Juvenile Book Review: “Cracker! The Best Dog In Vietnam” By Cynthia Kadohata

Dogs have served in American wars and conflicts including World War I, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and the Iraq War. During the Vietnam War, dogs were considered to be military equipment. After the war, they were considered surplus equipment and most were sent to the soldiers in South Vietnam or killed.

Cracker, a German shepherd, is sent to Vietnam to be trained to be part of the army’s warning system to locate booby traps, bombs, and enemy soldiers. Her trainer is a seventeen-year-old boy from Wisconsin named Rick Hanski. At first, they are both awkward and undisciplined, but the army has ways to train and perfect youngsters, and both learn to work as a team. They are sent on dangerous missions, including one to rescue kidnapped soldiers. Author Cynthia Kadohata writes compellingly about the feel and smells of the jungle, the unease in discovering enemy combatants and villagers, the fear of walking in enemy territory, and the strength of friendships men build with their buddies and their dogs. Both Rick and Cracker change dramatically under the pressure of war. But Rick is determined not to leave Vietnam unless Cracker can be brought out, too.

Atheneum Books for Young Readers, New York (2007). Reviewed by Lillian Hecker, Children Services Librarian. For ages 10 and up.