Gr 5 Up-Keenan has created an exhilarating and suspenseful set of stories about three soldiers and their dogs while also giving a general overview of different wars and touching on some period political and cultural events. Donnie and his dog, Boots, are medics lost deep in the trenches of World War I, trying to find their platoon. Rescuers stationed in Greenland, Cooper and his dog, Loki, are sent to save a downed World War II pilot. The book ends with the compelling story of Lanford, a vet back from Vietnam suffering from flashbacks of his scout dog, Sheba. These relationships feel genuine and are well developed, showing the training process and the reliance each one had with the other in order to stay alive. By the end, readers will feel that these dogs were not just helpers, but true soldiers worthy of honor. Fox's illustrations do a wonderful job of showing the devastating nature of these conflicts without sensationalized violence. The backgrounds are exceptional, showing the extremes of each story's harsh and dangerous environment. A prologue gives more information about each war and a history of solider dogs up to present day. This stunning graphic novel will be a hit with reluctant readers and history lovers.— Peter Blenski, Greenfield Public Library, WI

In three stories of military-trained dogs in war zones, this excellent example of a historical-fiction graphic novel provides both adventure and insight. "Boots" features an episode from the trenches in Ypres during WWI that may be familiar to some youth: the Christmas truce, during which German and British soldiers put away deadly fighting for holiday celebrations together. In "Loki," the scene from WWII is more unusual but no less compelling: a sled dog works d plays ong the military installation protecting Greenland from German forces. "Sheba" is set both during Vietnam and in her GI handler's life years later back in the U.S. They are weighty narratives, but Fox's beautiful, detailed, and deeply colored imagery excels in depicting riveting soldier and dog lives in these varied conflicts and landscapes. Keenan, meanwhile, stays true to good storytelling, providing realistic facts about life in wartime without adding burdensome pedantic asides. Among the many stories about military working dogs being published in recent years, this is a real standout.

Color by Rico Renzi and Guy Major. In this wrenching graphic novel, three stories of dogs who were active participants in wars are presented. Slightly muddy illustrations highlight the chaos and grimness of war, and the text, though sometimes dense, is overall well balanced with the art. A powerful author's note, compelling stories, and the heroism of these dogs will likely inspire and move readers. Reading list, websites.

Three illustrated vignettes evince the deep bond between a man and his best friend in the midst of wartime. Man's best friend didn't rest while he fought across the lines of battle during wartime. Focusing on three major wars--World War I, World War II and Vietnam--Keenan uses the graphic medium to show how dogs aided soldiers both physically and mentally. The opening piece, "Boots," portrays a border collie in the trenches of Ypres in 1914 who is able to help sniff out wounded soldiers. When Boots and her young British handler find themselves facing the enemy on December 25, they take part in the famed Christmas truce. In "Loki," the most thrilling offering, a strong-willed sled dog helps an American soldier serving in Greenland during World War II navigate perilous weather and impending enemy advancement. In the moving "Sheba," an African-American soldier develops a strong bond with his scout dog during the Vietnam War--only to have her treated like a piece of equipment and wrenched from his life. The bonds between these men and their dogs are palpable; the visual component of this work adds a layer of pathos that shows just how strong the connection between man and dog can be. Keenan adroitly captures this work with her parting words, "Semper Fido!"; a truer tenet was never spoken. A must for dog lovers and fans of military history and historical fiction. (author's note, further reading) (Graphic historical fiction. 9-12)

Boots chases rats and helps to locate wounded soldiers in the trenches of World War I. Loki ensures the rescue of a pilot from a snowy Greenland crash-site in World War II. Bouncer reminds Lanford of his jungle days in Viet Nam and of the faithful dog he had to leave behind like a piece of equipment. Dogs have, for centuries, played varied roles in warfare, and reading their stories in this graphic novel reveals their relationships with their human co-participants and the cost of war for both. Keenan's trilogy of war stories centers on dogs but serves as a gateway to examine warfare in general, and three wars in particular. The first story focuses on the cramped, muddy, and generally deadly conditions of the Ypres trenches, and shows the enemy as human. The second takes place in a location not often associated with WWII and, again, stresses the importance of camaraderie and teamwork, this time in a setting where sled dogs are crucial to basic survival. The final tale is a modern story of a young boy and his dog getting to know a veteran, with flashbacks showing the toll of combat and loss.Each setting is well-researched and offers historical as well as psychological insight. Fox's color art imbues each dog with personality without rendering them anthropomorphic, and provides rich atmosphere to each setting. Back matter includes the author's note about military working dogs (MWDs) and lists for further reading and viewing.Lisa Martincik.