If you love to read and love dogs, then here is a list of the best dog books for all ages.
My daughter, now 16, has read just about every book that has a dog theme or at least a dog in the storyline. One of her teachers once asked me to encourage her to read books on different subjects… which didn’t make sense to me… she loves dogs, it’s her passion.
The books listed below are grouped by recommended age reading level. Most of them have been read and reviewed by my daughter since she was 10 years old!
(Updated for 2024)

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.
Whats better than reading a book about a dog that becomes the hero or follow the adventures of funny dogs getting into trouble! Curl up next to your pup and grab one of these books to read and bond with your dog.
Books with Dogs for Kids Grade K-8
Marley’s Big Adventure
Author: John Grogan
Grades K – 3
Marley has is a series of books, so if you like this one about Marley’s Big Adventure, you can continue to read about other adventures.
A Dog by any Other Name is Not the Same
Author: JG Piper
Grades K – 4
Reviewed by my 10 year old daughter.
This is a fun book that talks about different dog breeds, their personalities and what makes them each unique. Beautiful illustrations, a great book to read with the entire family.
Fire Dog Heroes
Author: Linda Bozzo
Grades 2 – 4
Reviewed by my 10 year old daughter.
I enjoyed this book because it explains how fire dogs are trained, what they do when working do and then what they do when they can not work any more.
Tornado
Author: Brian Dennis
Grades 2 – 5
A story is told about a dog that appeared from a tornado, and how special this dog was. The story is told by Pete they wait out the tornado they are experiencing at the moment.
Nubs
Author: Brian Dennis
Grades 3 – 5
Reviewed by my 10 year old daughter.
Nubs is a true story about a dog that wants to find a human to call his own. Once he found that person, which happens to be a Marine, he will do anything to stay with him, even if it means searching 70 miles for him.
I liked reading this book because it shows why you should never give up on the things you love. I also like this book because it shows a true story about a miracle.
Clementine For Christmas
Author: Daphne Benedis-Grab
Grades 3 – 7
Reviewed by my 10 year old daughter.
This was a fun book to read about how three kids: Josie, Oscar, and Gabby find a way to save Christmas.
I like this book because shows that if you do something good, then you may get something good in return.
The Dog Days of Charlotte Hayes
Author: Marlane Kennedy
Grades 4 – 7
Reviewed by my 10 year old daughter.
I like this book because it is about rescuing a dog and shows how to never give up and keep trying even if something does not work the first time. I also like this book because Charlotte helps people in need and at the same time she gives a dog a good home.
Mountain Dog
Author: Margarita Engle
Grades 4 – 7
Reviewed by my 10 year old daughter.
Tony’s mom gets arrested for of teaching dogs to fight, her son has to go to his uncle’s house. I like this book because they have a search and rescue dog and Tony gets to go on rescue missions with his uncle and his dog.
Cracker the Best Dog in Vietnam
Author: Cynthia Kadohata
Grades 5 – 8
Reviewed by my 10 year old daughter.
I like this book because it shows what a veteran and a war dog does and what they go through. It also shows how you might not be good right now but after you try hard in training you can be the best.
Books with Dogs for Teens and Adults
Dogsong
Author: Gary Paulsen
Grades 7 – 9
This author has a way to keep kids captivated in the story. It’s an adventure story about a boy named Russel who lives in Alaska. When he feels lost and disconnected from his Inuit heritage, he sets out on a journey with his sled dogs to find his own path. Along the way, Russel learns about courage, tradition, and the power of listening to the wisdom of nature.
War Dogs
Author: Rebecca Frankel
Grades 7 – 10
Following the journey of three friends who become soldiers in the Vietnam War alongside their loyal canine companions. This book shines a light on the often-overlooked contributions of war dogs and the bravery of those who served alongside them.
Doglands
Author: Tim Willocks
Grades 7 – 12
An exciting adventure about a young puppy named Furgul who embarks on a quest to find his lost family. Along the way, he encounters many dangers and challenges in a world ruled by humans.
A Dog’s Purpose
Author: W. Bruce Cameron
Grade 9 to Adult
A heartwarming story that follows the journey of a dog named Bailey as he searches for the meaning of his life through various reincarnations.
My daughter read the book and watched the movie and loved them both.
The Dog Who Saved Me
Author: Susan Wilson
Grade 9 to Adult
A touching tale about a troubled war veteran named Cooper who finds solace and redemption through his bond with a special dog named Albie. Together, they embark on a journey of healing and discovery, learning to trust and love again.
One Good Dog
Author: Tim Willocks
Grade 9 to Adult
This tells the story of a man who loses everything and finds redemption through an unlikely friendship with a fierce pit bull named Chance.
Lessons from Tara
Author: David Rosenfelt
Grade 9 to Adult
A memoir about a man and his beloved golden retriever, Tara. Through their adventures and everyday moments, David shares the valuable life lessons he learns from Tara, including love, loyalty, and resilience.
James Herriot’s Favorite Dog Stories
Author: James Herriot
Grade 9 to Adult
A collection of heartwarming tales about the adventures of various dogs in the countryside, through the eyes of a veterinarian, James Herriot.
Who Let the Dog Out?
Author: Andy Carpenter
Grade 9 to Adult
An exciting mystery story about a lawyer who gets caught up in a case involving a missing show dog. Full of twists, turns, and canine companionship, this book will keep you guessing until the very end.
Make sure to comment below if you’ve read any of these books, or have a favorite dog book you’d like to add to the list.
Looking for dog training books? Check out my list of 29 Best Dog Training Books for Your Dog
My dog loves to have stories read to him. His favorite book is a book for dogs, called "Bedtime Stories for Dogs" by Leigh Anne Jasheway (1996). These stories are all a take on well-known fairy tales, but aimed towards dogs. Each story is just the right length to read before bedtime, and they are fairly humorous to humans, too.
Oh my gosh, this is the sweetest book ever. What a great idea! Thanks for sharing.