About This Book
Duke is a poignant historical fiction chapter book set during World War II, following young Hobie Hanson. With his father flying B-24s in Europe, Hobie makes the difficult decision to 'loan' his cherished German shepherd, Duke, to the Dogs for Defense program, believing it will help end the war sooner. However, when he discovers Duke is being trained for dangerous combat roles, Hobie is consumed by fear and guilt. The story then becomes a determined quest for Hobie to retrieve his dog, exploring themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and the emotional toll of war on families, even those far from the front lines. It's an excellent choice for children aged 7-11, offering a gentle introduction to wartime realities and the powerful bond between a child and their pet.
Hoping to help end the war and bring his dad home faster, Hobie decides to donate Duke to Dogs for Defense, an organization that urges Americans to "loan" their pets to the military to act as sentries, mine sniffers, and patrol dogs.
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Discussion Prompts
1
Why did Hobie decide to send Duke to war? Do you think it was a brave decision?
2
How do you think Hobie felt when he learned Duke was being trained for combat? Have you ever had a moment where a decision you made turned out differently than you expected?
3
What does this story tell us about the sacrifices people and even animals made during World War II?
4
What does Duke teach us about the bond between humans and animals?
5
If you were Hobie, what would you have done to try and get Duke back?
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