War Dog

by Martin Booth, Joann Pendola (Illustrator)

Jet, a well-trained black Labrador, is requisitioned by the Army, and soon Jet and her handler are sent to France on active duty where her ability to track the enemy and to rescue the wounded prove invaluable in this gripping tale of World War II.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, World War II, Childrens

144 pages, Hardcover

Published October 1, 1997

About the author

Martin Booth was a prolific English novelist and poet. He also worked as a teacher and screenwriter, and was the founder of the Sceptre Press.

Reviews

[Stephanie Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for middle-grade readers about WW2, without the details of gore and horror in war books for older readers. I think both boys and girls alike would really get into this, with the fighting action and of course, the heroics of Jet the War Dog!
A word of caution; some adult guidance would be needed to explain some of the terms used during the 1940’s. Some of the military words would be unfamiliar to younger readers, and some terms, such as the one used for a female dog, would need to be explained for readers who had only heard it used in a derogatory context.

[3rishib · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not finished reading the entire book, but so far this is the most interesting book i have read about a dog. Obviously the main character is the dog Jet. Throughout the book her name changes from Jet to Bess to Jess. The dog is a two year old,black female Labrador. She is a poaching dog, obedient, well trained, house oriented dog.Then there is Fred the poacher who happens to be the rightful owner of Jet.Then Major Sassoon the dog trainer in the army. Then there was sergeant Ken Hogans the family man that is Jet's new trainer in the army. and basically so far those are the main characters.
The book started off with Fred and Jet poaching, and Fred is sentenced six months to jail.Then Major Sassoon takes jet for the army, and she trains to become a seek/directional dog. They both go to a mission in Dunkirk. the army base was attacked and they had to evacuate. Both Major Sassoon and Bess were shot by enemies while waiting to board on the evacuation ships. Jet was held for six months in a veterinary kennel after her mission. During that time Fred was released from prison and later joined the army. Bess was then introduced to sergeant Ken Hogans who brought Jet to be with him for civil defense training. So far that was the major events that took place in the book.
I cant really tell who the authors audience was.I would make a hypothesis that the audience was primary students and any law enforcement or the dog activists. I say this because the book is about a dog that is forced to leave his owner, and taken to the army and is trained to become this all important dog that helps the army in missions. This book was interesting to me a student so i think its meant for any student. As well as any person who has an interest between wars and dogs.
To me the theme in this book is an emotional bond between man and dog, shows that what ever struggles happen both will triumph, in their own way. Also this book is for enjoyment to whomever the audience is. It shows the view of the Jet, the female Labrador. Also the struggle of being a dog in the war, and the attachments between the different men and the dog. That is the authors message in my opinion. So far i highly recommend this book to all.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story shows the true meaning of love, for a dog, and from a dog. It shows that animals are smarted then we think tha=ey are, and that they will follow you anywhere if you give them a loving hand.

[Riley D · Rating 4 out of 5]

WarDog
By:Martin Booth
So this review is for the book WarDog By Martin Booth the grade level is 7-9. This book is about how dogs in the military came to be, it tells a story about a black labrador who is off to serve her country in WW2. And her journey through all the chaos of war.

The central idea I think is more about love and how such a little thing as a dog can make a difference on how you do things and what you would do for that dog or animal. There are some things in the book that shows this very well. Like when Fred joined the army just to find Jet and to be with her for one last time. It also reveals how much Fred loves Jet and cares for her. Another incident is when Turpin and Jet got back from Dunkirk Turpin was injured but wanted Jet to be helped first and treated because Jet got some metal in her skin.

I really enjoyed this book because it had a great plot and good twist and turns. I could understand this book pretty good it would be perfect for the grades it list and maybe even a little older or younger depending on maturity. Like most books it has a happy ending with everything ending good so it was sorta predictable but it was still a very good story. I would recomend this book to people who likes dogs and doesn’t mind to much gore because there really isn’t any in the book but it is talking about war.

