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

by Erin Entrada Kelly Narrated by Ferdelle Capistrano

Overview

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. 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.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

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

Kirkus Reviews

2025-04-19
A recipient of the Medal of Freedom, Josefina Guerrero (1917-1996) was a war hero and “a symbol for hope and greater courage.”

In opening and closing notes, Kelly explains that despite thorough efforts, she encountered gaps while researching her subject. Still, she writes, “the pieces [Josefina] left behind are enough to leave us in wonder,” and a compelling portrait of a brave and resolute woman emerges. Born in 1917 in Lucban, Philippines, imaginative young Josefina—called Joey—was a devout Catholic who longed to hear the voice of God, like her idol, Joan of Arc. Her adult life with her husband and daughter was upended when she developed Hansen’s disease, also known as leprosy. Due to social stigma, she and her family hid her condition until 1941, when Japan bombed first Pearl Harbor and then an American military base on Manila Bay. After Joey’s status was reported to the authorities, she fled, eventually serving as a guerilla fighter and delivering a map that allowed U.S. troops to liberate those imprisoned at the Santo Tomas camp. Later, she relocated to the Tala Leprosarium, where she advocated for better treatment for those with Hansen’s disease and secured increased funding for the leprosarium. Prose written in the present tense lends the narrative immediacy, while informative and deftly interspersed photos, captions, and sidebars provide context to the cultural and historical climate.

An intriguing, well-told account of an extraordinary life. (notes, bibliography)(Biography. 9-12)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940191304823
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	05/06/2025
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

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