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 enlarge | Author: Cynthia Kadohata
Publisher: Aladdin
Category: Book
List Price: $7.99
Buy New: $4.25
You Save: $3.74 (47%)
New (32) Used (9) from $4.25
Rating:  18 reviews
Sales Rank: 25551
Media: Paperback
Edition: Reprint
Reading Level: Ages 9-12
Pages: 320
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.7
Dimensions (in): 8.2 x 5.5 x 1
ISBN: 141690638X
EAN: 9781416906384
ASIN: 141690638X
Publication Date: October 7, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: Brand New and Factory Sealed Item Fast Shipping
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 6-10 of 18
Not just for dog people... December 18, 2007
L. K. Messner
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
I know what a gifted writer Cynthia Kadohata is, but I still wasn't expecting to fall in love with this book the way I did. I'm...er...not exactly a dog person. There are certain dogs I really like, but I don't like it when strange dogs come bounding up and jump on me during my morning run. Anyway, I thought this might be a book for dog people, but it's much more than that.
Cynthia Kadohata does a remarkable job letting us inside the minds of Rick, an angry young man who is sent off to Vietnam as a new dog handler and his dog, Cracker. When the narrative slips into Cracker's point of view, it does so seamlessly and convincingly. Not surprisingly, Rick is changed dramatically by his experiences in Vietnam and by the relationship he forges with Cracker. Cracker, too, becomes a different kind of dog - more in tune with her instincts and committed to the job she has been given.
Cracker's story is compelling and eye-opening, and this novel provides a realistic look at what went on in Vietnam while remaining appropriate for older middle grade readers. This is probably one for the 10-14 crowd, and it's not a book that's just for boys. The 7th grade girl I loaned it to this week returned it with a glowing review the next day.
Meanwhile, I'm still wiping my eyes, but in a good way. Cracker, Rick, and Cynthia Kadohata won my heart with this one - a historical novel and dog story that's not just for dog lovers and history buffs, but for all of us.
Will Cracker be the best dog in Vietnam? December 15, 2007
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Will Cracker be the best dog in Vietnam? The book Cracker by Cynthia Kadohata explains the life of dog handler Rick and his dog Cracker in the Vietnam War. Cracker used to be a city dog. His original owner was a boy named Willie. His family had to move to a different city for his dad's job and the apartment didn't allow dogs. Willie found an ad in the newspaper about needing dogs to fight in the Vietnam War. Willie sends Cracker to the Army and Cracker's new handler was Rick. Since Cracker left home she was very upset and vicious to anyone. Cracker develops throughout the book. She becomes loyal and friendly to Rick. Cracker loves everything about Rick and her training sessions in the Army. This book is a must read. It is understandable and you really get interested in the story. The book Cracker is realistic fiction. Cynthia Kadohata has also written Weedflower and kira-kira, winner of the John Newbery Medal. Cracker is going to whip the world.
A Very Good Book December 14, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I read Cracker!This book is by Cynthia Kadohata. This is a
very good novel that explains the dog's thoughts about the world in Vietnam War time.
This book is juvenile fiction.
Cracker is about a German Sheppard that lives with a boy named Willie. Unexpectedly,
Willie's father loses his job and has to move and rent a house where pets aren't allowed
Willie is forced to give Cracker away and finds out that the Army is looking for German
Shepherds to locate bombs in Vietnam. Cracker gets paired with a handler named Rick
Lanski. Rick has never had a dog and has no experience with dogs. Cracker and Rick's
relationship starts out bumpy and then Cracker becomes the one of the best dogs in
Vietnam (well Rick thinks she is). One day Rick gets injured with a piece of shrapnel
in his leg. Rick didn't know that Cracker went right and he went left, they had gone in
different directions and were separated.
Cracker intended for the average 10 to 12 year old but adults will enjoy it
too. This book's vocabulary is perfect for the average middle school
student. This book is very good!
 Nice middle grade about Vietnam, encourages questions December 6, 2007
A Bookfair Mom
Topic aside, this is a good story that would appeal to many kids. Its an animal story- and its an adventure story. Its not the fastest read, but it carries itself forward well, unlike "Kira Kira" which got a little bogged down in places. True to Kadohata's style, its realistic, but the violence is not gratuitous--and its appropriate for the readership age.
When I heard about the plot of this story before it was published, I wasn't sure it would fly, but was glad I checked it out. Its a great picture of some of the different sides to the Vietnam War without being too preachy. Unlike some other books written about war where the author's story has a definite pro- or anti- war leaning (The latest I've read was "The Silver Donkey" by Sonya Harnet--which was good, but without a doubt, very "anti") Kadohata leaves room for the reader to ask their own questions. I think its got just the right camera angle for a middle grade reader and I'm sure teachers and educators will appreciate it for the springboard to discussions it will provide.
Wow, What a Book!!!!! November 24, 2007
S. Fisher (West Palm Beach, FL United States)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I bought this book for my 10 year old daughter and she just loves it. We had a german shepard who passed away a couple years ago, and Cracker looked just like her. We just got her a new german shepard puppy and I think this book inspired her to read about the life that Cracker lead. She loves to read and I think this book gives her a great deal of pride for the dog and his owner. She crys after every chapter and says "Wow, What a Book". I recommend this book to all kids and I think they will enjoy this wonderful experience through a dog's eyes.
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