What I’m Reading: Duke

I just finished up listening to Duke by Kirby Larson.

This is a juvenile fiction book and honestly, it’s really good but note it is pretty simply.  If you have grand kids or you own kids and want to read a good book with them over the summer, this is a wonderful one to read.  I used to read a lot to my kids and this is one I know my boys would have especially loved.  Historical fiction was something we all enjoyed….especially WWII.

Here’s is what Amazon has to say about the book, “A poignant World War II story about a boy and his dog and his dad, and the many meanings of bravery, from Newbery Honor author Kirby Larson.

With World War II raging and his father fighting overseas in Europe, eleven-year-old Hobie Hanson is determined to do his part to help his family and his country, even if it means giving up his beloved German shepherd, Duke. Hoping to help end the war and bring his dad home faster, Hobie decides to donate Duke to Dogs for Defense, an organization that urges Americans to “loan” their pets to the military to act as sentries, mine sniffers, and patrol dogs. Hobie immediately regrets his decision and tries everything he can to get Duke back, even jeopardizing his friendship with the new boy at school. But when his father is taken prisoner by the Germans, Hobie realizes he must let Duke go and reach deep within himself to be brave. Will Hobie ever see Duke, or his father, again?
With powerful storytelling and gripping emotion, critically acclaimed author Kirby Larson explores the many ways bravery and love help us to weather the most difficult times.”

Amazon readers say 4.7 stars…I’d agree keeping in mind it’s a kids book.  What got me even more excited was to find that this is the same author of Hattie Big Sky which is one of my favorite juvenielle fiction books…making me even more excited was seeing that there is a sequel to Hattie Big Sky called Hattie Ever After.  I promised myself that I wouldn’t order it until I get this blog post finished so..good-bye.  I am off to get it.