Thirteen-year-old Mark donates his dog, Wolfie, to the Army's scout program during the Vietnam War, but when the Army won't say when--or if--the dogs will be returned to their owners, Mark grows more unsure of his decision to send Wolfie, in a gripping story about loyalty, dissent, patriotism, and the heartbreaking contradictions of war.
Why I read it: This book is on our historical fiction "Recommended Reading" list for the sixth grade. One of my students checked it out and brought it home. Next thing we knew there was a parent complaint because the book mentioned the term "reproductive processes" and Playboy. My director asked me if I'd read the book and since I hadn't, I told her I would right away. I also checked reviews.
The result: Letters From Wolfie is a beautiful story about a boy who donates his dog to the US army during the conflict in Vietnam. It is funny and sad and just such a great book for kids in grades 5-8. The content is completely appropriate. The mention of "reproductive processes" and Playboy has to do with the main character (a 7th grade boy) recalling having learned about that in school and then he and his friend searching for Playboys and finding nothing. Completely harmless. It makes me sad that this mother has disallowed her child from reading this book. That said, every parent is responsible for monitoring the reading of his or her children, and it is well within the mother's right to have her daughter read something different. The book stays on the list and I will certainly recommend it to my animal-loving students.
Letters From Wolfie is a relatively short story about a thirteen year old boy named Mark who (mostly out of envy) sends his beloved dog Wolfie to help the army in Vietnam without really knowing much about what he has done, all he knows is it gets his older brother (who is a soldier already) out of the spotlight for a little while and gives him a few moments of glory. However when he finds out that dogs are targeted by the enemy for a hefty price he digs deeper into what goes on in Vietnam with the dogs, and after receiving a letter with Wolfie's handler's details he takes it upon himself to write to the guy and find out more whilst keeping updated on how well his beloved companion is doing.
Mostly this book is light on the brain, addressing issues with the government and showing both sides of the argument. Mark is pressured to support the war from his dad, however when he learns more he begins to question how right his father is.
I found the book quite interesting, though at times it did seem like Mark was a lot older than his thirteen years. This book uses letters to tell the reader what exactly being in the army is like and addresses the not well known issue of what happens to our four legged heroes after the war. Letters From Wolfie also shows how the war can affect families, people torn between where to stand and segregating themselves from people who have different opinions. I knew that this was going to be a sad book when I bought it and for most part it wasn't to bad, then the dreaded part near the end came and letters from all the soldiers were sent to Mark along with a letter from the handler. Obviously I held back the tears as I wasn't reading this alone, however if I had I think I'd have plenty of wet tissues surrounding me.
The book takes place in 1969 during the Vietnam war. When America was being beaten badly and was in drastic need of assistance. With that being the case they were begging people to help in any way possible. But some rather interesting and sad events took place in a town with a boy and his dog. The boy’s name is Mark and the dog Wolfie they were inseparable those two. But Mark’s older brother Danny was in the army and that changed everything. Because when Danny joined the army so did Wolfie. Their father served in the war and was a full on patriot which I think influenced Marks decision making what was his decision the wrong one. This is a story of a true bond between a boy and his dog and I believe this book has the power to touch hearts.
Opinion about the book
To me this book was an amazing read it is good for bot young and old people and is truly captivating. What makes this book so enjoyable is its willingness to go from playful to serious in a matter of pages. Also it gives a very vivid representation of the Wolfie's point of view and how he sees the situations. Honestly the story of Wolfe and Mark made me closer to my dog. Because sometimes you can't see past the bad things someone or something might do which enables you to so the good or playful intent behind the action or actions. This book is an eye opener to a closed minded person, a friend when no one else is around, and an emotional roller coaster to all most all who read. I can not guarantee you will feel the same way about the book but I do hope u can. This book is great for people who like books inspired by real events.
