Sergeant Reckless: The True Story of the Little Horse Who Became a Hero
Patricia McCormick, Author
Jacopo Bruno, Illustrations
Balzer + Bray, Historical Fiction, Sep. 12, 2017
Suitable for Ages: 6-10
Themes: Horse, Korean War, Animal war hero, Marines
Opening: The small red mare whinnied for her supper.. But Korea was at war. Towns were shattered. Fields were scorched. And the racetrack was abandoned. No one paid attention to the hungry little horse.
Synopsis:
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.
Why I like this book:
Patricia McCormick’s engaging picture book about a hungry little mare adopted by a group of Marines, will win the hearts of both horse and animals lovers, and historians. There aren’t many books written about the Korean War, which will add another layer of intrigue and interest. Reckless saved thousands of lives as she made 51 trips and carried 9,000 pounds of heavy ammunition up the hill into battle while shells rained down around her. She also enjoyed sneaking into one of the soldier’s tents to sleep and interrupting poker games. Reckless was the only animal to ever hold a rank. This story has a happy and satisfying ending.
Readers will be mesmerized by the illustration by graphic designer Jacopo Bruno. They are exquisite and at times life-like. Bruno’s format is reminiscent of a well-loved scrapbook. Readers can’t help be drawn into the this little-known story of the love of a group of soldiers for this very determined, trusting, courageous, and loyal mare.
Resources: There is an author’s note at the end that talks about Reckless, the war and how the she lived out her days in a grassy compound at Camp Pendleton in California, and a real-life photograph of Reckless receiving her six medals.
Patricia 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 and the young readers edition of I Am Malala. She lives in New York. Visit McCormick at her website.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s website.
Fascinating! And what a cover. I will look for this. Thanks Pat.
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Isn’t the cover amazing! And, the illustrations are worthy of study. Such a great story!
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This is a good one!! I love the creative illustrations.
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Yes, the illustrations really add to this remarkable story!
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Love the concept. Is this a PB?
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Yes, it is a PB. The illustrations really add to this incredible story.
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I love this book already and it’s the first I have heard of it. Like the Winter Pony and Black Beauty, I love books about horses with heart and stamina. And a book about the Korean War has been a long time coming!
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Then you will enjoy pouring through the pages and the gorgeous illustrations! This book has heart!
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What a fun way to introduce kids to history. Thanks for sharing, definitely going to read it.
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It’s the best way to introduce children to history!
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I love horse stories and don’t see them often in picture books! Thanks for telling us about this one.
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You will marvel over this important hero. The illustrations are wonderful. This could be read my older elementary/middle grade students because of the history involved.
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I enjoy stories like this one that keep history alive for young readers. The concept is a perfect way to wrap their minds with something they might not pick up otherwise.
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I never heard this story. It makes studying history so much more interesting!
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I tend to stay away from war stories, but I do love horses. And pictures. Plus, I know absolutely nothing about the Korean War and would like to know more. Thanks!
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Such an amazing horse. This is a perfect story to introduce youth to the Korean War. It brings the story to life. I’ve been trying to read as many stories about North Korea as possible. A lot of stories coming out.
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I hadn’t heard of this one & you’re right, I’ve seen very little about the Korean War in picture books.
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I am hopeful there are more being published, as youth need to have an understanding of Korea. So timely.
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This sounds like an inspiring story, Patricia. I’m pleased it was a happy ending for Reckless.
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It is a powerful story and the illustrations are so wonderful to study!
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