In the twenty-first century, military marine mammals detect lost equipment and underwater mines. Large rats are trained to find land mines in more than 80 countries. Military working dogs search for explosive devices and other weapons and are trained to take down enemy combatants. In earlier centuries, military fighters rode horses into battle, relied on elephants to haul supplies, and trained pigeons to carry messages. Even cats, goats, and chickens have served in wartime―as mascots! Learn about the history of animals in warfare, the functions they serve and how they are trained, as well as the psychology that makes animals such good partners in warfare. Gr 4-7-An introduction on the concept of military working animals-beyond bomb-sniffing dogs. Marine mammals that detect underwater mines and lost equipment, carrier pigeons that deliver messages across long distances, elephants that haul supplies, and many other interesting creatures are highlighted. The text is well written and informative. It is clear that Goldsmith did her research on each of her topics. Chapters aren't too lengthy and will keep readers engaged. The content is well organized, and each chapter flows together in a logical way. VERDICT Purchase for collections where readers are interested in alternative parts of the military.-Paige Garrison, The Davis Academy, Sandy Springs, GAα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. "[L]ucid, accessible, and engaging . . ."― Booklist "[A] well written and informative."― School Library Journal "A solid choice for school and public libraries, with special appeal for animal lovers."― Kirkus Reviews Connie Goldsmith is a registered nurse with a bachelor of science degree in nursing and a master of public administration degree in health care. She has written numerous books for YA readers and nearly two hundred magazine articles. Her recent books include Kiyo Sato: From a WWII Japanese Internment Camp to a Life of Service (2020), a Junior Library Guild selection; Running on Empty: Sleeplessness in American Teens (2021);  Understanding Coronaviruses: SARS, MERS, and the COVID-19 Pandemic (2021); and Bombs Over Bikini: The World's First Nuclear Disaster (2014), a Junior Library Guild selection, a Children's Book Committee at Bank Street College Best Children's Book of the Year, an Association of Children's Librarians of Northern California Distinguished Book, and an SCBWI Crystal Kite Winner. She lives in Sacramento, California. Visit her website at http://www.conniegoldsmith.com/.