D-Day Dog by Tom Palmer
“D-day Dog chooses to tell its young readers about the D-day landings from a unique perspective. As well as being told about the courage of the soldiers but also the bravery of the specially trained dogs who were used to support their companions across dangerous terrain. Not only this but Palmer takes it even further by providing an insight to the young mind of his main character, Jack, who is given the task of researching an individual who took part in the landings. We follow this young boy, battling the very real issue of engagement. As he struggles to come to terms with issues at home, this affects his behaviour at school but he’s reluctant to talk about. Not only is this narrative perspective relatable but the main character’s experiences become an important method of sharing essential information about what happened on the 6th of June, 1944. A wonderful book for library lessons but also a novel which could provide a useful link between English and History departments.”