truly love the dog. They are not the villains Em first pictures them to be.
Wilbur
The dog is central, though a non-speaking role. Wilbur acts as the catalyst for Em’s actions. His true feelings—contentment versus neediness—are what Em must finally see.
| Character | Role in Conflict | Key Trait |
|---|---|---|
| Em | Initiates the central action | Desperate resourcefulness |
| Mother | Represents the stakes (losing the home) | Resilience |
| Harringtons | Object of the crime/owner | Genuine affection for the dog |
Main Themes of ‘How To Steal A Dog’
The book tackles heavy ideas using simple, accessible language. These themes resonate long after finishing the story.
The Definition of Right and Wrong
This is the primary theme. Em believes stealing is acceptable if the result is good for her family. The book asks readers: Do good intentions excuse bad actions? Em learns that intent does not change the action itself.
Socioeconomic Inequality
The story starkly contrasts Em’s poverty with the comfortable life of the Harringtons. This difference fuels Em’s decision. The theme explores how financial stress can push good people toward bad choices.
Love, Loyalty, and Home
What makes a home? Is it four walls, or the people inside? Em’s fierce love for her mother drives her. She learns that loyalty means honesty, even when it is painful.
Empathy and Perspective Taking
Em is forced to step outside her own needs. She has to see the situation from the Harringtons’ point of view. Seeing their pain helps her realize the harm she caused.
Key Events in the Story: Milestones of the Journey
Certain moments move the plot dramatically. These key events shape Em’s growth.
- The Decision: Em researching dog theft online and planning the abduction. This marks the point of no return.
- The Capture: Successfully luring Wilbur away. This is the high point of her plan.
- The Discovery of the Poster: Seeing the large, heartfelt reward poster for Wilbur. This makes the reality of the situation hit home.
- The Mother’s Financial Crisis Deepens: Further pressure mounts on Em’s parents, raising the stakes for her plan to succeed quickly.
- The Return: Em choosing honesty over the potential reward money. This is the ultimate act of maturation.
Synopsis of Dog Theft Novel Elements
If you look at the structure, this novel fits neatly into stories about youthful transgression and redemption.
The narrative structure focuses heavily on internal monologue. We spend most of the time inside Em’s head as she justifies her actions. The external conflict (the search for the dog) reflects the internal conflict (Em’s struggle with guilt).
The “theft” is temporary. It serves as a tool for character development. The novel suggests that true security comes not from money, but from integrity. This differentiates it from typical crime stories. Here, the crime is small but the moral fallout is huge for the young protagonist.
Book Report Insights: Things to Note
When writing a report on this book, focus on these areas:
- Narrative Voice: The use of a child narrator to tackle adult problems.
- Moral Ambiguity: How the author makes the reader root for a character doing something wrong.
- Symbolism of Wilbur: Wilbur represents the unattainable comfort Em seeks.
Areas for Discussion in a Report:
- How does Em’s description of the Harringtons change from the start to the end?
- What role does the setting (the city environment) play in pushing Em toward her plan?
- Compare Em’s definition of “stealing” with the legal definition.
Major Conflicts in the Book
The conflicts drive the tension throughout the narrative.
External Conflicts
- Em vs. Circumstance: The fight against poverty and impending homelessness. This is the root cause.
- Em vs. Society/Law: The risk of being caught for stealing Wilbur.
Internal Conflicts
- Em vs. Conscience: The fight between her need to help her family and knowing that lying/stealing is wrong.
- Em vs. Perception: Her battle to maintain her “good girl” image while hiding a big secret.
Protagonist’s Journey Summary
Em’s journey is one of forced maturation. She starts as a child trying to fix adult problems with a childish, flawed plan.
Stages of Em’s Growth:
- Innocence/Ignorance: Believing the theft will be a quick fix.
- Action/Deception: Executing the plan and hiding the truth.
- Realization: Seeing the genuine impact of her actions on others (the Harringtons’ sadness).
- Redemption: Returning Wilbur and accepting the hard truth: her family still has problems, but she has her integrity.
She trades the hope of a fast, dishonest solution for the hard work of facing reality with honesty. This exchange is the core of her development.
Important Takeaways from the Story
What should readers remember most after closing the final page?
- Integrity Matters Most: Even when facing terrible hardship, a person’s character is their most valuable possession.
- Actions Have Ripples: Stealing a dog affects more people than just the thief and the victim. It affects the dog, too.
- Look Closer: Appearances are deceiving. The wealthy family might have deep love, and Em’s own situation might have hidden strengths.
This story teaches that true help often comes through difficult, honest choices, not secret schemes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the genre of How to Steal a Dog?
It is primarily categorized as Middle Grade Contemporary Realistic Fiction. It deals with real-world issues appropriate for younger readers but explores complex themes.
Is the book based on a true story?
No, the novel is fictional, but it draws inspiration from common societal issues, such as economic struggle and pet ownership.
Does Em get the reward money at the end?
No. Em chooses to return Wilbur without expecting or receiving the reward. Her reward is internal—restored conscience and improved family relationships.
What happens to Em’s family financially?
While their financial struggles are not instantly solved, Em’s honesty earns her a measure of trust and respect, leading to better support and a slower, more honest path forward for the family.