About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is beginning to ask tough questions about history, duty, or the sacrifices made by those in the military. It is an ideal choice for the middle-grade reader who shares a deep, wordless bond with a pet and is ready to explore more mature themes of service and survival. Cynthia Kadohata masterfully balances the harrowing reality of the Vietnam War with the touching, visceral connection between a young soldier and his scout dog. The story follows Rick Hanski and his German Shepherd, Cracker, as they navigate the jungles of Vietnam. While the book contains intense action and the sobering realities of combat, it focuses primarily on the psychological growth of the human and the unwavering loyalty of the animal. It is a powerful tool for building empathy and understanding the complexities of war, though it does include depictions of peril and loss that may be heavy for sensitive younger readers. Parents will value it for its historical accuracy and its profound look at what it means to be a hero.
