Duke

With the world at war, can a boy be as brave as his dog?

With World War II raging and his father fighting overseas in Europe, eleven-year-old Hobie Hanson is determined to do his part. Hoping to help end the war and bring his dad home faster, Hobie makes the tough decision to donate his beloved German shepherd, Duke, to Dogs for Defense. 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?

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Awards

  • North Carolina Children’s Book Award
  • South Carolina Children’s Book Award
  • South Dakota Children’s Book Award
  • Kentucky Children’s Book Award
  • Washington State Book Award finalist
  • Bank Street Best Book
  • NAPPA Silver Award
  • Horned Toad Tales List

Resources

Dogs of WWII discussion Guide (pdf)

Dogs for Defense:

Life on the homefront:

A Message from Kirby:

Duke

With the world at war, can a boy be as brave as his dog?

With World War II raging and his father fighting overseas in Europe, eleven-year-old Hobie Hanson is determined to do his part. Hoping to help end the war and bring his dad home faster, Hobie makes the tough decision to donate his beloved German shepherd, Duke, to Dogs for Defense. 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?

Indiebound Bookshop Barnes & Noble

Reviews

★ “Life on the WWII home front is real and wrenching in this triumphant novel by Newbery Honor author Larson. Despite its finely detailed historical setting, this incisive tale of loyalty, patriotism, sacrifice, and bravery transcends its era. Ages 8–12.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

★ “When fifth-grader Hobie Hanson’s father leaves his fishing boat in Seattle to pilot a B-24 in Europe, he tells Hobie “to step up and do what needs to be done.” The universal anguish Hobie feels in his sacrifice will touch readers struggling to make sense of their own losses. Exceptionally well-crafted and emotionally authentic.” —Kirkus, starred review

“Larson weaves a wonderfully genuine attachment between boy and dog and thoughtfully examines Hobie’s conflicting emotions as Duke gets partnered with a battle-bound Marine. . . [a] 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.” —School Library Journal

“. . .the time period, shown through both product placement (such as Lux soap, Barbasol, and Unguentine) and daily activities (such as listening to radio serials) unobtrusively frame this diverting read.” —Horn Book