Gertie

By Shari Swanson

A duck nests in a precarious spot, captivating a war-weary world.

4.3/5 Goodreads · 185 ratings

40 pages

$18.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

In 1945, amidst the chaos of World War II, a duck named Gertie chooses an unlikely nesting spot on a Milwaukee River post. As she bravely lays her eggs near a bustling drawbridge, her story captures the hearts of a weary public. Crowds gather, newspapers buzz, and a world in turmoil finds hope in Gertie's determination. Will she succeed in hatching her brood against the odds? This tale of resilience and community spirit offers a glimmer of hope during dark times, uniting people in their shared anticipation of new life.

From the publisher

In 1945, the attention of the United States, along with the rest of the world, was focused on World War II. After more than five years of fighting, downcast, war-weary people were looking for signs of hope of a better future. One April morning, a duck searching for a nesting spot lands on a tall post sticking out of the Milwaukee River. Situated near a busy drawbridge and the noisy city of Milwaukee, this was an unlikely, precarious spot for a soon-to-be-mama duck to build her nest. But that is exactly where Gertie (named by a local reporter) decides to make her home and lay her eggs. Once local newspapers report the story, crowds begin visiting the bridge to watch Gertie and speculate how she will safely hatch her babies. Soon, news outlets around the world are carrying the hopeful tale of the plucky duck, raising spirits, and giving readers a shared sense of community.

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