​Memoirs & Nonfiction

  • Carlson, Mark. Confessions Of A Guide Dog: The Blonde Leading the Blind. A humorous and heartfelt memoir detailing life with a guide dog from the dog’s perspective. The story explores the deep bond between handler and dog and reveals that while guide dogs are smart, loyal, and well-trained, each has a unique personality and approach to their work.
  • Hingson, Michael. Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust at Ground Zero. A powerful account of Michael Hingson and his guide dog, Roselle, as they escaped from the World Trade Center on 9/11. This inspiring story highlights courage, teamwork, and the life-saving trust between a handler and his dog.
  • Hocken, Sheila. Emma and I. A touching memoir about the author’s relationship with her first guide dog, Emma. As Sheila adapts to vision loss, Emma helps her navigate the world with confidence—leading to newfound independence, love, and happiness.
  • Quietwater Noriega, DeAnna. Fifty Years of Walking with Friends. (2021, Independently Published). This autobiographical collection shares the author’s lifelong journey with multiple guide dogs. From college life to marriage and career, her dogs remain steady companions and partners in independence.

Children’s Books

  • Lang, Glenna. Looking Out for Sarah. (2001, Charlesbridge Publishing) – Grades PreK–3. Told from the perspective of Perry, a guide dog, this beautifully illustrated book shares the true story of Sarah, a woman who is blind, and their 1990 walk from Boston to New York to raise awareness about guide dogs.
  • Moore, Eva. Buddy: The First Seeing Eye Dog (Hello Reader! Level 4) (1996, Scholastic Inc.). This early reader tells the story of Buddy, the first Seeing Eye dog in the United States, and Morris Frank, who brought guide dog training to America after training in Switzerland during the 1930s.
  • Patent, Dorothy Hinshaw. Right Dog for the Job: Ira's Path from Service Dog to Guide Dog
    A nonfiction picture book following the real journey of Ira, a dog trained in multiple service roles. With vibrant photos and clear explanations, the book demonstrates the versatility and impact of working dogs.

​Training & Resources

​Suggestions for how you might use them in class

  • Use a picture/early book (like “Guide Dogs!”) when introducing the concept of guide dogs to younger students.
  • Use upper elementary titles for a “read-aloud” or class shared reading where you pause and discuss how the dog and handler work as a team.
  • Use adult memoirs (Thunder Dog, Live Like a Guide Dog) with older students (high school) to explore more complex themes: trust, independence, fear, disaster response, training, ethics of mobility aids.
  • Design a “book talk” or mini-project: students could read one title and then share what surprised them, what they learned about guide dog training, what they would ask a guide dog trainer, etc.
  • Pair the book with a visit or virtual talk from a guide dog training school, or a guest speaker who uses a guide dog, to make it more concrete.
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