Letters From Wolfie

by Patti Sherlock

Overview

Mark’s dog Wolfie is part malamute, part German shepherd, and all heart. Mark can hardly imagine life without his big, loving canine companion. But in 1969, the Vietnam War is still raging, and when Mark learns that the army needs scout dogs, he decides to send Wolfie. As his dad says, a smart dog like Wolfie could save a lot of soldiers—soldiers like Mark’s brother, Danny. Besides, it seems like the patriotic thing to do. Inspired by real events, this is a heartbreaking story about sacrifice, loyalty, and the complex meanings of patriotism.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781101176801
Publisher:	Penguin Young Readers Group
Publication date:	02/15/2007
Sold by:	Penguin Group
Format:	eBook
Pages:	240
File size:	300 KB
Age Range:	10 Years

About the Author

Patti Sherlock is an author, journalist, and teacher. A native of Golden, Colorado, she worked as a newspaper reporter prior to moving to Idaho, where she taught creative writing at Eastern Idaho Technical College for many years. She has authored six books, including Letters From Wolfie, A Dog for All Seasons, and Taking Back Our Lives.

Editorial Reviews

Dog lovers are the most obvious audience for Sherlock's (Some Fine Dog) hard-hitting Vietnam-era novel, which boasts a painting of a grinning German shepherd on its jacket-but they may also be put off by the premise. It's 1969, and 13-year-old Mark Cantrell has just seen his older brother, Danny, off to Vietnam. Shortly after Danny writes that the Army wants more German shepherds to train for use in combat, Mark offers up his own beloved shepherd, Wolfie. The author supplies various motivations for Mark's actions (pressure from his Army-loving father, loyalty to Danny, hopes of impressing girls at school), but the set-up isn't entirely convincing and makes it hard for readers to identify with Mark. It's a weak link in an otherwise strong novel. Belatedly Mark learns that he no longer has any claim on Wolfie ("When you donated your dog... it became property of the U.S. Army," an unsympathetic captain tells him). Mark is shaken, and news from the front, relayed in occasional letters from Danny and in letters written by Wolfie's soldier handler, slowly inclines him toward protest. Mark and Wolfie become a point of entry to the serious issues raised by the Vietnam War. Mark's parents adopt opposing views-the father stands behind his country no matter what, the mother wants to know exactly what her son's sacrifice is for-and Sherlock successfully casts both in a positive light, keeping each of them human and vulnerable. The inevitable tragic ending is well modulated, too. Ages 10-up. (May) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Publishers Weekly

Gr 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. 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. Regretful but stuck, he goes through the paperwork, assuming Wolfie will come home after a year's tour. 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. Meanwhile, he develops a relationship with a girl who is against the war. Mark's mother comes into her own as she gets a job and, through correspondence, helps Tucker realize his potential as well. 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. 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. While all of the characters are well developed and dynamic, it is only wise neighbor Effie, who fled Germany during World War II, who looks upon the unfolding events with true understanding. This story will stay with readers long after the final page is turned.-Mary R. Hofmann, Rivera Middle School, Merced, CA Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal

Mark, 12, wants his brother to be safe in Vietnam, so when the news comes that big dogs could save lives, he considers sending his lovable Wolfie away. Misplaced guilt, pride, and bids for attention from parents and a cute girl motivate this semi-heartfelt sacrifice. How could his pro-military father be wrong? Mark's factual sources are limited: his history teacher, who is usually helpful, is silenced by the school administration. A new voice comes in the form of letters from Wolfie's handler, who chronicles the dog's experiences. The Army's treatment of dogs is not completely humane, so Mark tries to pressure Wolfie's early release by organizing a parade, appearing on radio and TV, and encouraging his legislative representatives to help. Weak, unflattering, pro-war characters and strong, charming, anti-war characters guide Mark's actions. The '60s are back, with Mark in the middle of political mumbo jumbo and societal confusion mirrored in his nation, community, school, and family, but Sherlock skillfully navigates Mark through that turbulence, so his clear teenage voice deepens as his opinions and plan of action change. Politically correct for today. (Fiction 9-11)

Kirkus Reviews

This story will stay with readers long after the final page is turned. (School Library Journal)

From the Publisher