Throughout the compelling narrative, youngsters not only watch Mark mature, but are also provided with a terrifying window into what is happening–politically, emotionally, and physically–to the soldiers. Clearly, Vietnam is a disillusioning experience for all, including Mark's gung-ho father, who never quite admits to doubts about the war, but befriends the dad of a draft dodger. Mark's mother comes into her own as she gets a job and, through correspondence, helps Tucker realize his potential as well. Meanwhile, he develops a relationship with a girl who is against the war. The animal is assigned to Tucker, a marginally literate young man who compassionately writes letters to Mark "from" the dog, while Mark begins the increasingly hopeless task of getting Wolfie back. Regretful but stuck, he goes through the paperwork, assuming Wolfie will come home after a year's tour. Mark, 13, overshadowed by his older brother who is serving in Vietnam, impulsively volunteers to send his beloved dog there to impress the adults who are so taken with Danny. Grade 5-9–In this top-notch novel, Sherlock weaves together numerous threads of emotion, information, and plot so seamlessly that readers will be surprised by how much they've learned by the time they finish this deceptively simple story.
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