Pigeon Hero!: Based on the True Story (Ready-to-Read Series: Level 2)

by Shirley Raye Redmond, Doris Ettlinger (Illustrator)

Overview

In a town in Italy during World War II the people have surrendered without firing a shot. But American warplanes are due to arrive, and the radio's broken, so no one can tell them to call off the attack! G. I. Joe, a carrier pigeon, is the only one who can take the message to the Americans. Will he make it in time and save the town?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780689854866
Publisher:	Simon Spotlight
Publication date:	11/01/2003
Series:	Ready-to-Read
Edition description:	Repackage
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.20(d)
Age Range:	5 - 7 Years

About the Author

Shirley Raye Redmond has received numerous awards for both her women’s fiction and children’s books. Courageous World Changers: 50 True Stories of Daring Women of God won the 2021 Christianity Today Book Award in the children and youth category. Shirley Raye has been married for fifty years to her college sweetheart. They live in the scenic mountains of northern New Mexico and have two children and five grandchildren. When not writing, she enjoys birdwatching and even traveled to Iceland to photograph Atlantic puffins up close and personal. Visit her website at ShirleyRayeRedmond.com or touch base on Facebook.

Editorial Reviews

Gr 1-3-This early reader tells the true story of a World War II homing pigeon, G. I. Joe, and the important messages he carried through enemy lines to save an Italian town. For his brave mission, the bird received a medal from the Lord Mayor of London and finished out his life in the comfort of the Detroit Zoo. Brief author notes give some additional information on the use of pigeons during war. The simple, accessible language occasionally detracts from the action ("Flap, flap, flap. The hawk did not catch him"). The watercolor-pencil illustrations show appropriate period details and give G. I. Joe a perky, alert look befitting his hero status. For collections that need nonfiction beginning readers, this one will be a useful addition.-Ellen M. Riordan, Enoch Pratt Free Library, Baltimore, MD Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal

The true story of a carrier pigeon in WWII is the premise for this mid-level easy reader that will appeal to young readers interested in airplanes and the era of the world wars. The special pigeon, nicknamed G.I. Joe, was sent from Italy by British soldiers to an American air base to cancel a planned bombing mission. The mission needed to be called off because the Germans had already withdrawn from the Italian town, and there was no radio or telegraph communication available. This situation is rather complex to explain within the confines of the easy reader format, and some children will need an adult's help with the military background. A simple author's note is included, but no dates, map, or country definitions are given. Despite these minor drawbacks, historical settings and interesting true stories for easy readers are always welcome, and G.I. Joe is a plucky fellow with an intriguing tale. (Easy reader. 6-8)

Kirkus Reviews