From School Library Journal
Grade 5-9–In this top-notch novel, Sherlock weaves together numerous threads of emotion, information, and plot so seamlessly that readers will be surprised by how much they've learned by the time they finish this deceptively simple story. Mark, 13, overshadowed by his older brother who is serving in Vietnam, impulsively volunteers to send his beloved dog there to impress the adults who are so taken with Danny. Regretful but stuck, he goes through the paperwork, assuming Wolfie will come home after a year's tour. The animal is assigned to Tucker, a marginally literate young man who compassionately writes letters to Mark "from" the dog, while Mark begins the increasingly hopeless task of getting Wolfie back. Meanwhile, he develops a relationship with a girl who is against the war. Mark's mother comes into her own as she gets a job and, through correspondence, helps Tucker realize his potential as well. Clearly, Vietnam is a disillusioning experience for all, including Mark's gung-ho father, who never quite admits to doubts about the war, but befriends the dad of a draft dodger. Throughout the compelling narrative, youngsters not only watch Mark mature, but are also provided with a terrifying window into what is happening–politically, emotionally, and physically–to the soldiers. While all of the characters are well developed and dynamic, it is only wise neighbor Effie, who fled Germany during World War II, who looks upon the unfolding events with true understanding. This story will stay with readers long after the final page is turned.
–Mary R. Hofmann, Rivera Middle School, Merced, CA Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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Gr. 6-9. A full-fledged civics lesson is embodied in this touching story of 13-year-old Mark, his beloved dog, Wolfie, and the effect of the Vietnam War on Mark's family in 1960s America. Mark's brother goes to Vietnam, and after Mark hears that dogs are being used to help protect the soldiers, he makes the uncomfortable decision to lend Wolfie to the Army. Unfortunately, once in the Army, dogs are classified as disposable "equipment," and Mark must find a way to bring Wolfie safely back home. At the same time, Mark sees his family torn apart by conflicting views about the war. Stereotypes abound in the first part of the story, but Sherlock finds her voice as she leads readers through Mark's struggles on Wolfie's behalf. There isn't a happy ending for Wolfie, but real-life efforts similar to Mark's fictional ones finally yielded results in 2000, when the Military War Dog Resolution, which stopped the practice of euthanizing dogs at the end of their service, became law. Sherlock talks more about service dogs in an author's note.
Cindy WelchCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
