Josefina Guerrero, known more commonly as Joey, was a daring spy and guerilla fighter in the Philippines during World War II. After the war she was decorated with the Medal of Freedom with Silver Palm. She worked tirelessly to make sure people were fed and taken care of despite widespread shortages of food and housing. But she also carried a secret: she had leprosy (now known as Hansen’s Disease), and by law at the time she was supposed to report to authorities and live apart from society.

At Last She Stood: How Joey Guerrero Spied, Survived, and Fought For Freedom by Erin Entrada Kelly tells the incredible story of Joey’s faith and determination that helped her to not only succeed but also to thrive against the odds. Not many people know about her life, but in her time Joey was lauded by presidents, Congressmen, and others inspired by her courage.

Every time Joey faced a difficult situation, like when she had to live at a leprosarium near her home where people were malnourished and forced to live in unsanitary conditions, she acted to rally others to the cause and improve her surroundings. She eventually was allowed to immigrate to the U.S. for treatment at the foremost facility at the time, The National Hansen’s Disease Center at Carville, Louisiana.

While there she received treatment until her disease was in remission, and she could live freely again. After that, she lived a quiet life, keeping her previous life hidden from new friends.

Kelly’s biography introduces Guerrero to middle grade and young adults in an accessible way, adding interesting details about World War II in the Philippines and Hansen’s Disease. I learned a lot about both, even though I am familiar with the facility in Carville because I have visited a few times. Guerrero’s story is truly inspiring, and i recommend it for readers aged 10 to 16.

The publisher provided a copy of this title in exchange for my honest review.