Dogs of War by Sheila Keenan –OPTIONAL

Keenan, Sheila and Illustrated by Fox, Nathan Dogs of War 208 pgs. GRAPHIX., 2013. $16.99  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG.

This graphic novel features the stories three dogs and the wars they were a part of: World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War. We meet Boots and his owner, a young boy who is an unofficial med tech. They find soldiers still alive, so they can be treated and rescued. Next is Loki and his trainer in Greenland, together they face Nazi’s and a freezing night outside. Finally we meet Sheba, a dog who was always there for his trainer, yet never allowed to come home. In this final story we also meet a young boy and his dog, who help heal this wound.

I wanted to love this book, I really did, but I think students will be a bit lost. The first story was incredibly confusing, the artwork adding to the complexity. The role the heroic dog played was only briefly mentioned, the plot centering around the boy instead. The second story was ok but didn't really convince me the dog was a hero, more of moral support. The final story was heartbreaking and the easiest to understand of all three. I was bawling. I wonder though, if students will understand it, as much of it had to do with the stigma of the war, and PTSD. Maybe a teacher could bring these to life better than a student reading on their own.

EL, MS -OPTIONAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.