War Dogs: Tales of Canine Heroism, History, and Love: Tales of Canine Heroism, History, and Love

In this special edition of War Dogs, adapted specifically for a younger audience, Rebecca Frankel offers a riveting mix of on-the-ground reporting her own hands-on experiences in the military working dog world, and a look at the science of dogs' special abilities--from their amazing noses and powerful jaws to their enormous sensitivity to the emotions of their human companions. Her narrative gives us insight into the world of dogs in combat and the touching aspect of the relationship between soldiers and their dogs.

Frankel explores the long, rich history of dogs in the US military, from the spirit-lifting mascots of the Civil War to the dogs still leading patrols hunting for IEDs today. Frankel not only interviewed handlers who deployed with dogs in wars from Vietnam to Iraq, but top military commanders, K-9 program managers, combat-trained therapists who brought dogs into war zones as part of a preemptive measure to stave off PTSD, and veterinary technicians stationed in Bagram. She makes a passionate case for maintaining a robust war-dog force.

In this YA edition, Rebecca Frankel gives further insight into her work as a journalist and how it led her to explore the world of dogs and their handlers. With a compelling cast of humans and animals, this moving book is a must read for all dog lovers.

Author: Rebecca Frankel
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Published: 09/06/2016
Pages: 256
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.55lbs
Size: 8.50h x 6.00w x 0.60d
ISBN: 9781250112286
Age Range: 12-18

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 7.4
Point Value: 10
Interest Level: Middle Grade Plus
Quiz #/Name: 185539 / War Dogs: Tales of Canine Heroism, History, and Love


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 01/01/0001
Kirkus Reviews 08/01/2016
School Library Journal 10/01/2016 pg. 136

About the Author
REBECCA FRANKEL is deputy editor at Foreign Policy magazine. Her regular Friday column Rebecca's War Dog of the Week has been featured on The Best Defense since January 2010. Her work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, National Geographic, Slate, among others. A Connecticut native, Frankel resides in Washington, DC.