A nonfiction story about Josefina Joey Guerrero of the Philippines, who was diagnosed with leprosy, joined the guerilla movement during World War II, received the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom for her work and died identified as a secretary from Manila. Simultaneous eBook. Illustrations.
"A biography of the legendary and inspiring Josefina "Joey" Guerrero: World War II spy, Filipina guerrilla fighter, war hero, Medal of Freedom recipient, leprosy survivor, teacher, and peacemaker"--
"A courageous, uplifting biography of a woman almost lost to history. ALA Booklist
World War II spy, Filipino guerrilla fighter, war hero, Medal of Freedom recipient, leprosy survivor, teacher, peacemaker . . . The legendary and inspiring life and work of Josefina Joey Guerrero is introduced to readers by two-time Newbery Medal winner, National Book Award finalist, and bestselling author Erin Entrada Kelly. For fans of Steve Sheinkin and Candace Fleming.
Joey Guerrero, a native of the Philippines, was diagnosed with leprosy (Hansens disease) as World War II unfolded in Europe and Asia. Soon after the Japanese occupied the Philippines, Joeybelieving she would die soonjoined the guerrilla movement to complete covert missions in support of the Allies. Because of her condition, she was rarely searched by Japanese soldiers, which allowed her to courier secret messages, including an invaluable minefield map that she taped to her back. She was eventually awarded the US Presidential Medal of Freedom and admitted to the National Leprosarium in Carville, Louisiana, where she lived for nine years. When she was cured and released, she found it difficult to find work because of racial discrimination and her health history and was forced to pawn her Presidential Medal to make ends meet. Eventually, she shed her previous identity. When she died in 1996, her obituary identified her as a secretary from Manila. But Joey Guerrero was much more than thatshe was a hero who changed the course of history.
Erin Entrada Kellys engaging nonfiction debut combines themes of the Philippines, World War II, the Asia-Pacific War, spy stories, Louisiana, immigration, disease and medicine, racism, perseverance, religious devotion, and hope. Illustrated with photographs, maps, and other illustrative material and featuring sidebars that clearly illuminate key moments in history, At Last She Stood is for readers and educators who love Candace Fleming, Deborah Heiligman, Christina Soontornvat, and Steve Sheinkin. Includes an authors note, source notes, index, and other back matter.