In this book a young boy has gotten a dog and has owned him for about 3 to 4 years now. The boys older brother had just left for war and was now at base camp, they had been keeping in touch through letters. One day his brother had sent a letter and in the letter his brother had said that they had needed a military dog and was wondering if he could have Wolfie. James did not know if he wanted to lose Wolfie, and never see him again. He had finally made up his mind and decided to send Wolfie to war. His older brother promised to keep him safe and always let James know if he was alright. After a few months of letters about Wolfie, James got the letter that changed his life forever. Wolfie had been in a explosion and had lost his left back leg, he was coming home. James could not believe what had happened he was broke in two at the thought of Wolfie with only three legs. Wolfie had finally arrived home James was so glad to see him, he was actually not minding the leg gone. Wolfie looked happy so James wanted to be happy, James had just forgot all about the leg and was just happy he was home!!!!
CIP: It's 1969 and America is deeply divided over the war in Vietnam. Yet when thirteen-year-old Mark donates his dog, Wolfie, to the Army's scout program, he feels sure he's doing the right thing. After all, his dad is a WWII veteran, and his older brother Danny is serving in Vietnam. But although Wolfie's handler sends letters detailing Wolfie's progress, the Army won't say when and -or if - Wolfie and the other dogs will be returned to their owners. As Danny's letters home become increasingly grim, Mark grows more and more unsure of his decision to send Wolfie - and of his feelings about the war. He'll need to do something drastic to get Wolfie back, but how can he raise his voice in protest without betraying his country? Inspired by real events, this is a gripping story about loyalty, dissent, patriotism, and the heartbreaking contradictions of war.
Excellent. Recommended for those loving adventure, dog stories. Grim, realistic, sad ending when brother Danny comes home wounded and Wolfie dies in Vietnam.
This moving story brings together the emotions of the Vietnam era with the need to serve your country. Mark is thirteen and has always lived in the shadow of his brother who is serving in Vietnam. When his brother, Danny, tells of a need for service dogs, Mark impulsively volunteers to send his much loved dog, Wolfie, to the army. His initial yearnings to impress those adults who are so taken with Danny is replaced with the regret that he feels over losing his best friend. Believing that Wolfie will come home after a one year tour, Mark is devestated to learn that dogs are considered eqipment. He starts a long letter writing campain to Wolfie's new trainer, Tucker among others to try and get Wolfie back. This heart wrentching story showcases a glimpse into the time when America struggled against itself over a war.
Wow, what a tear-jerker. I admit I am a sucker for 'boy and his dog' stories, but this one is special.
Set in the Vietnam War era and focused on the journey of a young boy (Mark) with his beloved, rambunctious rescue dog (Wolfie). As his older brother, Danny enlisted in the Army and convinced Mark that he could make a contribution to the war effort by donating Wolfie to the military.
The tensions between Marks parents, lifestyle changes when his mother gets a part-time job at the library, his efforts to get an answer about the disposition of the military working dogs post-deployment and so on make quite a story and the struggle about the status of these dogs is *still* in question!
This could’ve been a deeper, more layered story, but understanding the intended middle grade audience, it does what it sets out to do. A heartfelt, emotional read that still managed to break me… Vietnam and a dog will do that every time. And for the record… Wolfie is the very best boy
This book is a pretty random book that i picked up and didn't expect to be pretty good. Especially since i'm not really interested in war books, this one seemed to squeeze its way into my liking. First, having to feel ignored most of the time is a pretty sucky feeling and thats what the main character of the book Mark had to go through. Especially with his brother at war he doesn't get the attention he wants so he sends his dog to war hoping to get a little eyes on him for once. Has i read this book i noticed how Mark is continuing to change, i say this because with all the new people he meets which have different opinions on the war so Mark doesn't know what he thinks about the war anymore. This book managed to sway my emotions because, back to sending the dog to war Mark seems to regret it a little and Wolfie ends up being an army dog, making Mark upset and starting a protest to bring Wolfie back, but then also making Mark a little more unsure about his opinion on war. Another reason why this book swayed my emotions is because the dog dies. Overall this book had very well written descriptions almost like your in the book, i would recommend this book to anyone no matter what type of genre they like.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
My Review: I have had my eye on this book for a while and finally went ahead and picked it up. It was a bit of a slow read and was rather depressing, in fact I had to put it down for a while. With that said, there were several very important points and subjects contained within this book. It is a great middle grade book in the fact that it doesn't pull any punches, while it doesn't get into the full graphic facts of war, particularly the Vietnam war, it does show the reader many of the harder aspects. I love the way that this book presented two very different opinions in a time where the lines were so drawn and it was difficult for each side to see the other. I also like the way that it gave a glimpse into the different ways people deal with difficult times, fear and grief, and the way that some were able to help and support one another. Definitely a great book and well worth the read but it can be a little slow and difficult to get through for young readers.
