Coming of age

"Night of the Howling Dogs" is a classic coming of age tale. The adolescent egos are burgeoning and the boys are sparring it out, trying to find their place in the male hierarchy. Mr. Bellows is the alpha male, with Louie not far behind. A natural disaster provides a test of courage for the lads, and for Dylan a sink-or-swim passage to manhood.

Respect

Respect is a primary theme in the story. Scoutmaster Mr. Bellows, the ex-marine, spells it out when he tells the boys, "Respect for nature, your elders, your country, your team, your parents, yourself and each other." The boys do in fact show great respect for their scoutmaster and the other adults such as the Reverend, and also for the newcomer, Masa. Respect for nature is instilled in them by the catastrophic event in which they are caught up. Respect is the quality...