Sergeant Reckless: The True Story of the Little Horse Who Became a Hero
The inspiring true story of Reckless, the brave little horse who became a Marine.
When a group of US Marines fighting in the Korean War found a bedraggled mare, they wondered if she could be trained to as a packhorse. They had no idea that the skinny, underfed horse had one of the biggest and bravest hearts they'd ever known. And one of the biggest appetites!
Soon Reckless showed herself more than willing to carry ammunition too heavy for the soldiers to haul. As cannons thundered and shells flew through the air, she marched into battle--again and again--becoming the only animal ever to officially hold military rank--becoming Sgt. Reckless--and receive two Purple Hearts.
This is the first picture book from award-winning novelist Patricia McCormick, sumptuously illustrated by acclaimed artist Iacopo Bruno.
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Become an affiliatePatricia McCormick is a former journalist and a two-time National Book Award finalist whose books include Cut, Sold, Never Fall Down, The Plot to Kill Hitler, the young readers edition of I Am Malala, and the award-winning picture book Sergeant Reckless: The True Story of the Little Horse Who Became a Hero. Patricia lives in New York. Visit her online at pattymccormick.com.
Iacopo Bruno is a graphic designer and illustrator. He is also the illustrator of the acclaimed books Mesmerized: How Ben Franklin Solved a Mystery that Baffled All of France and Anything But Ordinary Addie, both by Mara Rockliff. He lives and works in Milan, Italy, with his wife, Francesca. Learn more about Iacopo at theworldofdot.com and iacopobruno.blogspot.it.
Praise for THE PLOT TO KILL HITLER: "[A] tragic, inspirational, and quite unusual tale of a man who was the moral center of a resistance movement that, though it failed, continues to live on in international memory."--Booklist (starred review)
Praise for PURPLE HEART: "Timely and provocative thriller."--Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Praise for SOLD: "Hard-hitting ... poignant. The author beautifully balances the harshness of brothel life with the poignant relationships among its residents."--Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Praise for SOLD: "Unforgettable"--Booklist (starred review)
Praise for CUT: "Poignant and compelling."--School Library Journal (starred review)
Praise for CUT: "This novel, like Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak, sympathetically and authentically renders the difficulties of giving voice to a very real sense of harm and powerlessness."--Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Praise for CUT: "McCormick tackles a side of mental illness that is rarely seen in young adult fiction in a believable and sensitive manner."--Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
PRAISE FOR MESMERIZED: "A stylish and humorous exploration of the scientific method and the mysteries of the human mind."--Publishers Weekly (starred review)
PRAISE FOR MESMERIZED: "Brilliantly illustrated...stuffed with period detail and sweeping ribbons and curlicues."--Booklist (starred review)
"A lively look at wartime animal heroism."--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Praise for THE PLOT TO KILL HITLER: "Readers will discover how compelling a story about ideas and ideals can be."--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Praise for NEVER FALL DOWN: "One of the most inspiring and powerful books I've ever read. Never Fall Down can teach us all about finding the courage to speak our truth and change the world."--Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Praise for SOLD: "Searing...poetic."--The Horn Book
Praise for MESMERIZED: "Awonderful and fun-filled title that introduces yet another facet of a fascinating man."--School Library Journal (starred review)
Praise for MESMERIZED: "For history buffs, science enthusiasts, and fans of a good story, this one hits all the marks."--Shelf Awareness (starred review)
★ "Vividly brings to life the story of Sergeant Reckless, the only animal to officially hold military rank in the United States. This endearing story of wartime camaraderie won't soon be forgotten."
--Publishers Weekly (starred review)
★ "A rousing success. An engaging slice of history."--Booklist (starred review)
"[An] intriguing historical tale of an underdog. A warm human (and horse) interest story that feels fresh off a newsreel."--Kirkus Reviews
"Excellent. This well-illustrated war story will appeal to many, especially fans of Michael Morpurgo's War Horse. A strong selection."--School Library Journal
"Engaging."--The Horn Book