After the fall of the Soviet Union, many people lost their health care, pensions, and housing. As many as 2 million children became homeless. Based on the story of Ivan Mishukov, who lived with feral dogs for two years, Bobbie Pyron describes the plight of Russia's street children in haunting detail. Ivan's relationship with the dogs helps all of them survive starvation and cruel winters. The boy and dogs become a family, loving and protecting each other. Part adventure story. Part social commentary. Beautiful and sad.