Code Word Courage

Set in September 1944, eleven-year-old Billie lives with her great aunt while waiting for her older brother Leo to return from boot camp and yearning for the father who left when she was a child. Leo arrives with his Navajo friend Denny and a wounded dog they rescue, and when both young men ship out to war, Billie is left to care for the dog now named Bear that becomes the living link connecting her to their hopes and fears. Through Bear's presence, Billie discovers a new friend and learns about courage, loss, and the enduring bonds of family.