Duke

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.

Starred review from July 15, 2013
With World War II raging around the globe, Americans are called upon to sacrifice everything, even when it might break their hearts. When fifth-grader Hobie Hanson's father leaves his fishing boat in Seattle to pilot a B-24 in Europe, he tells Hobie "to step up and do what needs to be done." Whether it is buying war bonds, collecting rubber or simply making due with less, Hobie is giving all he can to the war effort. But when he begins to feel the pressure to lend his beloved German shepherd, Duke, to the Army, Hobie realizes he still has more to give. Authentic details, such as radio drama, ration stamps and the ever-present worry of a telegram bearing terrible news, enrich this story of a boy and his dog. References to the Japanese internment and anti-German prejudice bring the war even closer to home. However, Hobie is no perfect hero. He wrestles with his decisions, making mistakes along the way; a refusal to glamorize war sets this story apart. The universal anguish Hobie feels in his sacrifice will touch readers struggling to make sense of their own losses. Exceptionally well-crafted and emotionally authentic. (Historical fiction. 8-12)

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October 1, 2013

Gr 4-7-A handsome German shepherd dominates the patriotic cover of Larson's World War II home-front novel, but the book's action centers on the dog's absence. Hobie Hanson, an endearingly earnest 11-year-old, loves his father, who is stationed overseas in the Army Air Corps, and his crackerjack dog named Duke. Determined to aid the war effort (and by extension his dad) any way he can, Hobie loans Duke to Dogs for Defense, a real-life organization that trained pets for the military. Larson weaves a wonderfully genuine attachment between boy and dog and thoughtfully examines Hobie's conflicted emotions as Duke gets partnered with a battle-bound Marine; fearful, proud, and lonely, among other muddled feelings, the boy guiltily schemes to bring his pet home. The author peppers the novel with charming period and regional details-who knew about Wheato-Naks cereal or the Seattle fishing fleet's annual blessing ceremony?-and maintains a fairly sunny tone despite the premise's potential for tragedy. Smaller-scale tensions fail to engage, such as bullying by a meanie and manufactured quarrels between Hobie and his new friend, Max Klein. Both side plots could likely be resolved with a swift talking to from the mindful, swaggering, baseball-captaining Catherine, who is clearly the character with the best head on her shoulders. Larson's tale succeeds best as a study of the home-front experience and a poignantly dogless tale for dog lovers.-Robbin E. Friedman, Chappaqua Library, NY

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 1, 2013
Grades 3-6 With a war sweeping the world in 1944, Hobart Hobie Hanson's father flies B-24s in Europe, his mother serves the Red Cross in their Seattle neighborhood, and his little sister knits socks for soldiers. But is the fifth-grader, as a popular war slogan suggests, doing all he can? When Hobie hears about the Dogs for Defense program, he enlists his beloved pet, Duke, to serve with the armed forces. Instantly regretting his decision, Hobie tries to retrieve his dog as he also contends with his father's uncertain fate, constant insults from the school bully, and risking his friendship with a new student of German descent. Letters sent from Duke (and his trainer, of course) provide updates on the canine and insight into this little-known band of four-legged soldiers. Larson captures the time period with pop-culture references, such as the Hop Harrigan radio program, as well as with the war efforts back home, such as saving cooking fat to make explosives. A good example of how bravery comes in all shapes, sizesand breeds.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)