Letters From Wolfie by Patti Sherlock, Kelley McIntyre (Designed by)

From the Publisher

It's 1969 and America is deeply divided over the war in Vietnam. Yet when thirteen-year-old Mark donates his dog, Wolfie, to the Army's scout program, he feels sure he's doing the right thing. After all, his dad is a WWII veteran, and his older brother Danny is serving in Vietnam. But although Wolfie's handler sends letters detailing Wolfie's progress, the Army won't say when&150or if&150Wolfie and the other dogs will be returned to their owners. As Danny's letters home become increasingly grim, Mark grows more and more unsure of his decision to send Wolfie&150and of his feelings about the war. He'll need to do something drastic to get Wolfie back, but how can he raise his voice in protest without betraying his country? Inspired by real events, this is a gripping story about loyalty, dissent, patriotism, and the heartbreaking contradictions of war.

Publishers Weekly

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.

Eldridge Tsosie - Alan Review

Thirteen-year-old Mark Cantrell's decision to enlist his dog, Wolfie, as a scout for the Army is encouraged by a letter from his brother, Danny, serving in Vietnam, and his father, a former trumpet player with the First Calvary obsessed with duty and responsibility. Mark hopes Wolfie's service to his country will quicken Danny's return and get his family's life back to normal, so he can deal with his girlfriend Claire, his best friend Rick's turbulent home life, and the strained relationship of his parents. Further complications arise when Mark learns of the Army's policy of treating dogs as their equipment. Realizing the horrible fate awaiting Wolfie, Mark campaigns to bring Wolfie home along with the other service animals. Mark comes to understand that his father's views on war and duty differ from his own and finds his brother comes home a complete stranger. The Vietnam War serves as the catalyst and the crux of the changes in the Cantrell family's life. Adolescent pet owners and non-owners will enjoy the bond between Mark and Wolfie, although some adult readers might be turned off by the anti-war sentiment that permeates work. 2004, Viking Press, 240 pp., Ages young adult.

School Library Journal

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.

Kirkus Reviews

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)

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