At Last She Stood: How Joey Guerrero Spied, Survived, and Fought for Freedom

Erin Entrada Kelly

Book cover for At Last She Stood: How Joey Guerrero Spied, Survived, and Fought for Freedom
Image for variant 9798855183719
Book cover for At Last She Stood: How Joey Guerrero Spied, Survived, and Fought for Freedom
Image for variant 9798855183719

At Last She Stood: How Joey Guerrero Spied, Survived, and Fought for Freedom

At Last She Stood: How Joey Guerrero Spied, Survived, and Fought for Freedom

Erin Entrada Kelly

View full details

Description

A Robert F. Sibert Honor Book


NCTE Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children Honor Book

An ALA Notable Book

Rise: A Feminist Book Project List

Chicago Public Library Best Book

School Library Journal Best Book

"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 (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. 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 author's note, source notes, index, and other back matter.

Critical Reviews

Kelly, a two-time Newbery Medalist and one of the most accomplished Filipino-American writers today, gives Josefina "Joey" Guerrero the narrative she deserves: unadorned but alive, inspirational with a counterpoint that inspiration is also propaganda, reverent but never overzealous. Kelly's book might be for young readers, but the men and women in their lives should be right there, turning the pages with them. - Esquire
Kelly's biography reveals the extraordinary life of Josefina "Joey" Guerrero. Despite considering herself ordinary, Guerrero was anything but. . . . Kelly's meticulously researched work provides rich context on Philippine colonization, WWII, and Hansen's disease, complemented by maps, historical photographs, and illustrations. . . . This compelling biography belongs in every library, enhancing instruction and research on women's history, WWII, the Philippines, and Hansen's disease. - School Library Journal (starred review)
Kelly excavates the life of a brave, little-known Filipina who helped the Allied Forces win WWII while living with Hansen's disease, also known as leprosy. . . . Kelly recreates vivid moments throughout [Joey Guerrero's] life, interspersing historical context surrounding key figures, leprosy treatment, and Filipino history. The result is a handy primer for those interested in the period, and a bolstering entreaty for readers to seek out more information. - Publishers Weekly
At Last She Stood tells Guerrero's story with compassion and respect, and enables the young audience to appreciate the incredible depth of her courage and resilience. . . . [It] gives a remarkable woman the respect and recognition she deserves. - Shelf Awareness
An intriguing, well-told account of an extraordinary life. - Kirkus Reviews
Newbery medalist Kelly returns to her journalism roots with this biography of Josefina "Joey" Guerrero, a small but fierce Filipina woman who overcame staggering challenges. . . . A courageous, uplifting biography of a woman almost lost to history. - Booklist
In this gripping biography, readers are introduced to Josefina "Joey" Guerrero, a Filipino spy in World War II. . . . Joey's remarkable life and her sheer persistence through pain to effect change is. . .carefully developed and well-presented. - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
A fitting tribute to a fascinating figure. - Horn Book Magazine

Publishing Information

Publisher: Bound to Stay Bound Books
Pub date: 2025-05-06
Length: 186 pages

The Allstora Membership

Membership Perks:

  • Save 30% on all online store purchases
  • Exclusive access to author's content
  • You pay less, but authors still earn double

Membership Terms:

First Month: $0.00
Monthly price: $5.00
  • To access membership discount simply log in and add to cart, discount applied automatically.
  • One month free trial, cancel anytime. Membership renews on the 15th of each month.