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Title details for Duke (Dogs of World War II) by Kirby Larson - Available

Duke (Dogs of World War II)

by Kirby Larson
Jonah von Spreecken
Audiobook
1 of 1 copy available
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1 of 1 copy available
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. Now in paperback!

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 "loan" 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? Will life ever be the same?

  • Creators

  • Series

    Dogs of World War II

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    June 1, 2017

  • Formats

    • OverDrive Listen audiobook

      • ISBN: 9781338242287
      • File size: 127765 KB
      • Duration: 04:26:10

  • Languages

    • English

  • Levels

    • Lexile® Measure: 540
    • Text Difficulty: 2-3

  • Reviews

    • Publisher's Weekly

      Starred review from September 23, 2013
      Life on the WWII home front is real and wrenching in this triumphant novel by Newbery Honor author Larson. Fifth-grader Hobie’s losses are deep: his father is off flying B-24s in Europe, his best friend has left their Seattle hometown, and—after considerable anguish—he lends Duke, his German shepherd, to the military’s Dogs for Defense program. Though distance separates Hobie and Duke, Larson reveals the bond between them as the ballast that keeps Hobie grounded and hopeful. Hobie answers letters from Duke’s Marine handler (which are written mostly in Duke’s voice) with misleading notes intended to secure his pet’s release from service—until he divulges a critical fact that enables Duke to save lives in battle. Despite its finely detailed historical setting, this incisive tale of loyalty, patriotism, sacrifice, and bravery transcends its era. Ages 8–12.

    • AudioFile Magazine
      WWII rages, and Uncle Sam asks, "Are you doing all you can?" Fifth- grader Hobie Hanson desperately wants to help bring his father home from the war, but is he willing to enlist his German shepherd, Duke, in the Dogs for Defense program? As Hobie, narrator Jonah Von Spreecken has an earnestness in his voice that fits this singular period in history when so many Americans were compelled to answer the call of duty to their country. He creates distinct voices for each of the story's many characters, and even does a passing job as Hobie's little sister. Von Spreecken is faithful to the period dialogue, easily transporting the listener to a simpler time in this novel of courage, sacrifice, and a beloved dog. Semper fi. L.T. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

subjects

Languages

  • English

Levels

  • Lexile® Measure:540
  • Text Difficulty:2-3

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