Sergeant Reckless by Patricia McCormick & illustrated by Iacopo Bruno

 

Sergeant Reckless by Patricia McCormick & illustrated by Iacopo Bruno 

• Biography
• Grade: Kindergarten - 2nd
• Awards: Texas Bluebonnet Award 2018-2019

Summary:

Korea was at war and the U.S. Marines leader, Eric Pedersen, had the idea to have a mule haul the shells uphill to a cannon, but there was only a scrawny sorrel mare. The marines fed the mare bread and oatmeal but they worried that she couldn't carry the heavy ammunition and would scare at the sound of shots. The mare had to be trained to duck at the incoming fire and retreat. Latham taught Reckless how to march up the hill and carry a saddle. Reckless ate anything the soldiers ate. Enemy soldiers attacked and Reckless was scared at first but she calmed down. The Battle of Outpost Vegas was the first time Reckless refused to eat but she successfully marched up and down the path 51 times all day hauling her load. There was a cease-fire and the Marines got to go home but they petitioned to bring Reckless to the U.S. Reckless received two purple hearts and retired with full honors as a Sergeant. 

Evaluation: 

Sergeant Reckless is an inspiring story about a little mare who braved the war and never quit. This story shows that anything is possible if you don't give up. Sergeant Reckless is also a testament to human's connection with animals and how they should be treated well and respected. I would use this book in my classroom because it has historical references to the war, shows the value of the Marines, and tells an inspirational story that is appropriate for second grade. The illustrations in this book are also detailed and could tell the story without the text. This book could be used in a Social Studies unit on important historical figures or the consequences of war.