Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 10/01/2013 Gr 4–7—A handsome German shepherd dominates the patriotic cover of Larson's World War II home-front novel, but the book's action centers on the dog's absence. Hobie Hanson, an endearingly earnest 11-year-old, loves his father, who is stationed overseas in the Army Air Corps, and his crackerjack dog named Duke. Determined to aid the war effort (and by extension his dad) any way he can, Hobie loans Duke to Dogs for Defense, a real-life organization that trained pets for the military. Larson weaves a wonderfully genuine attachment between boy and dog and thoughtfully examines Hobie's conflicted emotions as Duke gets partnered with a battle-bound Marine; fearful, proud, and lonely, among other muddled feelings, the boy guiltily schemes to bring his pet home. The author peppers the novel with charming period and regional details-who knew about Wheato-Naks cereal or the Seattle fishing fleet's annual blessing ceremony?-and maintains a fairly sunny tone despite the premise's potential for tragedy. Smaller-scale tensions fail to engage, such as bullying by a meanie and manufactured quarrels between Hobie and his new friend, Max Klein. Both side plots could likely be resolved with a swift talking to from the mindful, swaggering, baseball-captaining Catherine, who is clearly the character with the best head on her shoulders. Larson's tale succeeds best as a study of the home-front experience and a poignantly dogless tale for dog lovers.—Robbin E. Friedman, Chappaqua Library, NY - Copyright 2013 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 11/01/2013 With a war sweeping the world in 1944, Hobart “Hobie” Hanson’s father flies B-24s in Europe, his mother serves the Red Cross in their Seattle neighborhood, and his little sister knits socks for soldiers. But is the fifth-grader, as a popular war slogan suggests, doing all he can? When Hobie hears about the Dogs for Defense program, he “enlists” his beloved pet, Duke, to serve with the armed forces. Instantly regretting his decision, Hobie tries to retrieve his dog as he also contends with his father’s uncertain fate, constant insults from the school bully, and risking his friendship with a new student of German descent. Letters sent from Duke (and his trainer, of course) provide updates on the canine and insight into this little-known band of four-legged soldiers. Larson captures the time period with pop-culture references, such as the Hop Harrigan radio program, as well as with the war efforts back home, such as saving cooking fat to make explosives. A good example of how bravery comes in all shapes, sizes—and breeds. - Copyright 2013 Booklist.

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