8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Children's Tale of World War II Italy, April 8, 2004
This review is from: The Small War of Sergeant Donkey (Living History Library) (Paperback)
This engaging tale opens up young readers eyes to an place and time quite unfamiliar to most Americans - Italy during World War II. The American military actions in the mountains of Italy are seen through the eyes of a young boy and a most beloved donkey.
A fairly easy read and particulary interesting for young boys (who aren't always eager to read).
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
How Brave Are You? A Tale of Three Heroes and The Small War of Sergeant Donkey, March 28, 2009
A Kid's Review
This review is from: The Small War of Sergeant Donkey (Living History Library) (Paperback)
If you were starving, would you be willing to save your family, your town, an enemy and yourself? A young Italian orphan, Chico Filippo, a monk and a donkey did in the fascinating tale, The Small War of Sergeant Donkey.
In 1944, Italy and Germany were in a great war with the Allied Forces. In that context, Chico, is befriended by his "enemy" Sergeant Missouri, a soldier with the U.S. Army, and his prized donkey. Because it is in training as a solider for the transportation of military equipment, Chico nicknames the Missouri-native beast, "Sergeant Donkey."
One day, Sergeant Missouri is ambushed by the Nazis while taming donkeys to follow orders and remain silent though carrying heavy loads through the Italian mountains. If Sergeant Missouri takes one path he'll fall into a chasm and as he advances he comes under enemy fire. Thus, he is trapped, badly wounded and few resources. His only hope is to radio for help...
As the radio squawks in the distance, Chico searches for his new friend back at the U.S. Army's Remount Depot. Instead, he hears Sergeant Missouri's voice pleading for help and indicating his position as beyond the current Nazi stronghold adjacent to the mountain-ridge Abbey of San Isidoro. Immediately, Chico journeys there with Sergeant Donkey packing supplies, including grenades, provided by soldiers and arrives after nightfall.
Upon arrival, he meets his good friend, Brother "Honeycake," a Catholic monk, who for years had provided honey (thanks to Chico's deliveries) as nourishment for the sick and elderly townsfolk. Brother "Honeycake" agrees to pray for Chico while he rescues Sergeant Missouri. To distract the Nazis, and as an act of prayer, Brother "Honeycake," plays the Abbey's organ so loudly that the Nazis do not detect Chico and Sergeant Missouri mounted on Sergeant Donkey safely returning to the depot. As a reward for saving his life, Sergeant Missouri gives Chico his "heroic" donkey.
Finally, through teamwork, three ordinary individuals - an orphan, a monk and a donkey - save the life of a badly wounded soldier.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book for children, September 25, 2010
This review is from: The Small War of Sergeant Donkey (Living History Library) (Paperback)
I purchased this book for my fifth grade students to read and then do a book report on. My students love this story and most told me they could not put the book down. Great story, demonstrating the importance of friendship, the sacrifices friends make for each other,and true heroism and courage. Highly recommended.
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