About this item
Move over, Rin Tin Tin. Here comes Sgt. Stubby! That German shepherd star of the silver screen may have been born behind enemy lines during World War I, but Stubby, the stump-tailed terrier, worked behind enemy lines, and gained military honors along the way. Private Robert Conroy casually adopted the orphan pup while attending basic training on the campus of Yale University in 1917. The Connecticut volunteer never imagined that his stray dog would become a war hero. He just liked the little guy. When Conroys unit shipped out for France, he smuggled his new friend aboard. By the time Stubby encountered Conroys commanding officer, the dog had perfected his right-paw salute. Charmed, the CO awarded Stubby mascot status and sent him along with Conroys unit to the Western Front. Stubbys brave deeds earned him a place in history and in the Smithsonian Institution where his stuffed body can still be seen. Almost 100 years later, Stubbys great deeds and brave heart make him an animal hero to fall in love with and treasure all over again.
About the Author
Ann Bausum writes about history for readers of all ages from her home in southern Wisconsin. Her works often focus on under-told stories from the past, and she frequently explores issues of social justice. Her newest title, The March Against Fear (National Geographic: 2017) , is her third work to examine the civil rights movement in the American South. In the case of these and other books, Bausum strives to bring the nation's social justice history to life in ways that empower and inspire readers young and old alike. Her previous title, Stonewall (Viking: 2015) , is among the first nonfiction books to introduce teens to gay rights history. Previous works have explored voting rights, immigration, and free speech, among other topics. The almost-forgotten story of Stubby lured Bausum away from social justice history temporarily. She wrote twin titles about the stray dog smuggled to Europe during World War I who returned to a hero's welcome. Both books were published in 2014 by National Geographic: Sergeant Stubby (for adult readers) and Stubby the War Dog (for children) .In the spring of 2017, the Children's Book Guild of Washington, D.C., will honor the body of Bausum's work by presenting her with its venerable Nonfiction Award. This award recognizes the consistent commendation earned by her individual titles through the years. Bausum's books have appeared consistently on lists of recommended and notable titles and have earned numerous literary awards including a Sibert Honor Award, the Jane Addams Children's Book Award, the Carter G. Woodson Award (on two occasions) , and the SCBWI Golden Kite Award. In 2015, she was named the year's Notable Wisconsin Children's Author by the Wisconsin Library Association.You may follow Bausum on Facebook and Twitter or visit her online at www.AnnBausum.com.