This historical fiction story is about a thirteen year old boy name Mark and his dog Wolfie during the Vietnam War. Mark learns that the army is needing scout dogs and he decides to send Wolfie. At first, Mark thinks that by sending Wolfie he will look like a hero, but as time goes on he regrets his decision and is left fighting to get him returned.
I used this book as a read aloud in my 7th grade classroom during our historical fiction unit and students really enjoyed the book. The book allowed our class to have multiple discussions throughout such as how people and their viewpoints change over time and the war. We liked that when Mark received letters from Wolfie's handler because they were written in the view point of the dog.
Tells the story of a family dog, Wolfie, donated by his young owner, Mark, to help with the army during the Vietnam War. Mark's brother is serving with the army and thought it was a good way to help the war effort until he gets to Vietnam and discovers that the dogs are not returned to the families and are often are left in the country they served. The story also deals with the friction experienced in the United States during this time both at home, school, towns, and cities. It was sad and an eyeopener. I didn't realize that dogs are considered "equipment" for the army. I's recommend the book but with a warning that this time was turbulent and the outcome isn't always what is hoped for.
The only item that would have been appreciated is an appendix listing resources for later. I would like to know more about the current policy on treatment and use of animals by the armed forces. As mentioned the dogs were considered as equiment. I very much enjoyed reading Letters from Wolfie, although I cried my eyes out in more that one chapter. While its for readers, ages 10 and up, I believe adults would really like the book. Please see kirkus reviews for more about the book at: https://cms.kirkusreviews.com/book-re...
Letters From Wolfie is a relatively short story about a thirteen year old boy named Mark who (mostly out of envy) sends his beloved dog Wolfie to help the army in Vietnam without really knowing much about what he has done, all he knows is it gets his older brother (who is a soldier already) out of the spotlight for a little while and gives him a few moments of glory. However when he finds out that dogs are targeted by the enemy for a hefty price he digs deeper into what goes on in Vietnam with the dogs, and after receiving a letter with Wolfie's handler's details he takes it upon himself to write to the guy and find out more whilst keeping updated on how well his beloved companion is doing.
Mostly this book is light on the brain, addressing issues with the government and showing both sides of the argument. Mark is pressured to support the war from his dad, however when he learns more he begins to question how right his father is.
I found the book quite interesting, though at times it did seem like Mark was a lot older than his thirteen years. This book uses letters to tell the reader what exactly being in the army is like and addresses the not well known issue of what happens to our four legged heroes after the war. Letters From Wolfie also shows how the war can affect families, people torn between where to stand and segregating themselves from people who have different opinions. I knew that this was going to be a sad book when I bought it and for most part it wasn't to bad, then the dreaded part near the end came and letters from all the soldiers were sent to Mark along with a letter from the handler. Obviously I held back the tears as I wasn't reading this alone, however if I had I think I'd have plenty of wet tissues surrounding me.
