Children's Literature @ NYPL

Booktalking "Duke" by Kirby Larson

 

Hobie Hanson's father is fighting in World War II, and now the Dogs for Defense is looking for any German Shepherds that people can possibly spare for the war effort. Someone brings up the idea of Hobie lending Duke for the war effort. Hobie hems and haws at first, but eventually his patriotism clicks into gear. He allows Duke to become the partner of Marv, Navy Private First Class. Luckily, Marv keeps in touch with Hobie about Duke's training and well-being.

Hobie's father is also a soldier in the war. Hobie and happy-go-lucky June's mother keep the kids looking optimistically towards the future. Duke ends up taking bullets for Marv, and he watches the soldier like a hawk. The German Shepherd becomes muscular and lean in the course of his canine corp duties.

Duke by Kirby Larson, 2013

I got a galley of a Kirby Larson book at Book Expo America, and then I found this book.