Letters from Wolfie
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| Letters From Wolfie | |
| Author | Patti Sherlock |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre(s) | Children's Historical novel |
| Publisher | Viking Books |
| Publication date | May 2004 |
| Media type | Print (Hardback) |
| Pages | 256 pp |
| ISBN | ISBN 0670036943 |
Letters From Wolfie is a children's novel by Patti Sherlock. It is about Mark Cantrell, a boy living in the United States during the Vietnam War, and his dog, Wolfie. The novel was inspired by real events,[1] and has a strong anti-war sentiment.[2] Letters from Wolfie won the 2005 Merial Human-Animal Bond Award from the Dog Writers Association of America and was nominated for the Young Readers Medal in California, the Young Reader's Choice Award in Rhode Island, and the Maine Student Book Award.[3] It has been translated into Japanese.[4]
Contents |
[edit] Plot summary
After his popular older brother Danny joins the army, Mark tries to get some attention of his own by sending his dog Wolfie to become an army dog. He later regrets his decision and misses his dog terribly. Determined to get Wolfie back, Mark starts to write letters to congressmen, but no-one attempts to help him. Mark organizes a march.
Danny comes home after stepping on a mine. He is injured and a different person than the one who left for war. Quiet and bitter, Danny pushes away his friends and family, haunted by his memories of war. Wolfie is shot by a Vietnam soldier and dies. Many of the soldiers who worked with Wolfie send letters full of stories about Wolfie. Wolfie's handler Tucker sends Mark a long letter about the day Wolfie died. The last chapter of the book is a letter written by Mark to Wolfie, telling him about the things that had happened in years after his death. Tucker still writes to Mark and is a junior at college, while Mark attends middle school.
[edit] Characters in Letters From Wolfie
- Mark: A boy living in the United States during the Vietnam War, he decides to send his dog, Wolfie, to become an army dog.
- Danny: Mark's brother and a soldier in the war until his injury from stepping into a mine; once outgoing, but becomes withdrawn after his experience in the war
- Wolfie: Mark's dog who becomes an army dog. He is described as an energetic, playful German Shepherd.
- Tucker: Wolfie's handler; a tough guy who softens after meeting Wolfie.
- Claire: Mark's crush who helps Mark in his time of need. She is against the war.
[edit] References
- ^ Powell's.com
- ^ Tsosie, Eldridge, 2004, Letters from Wolfie, ALAN Review.
- ^ Author speaks at library, The Park Record.
- ^ Letters From Wolfie, pattisherlock.com.
