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Duke (Dogs of World War II)
Norwegian-American Hobie's father has been overseas fighting in WWII for some time, and Hobie's good friend has just left town to accompany his own father who works for the Navy. Hobie's family is doing everything they can to help with the war effort – joining the Red Cross, knitting socks for soldiers, buying war bonds, etc. Maintaining an air of patriotism and enthusiasm, Hobie secretly just wishes the war was over and his father was home. Hobie copes with the separation from his loved ones with the companionship of his best friend, his dog Duke. But when Hobie learns about a program called Dogs for Defense, which uses pets donated by civilians to aid soldiers, he knows deep down he could be doing more to help. Hobie makes the hard decision to donate Duke to the program. Although he receives regular letter updates on his dog from Duke's soldier companion, Hobie feels lost without him – especially when he learns that his dad has become a POW.
A poignant World War II story about a boy and his dog and his dad, and the many meanings of bravery, from Newbery Honor author Kirby Larson.
With World War II raging and his father fighting overseas in Europe, eleven-year-old Hobie Hanson is determined to do his part to help his family and his country, even if it means giving up his beloved German shepherd, Duke. Hoping to help end the war and bring his dad home faster, Hobie decides to donate Duke to Dogs for Defense, an organization that urges Americans to lend their pets to the military to act as sentries, mine sniffers, and patrol dogs. Hobie immediately regrets his decision and tries everything he can to get Duke back, even jeopardizing his friendship with the new boy at school. But when his father is taken prisoner by the Germans, Hobie realizes he must let Duke go and reach deep within himself to be brave. Will Hobie ever see Duke, or his father, again?
With powerful storytelling and gripping emotion, critically acclaimed author Kirby Larson explores the many ways bravery and love help us to weather the most difficult times.
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Young readers will enjoy this historical fiction series, particularly if they are dog lovers. At the heart of each of these books is the special bond between a dog and a young person during the WWII era. The series examines life on the home front from a variety of situations and perspectives, from racism endured by Japanese-Americans to the specialized talents of Navajo Code Talkers. Readers will find many details about attitudes and events of the time, such as the growing of Victory Gardens and the purchasing of war stamp bonds. The dogs in each story help the protagonists cope with the many changes in their lives, such as having a family member sent off to war or being forced into an internment camp. Each book has a section at the end where the author discusses the real-life details of the situations in the story. Engaging books on their own, these would also make a nice supplement for those who are studying the WWII era in the U.S., especially for kids who love animals or are reluctant students of history. Books in the series are separate stories and are in no particular order.
Product Format: | Paperback |
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Brand: | Scholastic |
Author: | Kirby Larson |
Grades: | 3-7 |
ISBN: | 9780545416382 |
Length in Inches: | 7.5625 |
Width in Inches: | 5.25 |
Height in Inches: | 0.625 |
Weight in Pounds: | 0.35 |