Letters from wolfie is a historical-fiction book about a boy named mark who sends his dog to war (mainly because his patriotic as hell dad drilled it into his head that sacrificing w everything for you country is good. Marks brother Danny is an actively serving member and is fighting in the war. This is during the Vietnam War and dogs had high bounties on their head, he didn’t learn this until a bit later. Wolfie missing took a jab at Marks heart.
Mark soon grows to have mixed feelings about sending his dog but eventually, the story takes a turn.
It’s a read from me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Terrible book really. I didn’t need these tears. Didn’t ask for them. I thought it would be all fun and games. A book for young kids. I made a mistake.
Mark decides, after receiving a letter from his older brother (a soldier in Vietnam), to lend his dog, Wolfie, to the army to become trained as a scout dog. There are all kinds of amazing stories about these dogs and their trainers and how they make units safer because of the dogs’ abilities to sniff out trouble. Mark has some misgivings because he loves Wolfie so much (Wolfie is a German shepherd-Malamute cross) and doesn’t want to give him up, but then he thinks he’s doing his part for the war by parting with his best friend. Wolfie enters the training program and Mark starts writing to find out how he’s doing. He ends up corresponding with Wolfie’s trainer over the next few months and learns a lot about the man who is with his dog and the Vietnam War – not all of it pleasant. Mark’s biggest concern becomes the fate of his dog after the war. There don’t seem to be any clear provisions as to what happens to the animals or what constitutes a reasonable amount of time served. Mark begins writing letters to everyone he can think of (with the help of his school teacher) to find out what will happen to Wolfie, and to urge the army to send him home.
Mark comes from a pretty conservative household – his parents support the war and his brother is a soldier. But, as time goes on, Mark’s mother becomes more and more anti-Vietnam – not only because her son is over there, but for other reasons as well. Mark’s dad remains solidly pro-war. The mixed feelings put a great deal of strain on the whole family, particularly when Mark’s brother returns home after an injury that takes part of his leg. He’s obviously suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (feelings about the war and what he’s seen while he was in Vietnam) and has trouble readjusting to civilian life. Mark stages a protest for Wolfie, and receives a great deal of media coverage – not only for his cause, but for the anti-war agenda (a number of Vietnam veterans show up to participate in the protest). It’s a huge deal for Mark, who has never done anything like this in his life and isn’t even sure how he feels about the war (all he does know for sure is how much he misses Wolfie).
This is a really great young-person’s view of the Vietnam War, and how it might have affected a kid growing up during that time – with issues that might have been relevant to him or her. It shows just how conflicted people were about the war, without going into a lot of detail (which might be overwhelming for kids just starting to learn about the conflict).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Mark loves his dog, Wolfie. Wolfie is a German Shepherd/ Malamute mix. The year is 1969--the Military is recruiting people and dogs to fight in the Vietnam War. Danny, Mark’s brother, fought in the Vietnam War. After Danny leaves, Mark wonders if sending Wolfie away was the right thing for the country since they are in need of dogs. Later, Mark tells his class he sent away his dog to help fight in the war. His parents think he is right but this girl, Claire lectures him about giving Wolfie away. After listening to this feedback, Mark wonders why he gave away his dog since they were so close to each other. Was it because of Danny? Danny starts making letters and ships them to Mark's home so their family could read them while he is away. Danny doesn’t really like to send letters, but he does it for his family. Mark gets letters from Danny telling all the important stuff that is happening from Wolfie’s perspective. Overall I would give this book 4 stars because it is so touching. I would recommend this to anyone that is a dog lover. This was an amazing book and you should read it!
