At Last She Stood

By Erin Entrada Kelly

A leprosy-stricken spy defies odds, carrying secrets that could change the war's tide.

4.0/5 Goodreads · 548 ratings

208 pages· 28,703 words· Est. 4 hour read

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Bookroo's summary

In the chaos of World War II, Joey Guerrero, a Filipino woman with leprosy, becomes an unlikely hero. As Japanese forces occupy her homeland, she risks everything to deliver covert messages, exploiting her condition to evade capture. Her daring acts earn her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, but post-war life presents new battles against discrimination and poverty. Joey's story is one of resilience and courage, challenging the boundaries of identity and history. How did a woman once seen as a mere secretary alter the course of history? Discover the untold legacy of a forgotten hero.

From the publisher

A Robert F. Sibert Honor Book - NCTE Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children Honor Book - An ALA Notable Book - A CCBC Choice - Rise: A Feminist Book Project List - Chicago Public Library Best Book - School Library Journal Best Book - CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book”A courageous, uplifting biography of a woman almost lost to history.” –ALA BooklistWorld 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 (Hansen’s disease) as World War II unfolded in Europe and Asia. Soon after the Japanese occupied the Philippines, Joey–believing she would die soon–joined 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 that–she was a hero who changed the course of history. Erin Entrada Kelly’s 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. At Last She Stood is for readers and educators who love Candace Fleming, Deborah Heiligman, Christina Soontornvat, and Steve Sheinkin. What to expect: Sidebars that clearly illuminate key moments in historyImages of primary resources like photographs and mapsSource notesAn indexAdditional backmatter An author’s note