Born to run - Michael Morpurgo

I know- it's a children's book. But you have to make an exception for 

a Morpurgo children's book. Aimed at ages 8 plus Morpurgo has transcended the bracket defined with this one.
With such classics as Private Peaceful in his collection a Morpurgo book has to be a dream for teaching children both history and social science.
Born to run is in the social science category.
Using a dog's life to travel around social issues Morpurgo tells of tower block living, bullying, step families and the closure of old people's homes.
The books raise an awareness subtly while telling a story entertaining enough to keep a child enthralled.
And an adult for the duration of a bus journey.

Publisher - Harper Collins