Mark Cantrell donates his beloved dog, Wolfie to the army during the Vietnam conflict. Danny, his older brother, who is serving his country in the war, told Mark about the heroic ways dogs were saving lives. Mark believes he is doing his patriotic duty. Wolfie, friendly and loving, has ups and downs in training, as Mark learns about his progress from his handler, Tucker Smalley. Mark begins to have doubts about his sacrifice when he reads accounts of other dogs in the army. Dogs are viewed as 'army equipment' and are expendable. Tucker, writes to Mark frequently, in Wolfie's voice, hence the title. Mark wonders what will happen to Wolfie once his job is finished. He finds out that most army dogs are left behind or euthanized. Marks sets about campaigning for Wolfie's return to Colorado after the war. Life is complicated, fraught with worry, and unpredictable as the family copes with Danny's dreadful tour-of-duty and his subsequent return,the uneasy feeling the country has about the war in general and the upheaval it created for American families .
during Vietnam War, Colorado ?. After his older brother Danny leaves to serve in Vietnam, 13 year old Mark decides to donate his dog Wolfie to serve in the Army Scout program, thinking that like his brother, Wolfie will serve for a year and then return home. It is only after Wolfie is gone that Mark finds out that Wolfie is now army property and he may never see him again. Mark begins writing letters and organizing a protest to help make sure Wolfie will be able to come home.
I liked that the book included a lot of different perspectives about the war. Even in his own family, Mark discovered that not everyone agreed. I think the author did a good job of showing why each character felt the way that she or he did about the war, protesting Wolfie's treatment, etc and how their opinions changed or stayed the same over the course of the book.
***Wolfie dies defending his handler from a sniper
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
A wonderful and yet heart-breaking story which takes place during the Vietnam War. It is centered aroung a family of four and those who know them and care for them. At first, the entire family is very supportive of the war, but as they lived through difficult experiences caused by the war, some of the support changed to opposition. The oldest son joined the war . He came home as a changed man, both physically and emotionally. Mark, the youngest boy, donated his beloved dog, Wolfie to be trained and then used as a scout dog in Viet Nam. Wolfie left behind an empty hole in Mark's heart, but he enriched the lives of the soldiers that he served with. I so enjoyed some of the supporting characters, including a teacher who really cared about his students and a lovely, eldery neighbor who loved and was loved by Mark's family. A great heart-warming and heart-breaking story.
The author of the book wolfie is Patti Sherlock. This book has 228 pages. The characters are mom, dad, Brother, Mark and alot of others. This book is about a young boy and his dog. His brother just went to the army and and mark heard they needed dogs. So he thought it would be good to send wolfie. 1 week after mark's brother went to the army Mark sent wolfie. So he did stuff wich was boring it got queit around the house. Then he gets news that after war is done the owner can't have their dog back. Mark got mad he started contacting the law and even had a march. At the end of the book the brother comes home because they ampuated his foot. And then after school he can see his mom in the office waiting for him. Is it good or bad news? read the book to find out.
letters from wolfie was an exciting and heartwarming book. its a touching tale of a boy growing up and about the war. In 1969 the war is strong and marks brother danny is in the war so he sends him mark is heatbroken. This book made you want to cry and smile at the same time becuase marks brother and now his dog were in the war and he had to worry about two lives now that were very important to him. there is alot of sacrafice of how mark had to give up his dog even though he wanted to keep him home with him. this book was based on a real story and true events which made it even sadder. the project im thinking about doing is a sculpture.
I enjoyed this book because it represents sacrifice of life for the greatest country in the world. If you give your life for this country, you completed the greatest mission you were given to complete. The story starts off with a boy who adopts a dog from the animal shelter and he raises the dog like any other human being does. When Wolfie gets a bit older, Marks' brother, Danny, registers for the Vietnam war. Once Danny leaves, Mark is thinking about sending Wolfie to war. My least favorite part of the book is when Wolfie was killed protecting his own master from a bullet. I and probably everyone never want to see your best friend pass away.
After his brother joins the army and is sent to Vietnam, Mark sends his dog Wolfie to help the war effort. When he realizes that the army does not intend to send Wolfie home after his term of service, Mark gets involved in war protests that nearly tear his family apart. He meets people who think the war might not be such a good idea and Mark starts to question everything he's always taken for granted. It's a great, great book about a boy starting to grow up and think for himself. Warning: the dog dies, so sensitive readers should beware.