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Duke
Unavailable
Duke
Unavailable
Duke
Audiobook4 hours

Duke

Written by Kirby Larson

Narrated by Jonah Von Spreecken

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

4/5

()

Currently unavailable

Currently unavailable

About this audiobook

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.
LanguageEnglish
Release dateMay 1, 2014
ISBN9780545677417
Author

Kirby Larson

KIRBY LARSON is the acclaimed author of many books for children, including the 2007 Newbery Honor Book, Hattie Big Sky, The Magic Kerchief and other picture books. She lives in Kenmore, Washington. www.kirbylarson.com

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Reviews for Duke

Rating: 3.9523809047619047 out of 5 stars
4/5

21 ratings4 reviews

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  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    June would always act still like a kid,never mature.
    Marve was acting a little bit like he wanted to keep Duke.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    A poignant, engaging historical novel exploring the themes of patriotism and sacrifice.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Perfect book for those boys that you know, 3rd/4th/5th grade who want to read books about war, fighting, and other "tough guy" themes. Told from the perspective of a boy who loans his German shepherd for the war effort, this book gives readers a birds eye view of war, from the homefront. Enjoyable and interesting.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    My review refers to the audiobook version and appeared in the Oct/Nov, 2014 edition of AudioFile Magazine.WWII rages, and Uncle Sam asks, “Are you doing all you can?" Fifth- grader Hobie Hanson desperately wants to help bring his father home from the war, but is he willing to enlist his German shepherd, Duke, in the Dogs for Defense program? As Hobie, narrator Jonah Von Spreecken has an earnestness in his voice that fits this singular period in history when so many Americans were compelled to answer the call of duty to their country. He creates distinct voices for each of the story's many characters, and even does a passing job as Hobie's little sister. Von Spreecken is faithful to the period dialogue, easily transporting the listener to a simpler time in this novel of courage, sacrifice, and a beloved dog. Semper fi. L.T. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2014]