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

by Erin Entrada Kelly, Ferdelle Capistrano (Narrator)

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.

Genres: Nonfiction, Middle Grade, Biography, History, Biography Memoir, War, Juvenile

Audible Audio

First published May 6, 2025

About the author

Author of books for young people.

Reviews

[Mallory · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had not heard of Joey Guerrero and I am so glad this book was written so her great story can be spread. I didn’t think of leprosy being around during world war 2, it seems like a disease that was in the far far past. I also hadn’t heard much of the Japanese attempting to take The Philippines despite America being very much a part of that war. It is always nice to get a bit more of history that isn’t commonly taught in America. There were interesting pictures and small tidbits that added to the story. This book is aimed towards young adults but it was still interesting enough for me. Joey Guerrero was a Filipino woman who had leprosy. She managed to avoid detection, being treated in secret, and during the war she was a spy who helped so many people. After the war she was sent to leper colony, but eventually was able to come to America where there was actual research into treatment for leprosy.

[Sacha · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

Look. Erin Entrada Kelly is on that list of writers whose work I'll queue without even knowing so much as a synopsis. It was a special treat to read this nonfiction debut, which is just as successful and compelling as all of the EEK fiction I love!

My favorite aspect of children's nonfiction is the "are you smarter than a fifth grader?" vibe, wherein I realize that I know little to no material in a book designed for a much younger audience. I absolutely got that kind of joy from this read.

The subject of this book is Joey Guerrero, and this individual faced incredible challenges but then went on to lead a life that seems right out of the movies. I really enjoyed learning about this in real time, so I'm intentionally leaving out details for others who are coming in fresh. It is ALWAYS a good time to focus on the stories of marginalized people, but I think we need that more than ever right now. This book will go a long way in helping the younger generation understand that how someone looks and whether someone is socially shunned has truly nothing to do with their self-worth or the ways in which they can contribute to society as a whole.

Yep. I really enjoyed this one, and I hope that this is the first of many nonfiction efforts from Kelly.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Greenwillow Books for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review.

[Annie J (The History Solarium Book Club) · Rating 4 out of 5]

In At Last She Stood, Erin Entrada Kelly brings to life the remarkable story of Josefina “Joey” Guerrero, a Filipina woman whose courage and ingenuity during World War II contributed to the resistance against Japanese occupation. Diagnosed with Hansen’s disease (leprosy), Joey was often dismissed and overlooked by occupying forces, a circumstance she used to her advantage as she carried critical messages and maps for the resistance. Kelly interweaves Joey’s personal story with broader historical context, highlighting both the extraordinary bravery of one woman and life for a community under siege. The story follows Guerrero as she migrates to the United States in search of treatment and begins a new life.

The style of the book is especially engaging. Chapters alternate between Joey’s story and carefully selected primary sources, including photographs, maps, and declassified records, that ground the narrative in authenticity. Additional sections provide necessary context, helping readers situate Joey’s story within the larger events of the time period. This unique format makes the book both accessible and immersive, with the feel of narrative nonfiction while remaining approachable for its middle grade audience.

As a reader, I found myself impressed by how much Entrada uncovered about Guerrero’s story. While geared toward younger readers, I see this book as an excellent fit for anyone interested in overlooked histories. It would be especially powerful in a classroom library for Social Studies or ELA, sparking conversations about courage, resistance, and the importance of remembering voices often left out of the standard narrative.

I am grateful to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for providing me with an advanced reader copy of Erin Entrada Kelly’s At Last She Stood.

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting look at Joey Guerreno, a largely forgotten Filipino woman who suffered from Hansen's Disease [Leprosy], but never let it stop her from living life [she was even married and had a child], to the point that not only did she spy for the Allies during World War 2, she smuggled important documents, taped to her back, at great risk to her life *AND* health [this part of the book is extremely nerve-wracking and I found myself holding my breath over and over again as she completed these dangerous missions].

Well-written [with a very interesting note from the author at how this book came to be], this was an excellent look into an amazing woman's life, from the time she was a child until her death and all that she did and accomplished over that time. Not all of it is happy, but she accepted that and always moved forward. She is very inspiring and anyone who loves history will love this look into one of the lost heroes of that time.

Well done.

