Cracker!: The Best Dog In Vietnam
by Cynthia Kadohata
by Cynthia Kadohata
CRACKER! by Cynthia Kadohata Category: Action-Adventure Age Recommendation: Grades 6+ Release Date: 2/6/07 Publisher: Atheneum Reviewed by: Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky" Rating: 5 Stars This book tells the story of a Vietnam hero. It's not your usual run-of-the-mill war story because it's told from two points of view. A young soldier named Rick Hanski and a German shepherd he trained for the military share the spotlight as they recount their adventures from training camp to active duty in the jungles of Vietnam. Cracker and Rick are paired together in training to sniff out bombs, booby-traps, and enemy soldiers. Neither one is too sure of the other at first, but they eventually become inseparable friends and soldiers. Rick's goal is to prove his worth and "whip the world," and Cracker is by his side throughout the experience. Cynthia Kadohata gives the reader detailed descriptions of the dog training process, as well as a view of the dog handler/animal relationship. The scenes set in Vietnam provide a close-encounter type look that makes the reader feel part of the action. Cracker is a book for anyone with a love and respect for the intelligence of animals and an interest in how they can interact with and serve humanity. |
