Letters From Wolfie

By Patti Sherlock

Book Overview

Mark's dog Wolfie is part malamute, part German shepherd, and all heart. Mark can hardly imagine life without his big, loving canine companion. But in 1969, the Vietnam War is still raging, and when Mark learns that the army needs scout dogs, he decides to send Wolfie. As his dad says, a smart dog like Wolfie could save a lot of soldiers--soldiers like Mark's brother, Danny. Besides, it seems like the patriotic thing to do. Inspired by real events, this is a heartbreaking story about sacrifice, loyalty, and the complex meanings of patriotism.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 014240358X
• ISBN13: 9780142403587
• Release Date: February 2007
• Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.44 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.2" x 7.8"
• Age Range: 10 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 5 and higher

Customer Reviews

I loved this book

I had previously passed this by because I didn't want to read an unhappy ending, which I suspected would be the case. But I kept coming back to it (I loved the name) and finally purchased it. I absolutely loved this book; it is a marvelous animal (dog) story that will linger long after the reader has finished; it is informative about the Viet Nam era, as well as our government's policy of considering these noble animals as disposable equipment; it is about growing up, and delves into a family's interraction too. I am in my 60's, but would recommend this book to readers of any age.

A new classic

I sat down and read "Letters to Wolfie" in one day. It's a smooth read - the dialogue flows - the writing is clean, but that isn't why I read it at one sitting. The characters in this book, including one wonderful dog, just grabbed and held on; I couldn't put it down. I laughed and I cried. I believe Ms. Sherlock's book will join the ranks of dog books that we don't ever forget, and that Wolfie can take his place next to Old Yeller and Big Dan and Little Ann.

Boys, dogs and war

Sherlock superbly captures and interweaves the emotions of three distinct themes. First, adolescence is confusing and crazy for a young boy, especially when he discovers girls. Second, there is no stronger adolescent bond than a boy and his dog. Third, war is tragic, hurting innocent victims far away from the battle front. Sherlock helps the reader feel the highs and lows of a young man experiencing his first dog, his first love, and his first war.