Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy by Gary Schmidt

Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy is a captivating work of historical fiction and is deserving of its Newbery Honor and Printz Honor. The story has two central characters that many young adults will be able to relate to. Turner Buckminster is the son of a Minister who has recently been posted to the small, fictional coastal town of Phippsburg, Maine. The year is 1912, and this is a period where racism and prejudice is still evident. Turner finds himself not able to fit in with the youths of Phippsburg, a situation not helped by the bullying nature of the local Deacon’s son. Turner misses his old life back in Boston and frequently dreams of “lighting out for the territories.”

It is only after meeting Lizzie Bright Griffin, the granddaughter of Reverend Griffin of Malaga Island that Turner’s life experiences a change for the better. The friendship between Turner and Lizzie is genuine and earnest, yet it is frowned upon by the white residents of Phippsburg, given that the Griffin’s are African-American, and the residents of Malaga Island are viewed with animosity and prejudice by the white population of Phippsburg.

Turner is forbidden from associating with Lizzie or visiting Malaga Island, but he finds a way to get around his dad’s rules. In the meantime, another crisis is brewing – the residents of Malaga Island have been given a short period of time to move off the island, as the businessmen of Phippsburg have hit upon a plan to develop the island for financial profit.

Greed, prejudice, friendship, and many other themes are explored with a depth of credibility in this exacting piece of historical fiction. The author presents the characters as multi-dimensional characters with depth and not as mere cardboard characters. I highly recommend this story to young adults and fans of gripping historical fiction.

Cracker! The Best Dog in Vietnam by Cynthia Kadohata

Cracker! The Best Dog in Vietnam is an engaging read, and is especially recommended for young adults. Author Cynthia Kadohata covers a lesser known part of the Vietnam War history, i.e. that of the use of dogs in military maneuvers during the Vietnam War. Cracker is a pedigreed German Shepherd show dog which has been retired from showing because of its’ damaged foot. Willie is the young boy who takes care of Cracker but when the new apartment Willie’s family moves to has a strict no-pets policy, Willie is forced to give up his beloved pet dog.
Next, viewers are introduced to Rick Hanski, a 17-year-old soldier who joins a military unit where soldiers are taught how to train and handle dogs to sniff out booby traps and enemies. The story mainly centers on Rick’s growing bond with Cracker and how the pair go on exciting yet dangerous missions in Vietnam.
The story is unique in that it contains three points of view – the dog Cracker; its trainer Rick Hanski; and, the young boy Willie who comes to the gradual realization that Cracker is no longer his pet but is Rick’s dog. This heartwarming, gritty, and engaging story will appeal to both male and female YA readers because though the subject matter deals with the Vietnam War and aspects of jungle warfare, the main theme explored here is that of the close bond between dog and human, and this is a theme which will resonate with many young adults.