Sergeant Stubby: How a Stray Dog and His Best Friend Helped Win World War I and Stole the Heart of a Nation - Hardcover

Bausum, Ann

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1426213107 ISBN 13: 9781426213106

Publisher: National Geographic, 2014

Synopsis

Told for the first time, National Geographic brings you the story of a stray dog who eventually became affectionately known as "Sergeant Stubby" the most famous war dog of World War I. Beloved award-winning author and library darling Ann Bausum brings her friendly writing style and in-depth research to her first-ever book for adults. 

Stubby's story begins in 1917 when America is about to enter the war. A stray dog befriends Private J. Robert "Bob" Conroy at the Connecticut National Guard camp at Yale University and the two become inseparable, eventually crossing an ocean and going to war together. What follows is an epic tale of how man's best friend becomes an invaluable soldier on the front lines and in the trenches, a decorated war hero and an inspiration to a country long after the troops returned home.

For those who loved New York Times bestseller Rin Tin Tin comes the memorable story of Sergeant Stubby--World War I dog veteran, decorated war hero, American icon, and above all, man's best friend.

About this title

About the Author

ANN BAUSUM has written nine National Geographic books for young readers during the past 12 years. Her publication list features six works of social justice history, two presidential history reference books, and a photobiography. She has won numerous awards, including a Sibert Honor Award from the American Library Association and three other national awards for literature.

From Booklist

Is the appeal of this book greater for dog lovers or military-history buffs? It’s a toss-up, because the book’s charm simply radiates off the page in all directions. Stubby was a genial terrier of uncertain breeding who began hanging around the Yale University training grounds of the 102d Infantry Regiment, soon to be shipped off to war (WWI, that is). Stubby’s particular pal was James Conroy, a 25-year-old volunteer. Conroy’s unit soon adopted Stubby as their pet. When it came time for deployment to Europe, Conroy smuggled Stubby onboard, and the pooch’s charm led to his acceptance by the unit’s higher-ups as an official mascot. Stubby stood by his men in the worst trench conditions, but Conroy remained his truest friend. Stubby became famous in Europe during the war, and his fame accompanied him back home at war’s end. Stubby remained with Conroy until the dog’s death in 1926, and this very engaging book serves as a tribute to canine courage and devotion. Another edition of this book is being published for middle graders (see p.48). --Brad Hooper

About this edition

• Publisher: National Geographic
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1426213107
• ISBN 13: 9781426213106
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 240