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Craig & Fred

A Marine, a Stray Dog, and How They Rescued Each Other

ebook
1 of 1 copy available
1 of 1 copy available

A heartwarming story of a stray dog and a U.S. Marine who met under the unlikeliest circumstances in Afghanistan—and who changed each other’s lives forever.

As part of an elite team of Marines, Craig Grossi was sent on his most dangerous assignment to the Sangin District of Afghanistan. He expected to face harsh conditions and violence from Taliban fighters.

What he didn’t expect was to meet a stray dog, with a big goofy head and little legs—a dog all on his own, filthy and covered in bugs, in a bomb-ridden district, but who carried himself with confidence. And even though the Marines have a rule against approaching strays, Craig couldn’t help but offer some food and a pat—and was shocked when the dog wagged his tail.

From that moment on, they were inseparable; whether out on missions or back at the base, the dog named Fred went along. When the time came for Craig to leave Afghanistan, he knew that Fred had to leave with him no matter what. And as Craig tried to get acclimated to civilian life, Fred was there for him.

This book tells the inspiring story of two friends who ultimately rescued each other, and the stubborn positivity and love that continue to shape their world.

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    • Kirkus

      During his second mission in Afghanistan, Marine Corps intelligence collector Craig Grossi makes a discovery that changes everything.In between attacks on his unit's compound, Craig spots a dog searching the ruins for scraps of food. Although it's filthy and bug-ridden, the little dog is joyful and friendly. In no time he has a name--Fred--and is accompanying the team on patrols, comforting the wounded, and winning the hearts of every Marine in the compound. As their tour draws to a close, Craig is desperate to rescue Fred from the war zone. The military's rule on stray dogs is unflinching, but with the help of brave friends and loving family, both Craig and Fred return to the United States. Fred acclimates nicely to civilian life, but Craig cannot leave the war behind. Once again Fred's boundless joy shines through, showing Craig the way back home. More than just a story of a man and his dog, this is a tale of joy eclipsing pain. Even in this young readers' adaptation of his identically titled 2017 book for adults, Grossi's portrayal of war is realistic. Death, violence, and fear are a constant in the battlefield, but Grossi manages to find humor in the midst of horror and life after loss. Several pages of snapshots of Fred are included at the book's halfway point, and brief celebrations of two of Grossi's slain comrades in arms appear at the end.Positive, encouraging, and inspirational. (Memoir. 11-14)

      COPYRIGHT(2017) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. (Online Review)

Formats

  • Kindle Book
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  • EPUB ebook

Languages

  • English

Levels

  • ATOS Level:6
  • Lexile® Measure:840
  • Interest Level:4-8(MG)
  • Text Difficulty:4-5

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