[Derpplatypus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this a beautiful book, about a dog who works in the military, it’s heartwarming to see a dog be brave, and save the day at times. It melts my heart to see Jet be a companion to all the people serving in the war, and follow them as they go through tough times in the war. It’s a good book about friendship, and how it will never end.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute kids book written from both the Dog's and person's perspective. Makes it clear that there is a cost for war.

[Audiobook Accomplice (Gillian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart-stirring; a heroine to want the best for amidst the inhumanity of war
My Full Review

[Rori Kern]

It was an amazing book about dogs in the war. These are my favorite kind of books.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started reading this with my 11 year son. It's perfect for middle school readers.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I spotted War Dog when I was doing our annual library inventory. I don't know how I missed reading this treasure before now. It is worth more than a five star rating. It reminds me of Michael Morpurgo's War Horse though the black Labrador, Jet, doesn't relate the story in his own voice.

It is a great example of historical fiction. The story is very realistic. I'm usually not a fan of war stories but Martin Booth has captured the essence of war and the heart of the people and animals who endure the consequences.

I'm an avid reader so it is saying a lot when I suggest that this book will be added to my list of favorites. I was enthralled from cover to cover.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reread 2021
I have no memory of reading this novel in 2016 but it was a touching story of a brave dog during WWII. I adored Jet, the black Labrador, who risked her life to save people in danger. Beautiful girl!

October 2016 - A lovely story about a beautiful dog during WWII. All the way, I was holding my breath for Jet as she risked her life time and time again. This short novel showed the incredible bravery, loyalty and love dogs show towards those they love. Overall, a very touching story, especially the epilogue.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my favorite books when I was a kid. The story is great, following around a well-trained black lab as she assists her soldier/trainer in a few different war-canine functions. There's just enough grit, blood, and death to make it clear there's a real war going in, but it's light enough that it won't give children nightmares. What it will give children is a fierce desire for a good dog.

[I found the brotherhood (I AM AN ASSASSIN) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good book for young adults and children. simple to read, and simple chapters, it brings you into a world of war through the eyes of a dog names Jess(?). Starting off as an hunting dog, she quickly gets pulled into the military. first sniffing around for bodies, then going off into war to look for enemy soliders. This is a good book for those of you who like to learn about the past.

[Joni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful historical fiction of how dogs were used by the Brits in WW2 - before Dunkirk to warn field troops when they were coming upon Germans, so they wouldn't stumble into an ambush; to help soldiers be evacuated from the beaches of Dunkirk; to search for people in bombed houses during the Blitz. Great especially for kids who love animals.

[Crestial Wintersmith · Rating 3 out of 5]

The bitch were more heroic than all of her unless masters. Not much of a war hound as I was expected. You'd be thinking the dog joined the arm so she can assault some Nazis, tears off they neck like the hellish hound of Baskerville, no. Salute to you regardless Jet, or Bess or Jess. Thanks for your service as a search dog.

[Ethan Meyer]

A black Labrador dog Jet was trained my al young"English poacher." They were hunting one day when all of a sudden he heard footsteps behind him. It was the cops. They wrestled him to the ground and took him to jail for poaching. Then Jet had to go to an auction where he was bought for the army. He then attended 10 weeks of training.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book. I've read it over and over again and I never get tired of it. It's about a wonderful dog named Jet, who goes about doing different jobs. This is a story of her remarkable journey, telling, maybe just some of what it was like to be a War Dog.

[Josh Gnat · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was sure an interesting book. I am a fan of war books such as this so I wasn't disappointed in it. I sure liked how the one man and the dog was so corrected to each other. I would encourage more people to read it if or a fan of war book.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really is good. It's about a dog who travels from one soldier to the next in the midst of a war. It shows how loyal dogs are and how helpful they are in a time of need. Definately read this book!

[Jeanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book with my kids. They REALLY liked it! Its a good, non-thinking book with a happy ending. Can't beat those once in a while. =)

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

My 3rd grader found this while trying to find books on female war heros. It's an interesting enough story, but a little more gory than I'd want her reading.

[Evan · Rating 5 out of 5]

in the story war dogs I learned that that dogs can do things that people can and some things they can do better

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hate war.

I hate the idea of dogs fighting in war more

[Damien E L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fell in love with that black lab