Sergeant Reckless: The True Story of the Little Horse Who Became a Hero by Patricia McCormick and Illustrated by Iacopo Bruno

The incredible true story of a brave horse, who during the Korean War, contributed to battle and saved many lives. Promoted to sergeant, Reckless is the only animal to hold official military rank, receiving two Purple Hearts as well as retiring with full military honors. 

During the Korean War, U.S. Marines needed to haul ammunition up a steep hill. An officer felt a mule would help, but none was available. There was a small mare from a nearby farm and the officer, having worked with horses, started to train the horse. They named her Private Reckless, Reckless being the type of gun she would be carrying ammunition for. During her training the men discovered that Reckless had an insatiable appetite. Her favorite foods  being Coca-Cola and scrambled eggs. Once Reckless was on the battlefield they also discovered her determination and bravery.

An incredible story of the bond between humans and animals and how the bond is sometimes so strong each become selfless in the protection of the other.

Mark's Book Picks Score: Non-Fiction

Dewey: 951.904 • Reading Level: 4.6 • Interest Level: P-2 • AR Points: 0.5 • Lexile Level: 780 • Publisher: Harper Collins • Pages: 40 • Copyright: 2017 • ISBN: 978-0-06-229259-9 • Available in Perma-Bound Binding

CYRM 2020/21 Nominee, Picture Books for Older Readers