The Eternal Soldier
Written by: Allison Crotzer Kimmel
Genre: NonFiction - History (Children's Book)
Available on: Amazon and Everywhere Books Are Sold
Website: https://www.allisoncrotzerkimmel.com/
Book Summary:
This is the untold story of Sallie, a dog whose life as a soldier began in a basket and ended as a Civil War hero. The pup barked and nearly tumbled out of the basket. We laughed, and immediately we knew--she was one of us already. Brindle fur with streaks of brown and black swirled all over her like a patchwork quilt. She was as pretty as an apple tree in full bloom. We called her Sallie.
During the Civil War, Sallie came to the 11th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry as a gift from a townsperson, but she quickly became a favorite among her men. She marched with them from battle to battle, always guarding the unit's colors, and even met President Lincoln. And over three long days at the battle of Gettysburg, Sallie stayed with the dead, guarded their bodies, and nearly died herself from hunger and thirst as the conflict raged on.
Though she fell in battle, her loyalty was rewarded years later when her men met again on the battlefield at Gettysburg to erect her likeness in bronze so that she might eternally guard them. This beautiful story about a dog's dedication and loyalty shows that bravery comes in all shapes and forms!
Bio on the Author:
I am a teacher, a reader, and a mom. But before all that, I was a writer. My writing dream began when I was in sixth grade. The local library had a fiction contest and my teacher told me I should enter. I did, and I won! First place! Three years in a row! I was on my way, but first I'd have to realize just what my dream was. I always knew writing was a part of me, but I never knew I could actually do something with it.
I majored in English at Bucknell and went abroad to Oxford University because that's what readers with a love of British Lit do. I still did t know I was a writer. I graduated from Bucknell University, a well-rounded liberal arts scholar with no earthly idea what I was going to do next. I ended up in Bakersfield, CA teaching high school English because teaching runs in my blood (both of my parents are educators). The writing itch grew stronger, so I went to USC where. I earned a Masters in Professional Writing. I studied with some really wonderful, well-known writers, and I spent my time in awe of them and wondering where I might fit in the writing industry. I graduated, got married, and had my son. I was meant to be a mom!
And as I started reading to my baby every day and every night, I finally figured it out- I was meant to be a children's writer, too! I found SCBWI (the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) and four years later, my first book was published with Capstone Press. And now, I am excited to announce my fourth book, a nonfiction picture book will be printed with Little Bee in summer of 2019. It was inspired by a trip to my home state, Pennsylvania, and in a beautiful bit of symmetry, my writing journey returns to where it all began.
Allison Crotzer Kimmel
