Duke by Kirby Larson: World War 2 has just begun, and Hobie Hanson’s dad ships out to fight the Germans. Although Hobie is doing a lot to help the US Army, he’s being pressured to donate Duke, his German Shepherd, to an organization called Dogs for Defense. Hobie gives in. After Duke is sent away, Hobie wishes that Duke was still at home and tries everything to get him back. No such luck. Will Hobie ever see his dog again? More importantly, will his dad survive the war?