Diverse characters-this one features Navajo and Mexican characters portrayed positively and in important roles. Animals as inspirational supporting characters-this one has a dog. This book has three elements I always look for in middle-grade books before I begin reading them: Historical fiction-this one is set during World War II.

I was drawn to this book by a review I read recently. Thanks to the network for the review copy of this book, all opinions are my own. I highly recommend this middle grade novel and have added it to my kids’ list for fifth/sixth grade. There were parts that made me cry, particularly at the end.

Kirby Larson does a great job with character development, setting emotional scenes, and drawing you into the time period. If I had to pick a favorite sub genre it would be historical fiction and it makes me so excited to discover great historical fiction for children. When Denny finds Bear, an injured dog, and leaves him with Billie for the remainder of the war, the action solidifies their lifelong friendship and begins to change their lives. Denny is a Navajo Code Talker in Marines struggling to define his identity as a Denè even as he finds solace and structure in the military. Nearing the end of WWII and seeing her brother join the Marines, eleven year old Billie just wants a few things: for her brother to stay safe, a new best friend with whom to navigate middle school, and to hear from her father. She owns a tiara and is not afraid to use it. When she’s not reading or writing Kirby enjoys beach combing, bird watching, and traveling. Kirby lives in Kenmore, Washington with her husband, Neil, and Winston the Wonder Dog. In 2006, Kirby began a collaboration with her good friend Mary Nethery resulting in two award-winning nonfiction picture books: TWO BOBBIES: A TRUE STORY OF HURRICANE KATRINA, FRIENDSHIP AND SURVIVAL, and NUBS: THE TRUE STORY OF A MUTT, A MARINE AND A MIRACLE. She will have two new books out in 2016 - watch for them! Her passion for historical fiction is reflected in titles such as THE FENCES BETWEEN US, THE FRIENDSHIP DOLL, as well as the sequel to HATTIE BIG SKY, HATTIE EVER AFTER, and her two latest titles, DUKE-which was nominated for 5 state Young Reader Choice awards as well as being a finalist for the Washington State Book Award- and DASH-which has garnered two starred reviews, a NAPPA Gold Award and a Capitol Choices nomination. Kirby Larson went from history-phobe to history fanatic while writing the 2007 Newbery Honor Book, HATTIE BIG SKY.

Duke by kirby larson