Dogs at War: Military Canine Heroes

Goldsmith, Connie

ISBN 10: 1512410128 ISBN 13: 9781512410129

Publisher: Twenty-First Century Books ™, 2017

Synopsis

While in a war zone, a military working dog (MWD) and its handler live together, eat together, play together, sleep together, and risk their lives for each other every day. The dogs work with handlers in every branch of the US military. They guard military bases, sniff out concealed explosives and other weapons, and alert their handlers to hidden enemies.

Learn how the military selects these special dogs and trains them for the many tasks they perform while on duty. Meet Rex, Clipper, Maci, Iva, Ikar, and other MWDs who have served the US military in conflicts around the world.

About this title

About the Author

Connie Goldsmith is a registered nurse with a bachelor of science degree in nursing and a master of public administration degree in health care. She has written numerous books for YA readers and nearly two hundred magazine articles. Her recent books include Kiyo Sato: From a WWII Japanese Internment Camp to a Life of Service(2020), a Junior Library Guild selection; Running on Empty: Sleeplessness in American Teens (2021); Understanding Coronaviruses: SARS, MERS, and the COVID-19 Pandemic (2021); and Bombs Over Bikini: The World's First Nuclear Disaster (2014), a Junior Library Guild selection, a Children's Book Committee at Bank Street College Best Children's Book of the Year, an Association of Children's Librarians of Northern California Distinguished Book, and an SCBWI Crystal Kite Winner. She lives in Sacramento, California. Visit her website at http://www.conniegoldsmith.com/.

Reviews

Gr 6 Up—Goldsmith's short book immediately captures attention by opening with detailed stories of two military working dogs (MWDs): Rex, who served with his handler, Mike, in Iraq; and Clipper, who served in the Vietnam War with his handler, John. Subsequent chapters address the history of service dogs, from ancient to present times; the extensive breeding, fostering, and training process; and what the service dogs can expect when they return home. Captioned photographs appear on nearly every page, including adorable pictures of puppies along with charming images of specific MWDs and their human partners. Helpful sidebars on topics like "Myths About Military Work Dogs" and how to send care packages to them overseas are peppered throughout. As a research tool, this title provides extensive back matter perfect for reports. VERDICT School libraries serving upper elementary and middle school students will want to consider this for purchase, as it not only is appealing but also offers a unique focus on a less covered aspect of the military.—Anne Jung-Mathews, Plymouth State University, NH

Edition details

• Publisher: Twenty-First Century Books ™
• Publication date: 2017
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1512410128
• ISBN 13: 9781512410129
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 104