This is one of the best books I have ever read! It is heartbreaking, funny, and you can really relate to the book. Read it! Its the best!!

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An excellent story about a young boy, a German Shepherd, and Dog Handler training in Vietnam. Disks play well and good narration. Many events brought tears to my eyes.
Can be played for young folks too. Brings out details of the conflicts of the time period and the humor of soldiers while under stress plus the bond with the dogs.
Often told from Cracker's view.

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Great Read for adults and kids. I love books that can be used as teaching tools as well as being enjoyable to read.

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i usually don't like books about animals, but i read it because it was by one of my favorit authers, and it ended up being one of the best books i read all year!

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Excellent young adult book for a look at the Vietnam War told in simple terms easy enough for children/adolescents to understand. Cracker is the fictional story of a dog trained to sniff out bombs and the presence of the enemy, and this book takes us through her training and some combat missions. Because of its subject matter it's probably more suited to older children but it shields them from gory details without diminishing the evils of war, and also tells in a simple way of the conflict the soldiers feel about the pride of fighting for their country versus the dismay about the death around them. It also details the true and unhappy end suffered by most of the dogs that actually served in the Vietnam War.

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Great read!

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Reviewed by Sally Kruger, aka "Readinngjunky" for TeensReadToo.com

This book tells the story of a Vietnam hero. It's not your usual run-of-the-mill war story because it's told from two points of view. A young soldier named Rick Hanski and a German shepherd he trained for the military share the spotlight as they recount their adventures from training camp to active duty in the jungles of Vietnam.

Cracker and Rick are paired together in training to sniff out bombs, booby-traps, and enemy soldiers. Neither one is too sure of the other at first, but they eventually become inseparable friends and soldiers. Rick's goal is to prove his worth and "whip the world," and Cracker is by his side throughout the experience.

Cynthia Kadohata gives the reader detailed descriptions of the dog training process, as well as a view of the dog handler/animal relationship. The scenes set in Vietnam provide a close-encounter type look that makes the reader feel part of the action.

CRACKER! is a book for anyone with a love and respect for the intelligence of animals and an interest in how they can interact with and serve humanity.

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