Soldier Dogs: Victory at Normandy (Ace), by Marcus Sutter (Harper Collins/Childrens, 2019, 178 pages, $7.99, grades 3-7, ages 8-12)*
Facts and Fun
The book series, Soldier Dog, teaches more history than a history book! Ace, a parachuting ace Boston Terrier, was actually a pet dog in Cleveland, Ohio, who was donated by his kids and family to the military for the “duration” of World War 2 in a program called Dogs for Defense.
Book 4 in the series is a bit different from the first three (also reviewed): it takes place primarily as the story of two European children, Henri (French) and Elle (a war orphan), and three dogs, not one: Ace, a US military Boston Terrier; Krieger, a Nazi Doberman; and Brigitte, a French dog that used to live with Henri before she was conscripted by the occupying forces - and how their lives intersect (along with a White Fox). And, of course, Jake, the US soldier.
Challenge!
Challenge!
Each chapter features a different drawing of Ace, in uniform! Perhaps the reader can guess how it foreshadows what will happen in the chapter. In addition, much of the book is told from the dog’s point of view. But, who is the White Fox? And how can two kids save a dog from of all things, a tree?
Behind the Lines on D-Day in France: Lessons Learned
What could be more exciting than each chapter being a cliffhanger with capture by the Nazis, escape from the Nazis, getting lost, finding their way again, and adventure after adventure all with a happy ending (but bittersweet for some – that is the lesson of growing up). And hunger and loss and worry/concern about family - and hiding. And facing fear.
New Words and Conversation-Starters
New vocabulary introduced includes tripwire and krieger while the following quotes may spark a conversation or two:
“Now that you’ve been identified, your usefulness to us has changed—”
“It hasn’t changed the fact that I can speak eight languages, forge federal documents, and knock a man out with my bare hands,” snapped Mother. . . . a trained combatant, journalist and spy. . . . (p. 21)
Ace. . . savored the salty, fatty tang of the treat; it reminded him of week-old bacon from behind the trash can, only better. (p. 31)
The mission called for Ace to be doing all sorts of tasks. . . right after they’d landed. First, Ace was going to check for any oncoming soldiers. Then Ace was going to suss out any enemy dogs and lead them on a wild chase before narrowly escaping them and returning. THEN he was going to lead . . . and notify Jake of any tripwires, mines or other booby traps that the enemy had laid for them on the beach—all before they headed to the meeting point! (p. 89)
The Doberman looked less like a dog and more like a weapon of war built by the Germans. Her pointed face reminded him of a machine gun bullet, and her ears looked like two pointed turrets on the side of a black fortress. (p. 80)
What Parents Will Like
The author has included a page of German and French words, the usual poster of Ace, and several pages and timelines about D-Day and World War 2, fascinating for parents to recall from their history class days and to engage in their youngster in conversation.
And, here’s a secret: the last page is words to live by for the rest of your life.
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The complete series, each with a poster of the dog:
4. Ace – Victory at Normandy (Boston Terrier)
5. Boss – Battle of the Bulge (Alaskan husky)
6. Buster – Heroes on the Homefront (yellow lab)
7. Jack - Shipwreck on the High Seas (Boxer)
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