Cynthia Kadohata, the 2005 Newberry Award winner for her book Kira-Kira spent five days as our house guest as she promoted her latest book, Cracker! The Best Dog in Vietnam. I, along with a handful of other former handlers (including Rick Claggett from the 48th, ‘71-’72) served as a consultant to Cindy as she wrote Cracker!

During her visit I was honored to accompany Cindy as she attended several school events and bookstore signings in eastern Wisconsin. Living in warm Los Angles, Cindy was a trooper, braving a particularly cold Wisconsin winter with -17 degree temperatures and -45 wind chill.

Although Cracker! is a work of juvenile fiction, Cindy went to great lengths to research her story which is based on actual events in Vietnam. In the end I feel any former Scout Dog Handler will be able to read Cracker! and come away feeling  that Cindy “got it right”. Cracker! is an excellent read for 5th graders on up through adult.

In addition to her writing prowess, Cindy is a wonderfully warm and generous person, particularly when it comes to children. She never tired of answering questions and has an amazing reserve of energy! The five days my wife Carol and I spent with Cindy will always be treasured - she is now family!