Title: Duke
Author: Kirby Larson
Publisher & Year of Publication: Scholastic Press, 2013
Genre: Historical Fiction
Recommended Audience: Ages 8-12
Summary: This book is about an eleven year old boy, Hobie Hanson, who learning how to live without his dad who is fighting in World War II. Hobie has a big heart, and loves his family and his dog Duke. Hobie’s dad is taking prisoner of war, and in an effort to do everything he can for the war effort, he gives away his dog to the Dogs for Defense program. Sargent Marv is Duke’s keeper, and sends many letters to Hobie sharing how and what Duke is doing. The agony of silence and waiting affect Hobie, but Duke becomes a hero, is eventually reunited with Hobie. When the war ends, Hobie’s dad is released and scheduled to come home.
Evaluation/Reflection: I really enjoyed reading this book and would highly recommend it for elementary students. There is much to gain about Hobie’s character and effects of war on those left behind. I even gained historical knowledge about war animals and fighter planes used in World War II.
Memorable Literary Element: Climax…this book is a nail biter! Hobie, the main character, faces so many challenges and you just want something good to happen for this amazing kid. The plot is filled with twist and turns, which makes it a fast read.
Illustrations: The cover includes an image of a German Sheppard dog.
Review: 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.— School Library Journal
Promotion Idea: The book would be a great supplement as students learn about World War II. A pamphlet including World War II books and trivia facts could be distributed to peak student’s interest level in World War II.
Acquisition: Public library, Scholastic book fair, or available on Amazon for $13.59 (hardcover).
Author: Kirby Larson
Publisher & Year of Publication: Scholastic Press, 2013
Genre: Historical Fiction
Recommended Audience: Ages 8-12
Summary: This book is about an eleven year old boy, Hobie Hanson, who learning how to live without his dad who is fighting in World War II. Hobie has a big heart, and loves his family and his dog Duke. Hobie’s dad is taking prisoner of war, and in an effort to do everything he can for the war effort, he gives away his dog to the Dogs for Defense program. Sargent Marv is Duke’s keeper, and sends many letters to Hobie sharing how and what Duke is doing. The agony of silence and waiting affect Hobie, but Duke becomes a hero, is eventually reunited with Hobie. When the war ends, Hobie’s dad is released and scheduled to come home.
Evaluation/Reflection: I really enjoyed reading this book and would highly recommend it for elementary students. There is much to gain about Hobie’s character and effects of war on those left behind. I even gained historical knowledge about war animals and fighter planes used in World War II.
Memorable Literary Element: Climax…this book is a nail biter! Hobie, the main character, faces so many challenges and you just want something good to happen for this amazing kid. The plot is filled with twist and turns, which makes it a fast read.
Illustrations: The cover includes an image of a German Sheppard dog.
Review: 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.— School Library Journal
Promotion Idea: The book would be a great supplement as students learn about World War II. A pamphlet including World War II books and trivia facts could be distributed to peak student’s interest level in World War II.
Acquisition: Public library, Scholastic book fair, or available on Amazon for $13.59 (hardcover).