Thank you to NetGalley, Erin Entrada Kelly, and HarperCollins Children's Books/Greenwillow Book for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Dan]

Joey Guerrero's life was one of great challenge, a belief in the goodness of others, and bravery. Erin Entrada Kelly's nonfiction debut highlights World War Two history set in the Philippines that I was not as familiar with and the story of a brave, unassuming women who despite many setbacks found ways to connect with others and ultimately inspire hope.
Kelly is transparent in what is known and her approach to this research. Although the entire book was a page turner for me personally, Erin's description of Hansen's disease (leprosy) was especially fascinating. Much like Peg Kehret's memoir about polio (Small Steps), this book gave me new insights into a disease I thought I knew quite well. I great addition to middle grade school libraries.

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for this honest review.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A remarkable woman whose story has been largely forgotten by history, Joey Guerrero was a Filipino guerilla fighter, WW2 spy, Hansen’s disease (leprosy) survivor, advocate, and Medal of Freedom recipient. This book dives into her incredible life story, and shows the many ways she was able to impact the people around her. And through following her story, we learn about the history of the Philippines, what the country endured during WW2, the history of leprosy treatment and more.

This is a middle grade book, but I think all age groups would benefit from picking it up. Especially if you’d like to learn more about the Philippines. It’s a reminder of all the stories from history that haven’t yet been told, and all the people who have lived amazing lives and haven’t been given the recognition they deserve.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[NrsKelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a homeschooling mom, I think my kids would enjoy this book. My oldest son who is a World War 2 fanactic will especially enjoy it.
Joey’s store is an amazing one. How she survived so many terrible things but always kept her serving heart is beautiful. She js a testament to women everyone.
I received an ARC of this title, all opinions are my own .

[Lisa Ball · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a fascinating story - and person. I knew so little about the Philippines and its part in WW II and Joey’s story was so interesting, and inspiring. I think many of my non-fiction and WW II readers will enjoy this book. I think it may be difficult for some readers, though,, because there were so many side stories sprinkled in.

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A biography of Filippino WWII spy/hero Joey Guerrero who suffered from Hansen’s disease (aka leprosy) which let her slip by Japanese soldiers untouched to smuggle important information, and after the war she helped expose the deplorable conditions Filipinos suffering from the Hansen’s disease were forced to live in while sick. She eventually went to the US for treatment, and eventually made her home there in anonymity.

This book gets four stars just for honoring the memory of an ordinary woman who did extraordinary things for others while she herself was ill. Then her status as a war hero gave her a platform to bring the leper community’s forced living situation in squalor to light, and led to much needed reform. Her life in the States was kind of sad as she never seemed to find her place, and her prolonged separation from her husband and daughter both in the leper community in the Philippines and the US led to a divorce and estrangement. I would have given this 5 stars, but I wasn’t impressed by some of the research. Kelly summarizes a lot of historical events and issues in a way that really doesn’t convey to teen readers the complexity of those situations. For example, she tells them the war in Europe started with Hitler’s invasion of Poland, and yeah, maybe that’s when war was officially declared but there was so much before that that led to that point. There’s such a thing as oversimplification. That said, it was obvious she did all the research she could on Joey Guerrero from some of her comments and notes in the back. I think I am just used to getting spoiled by some other teen nonfiction authors like Jarrow and Fleming who do broad, extensive research on everything related to the book. Given this is Kelly’s first nonfiction full length book, she has time to grow in that area.

Notes on content:
Language: None that I remember
Sexual content: None
Violence: Deaths and violence during WWII are mentioned, some minimally described. Deaths from disease and starvation also mentioned.
Ethnic diversity: Filipinos, some white Americans, some Japanese.
LGBTQ+ content: None specified
Other: Divorce/estrangement resulting from prolonged forced separation from family. The forced quarantine of people with Hansen’s disease and severe restrictions on their travel is mentioned.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book about Joey Guerrero how she helped during WWII and how she survived having Hansen's Disease.

I felt like there wasn't as much information about Joey and all she did within the book. Yes, it was stated that much of her information wasn't never documented or lost over time, which I understand completely. But...there were many times I felt like the books was about everyone BUT Joey Guerrero.

I would still recommend this book as a read aloud for a classroom. It shows a different perspective of WWII from the Philippines point of view.

[Inez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not know this was a children's book going into it, though for a children's book Kelly did a great job succinctly conveying the story of Joey Guerrero while incorporating the relevant social, historical, and environmental context. I would read this to my hypothetical non existent children, and it made me want to learn more about Joey's role (in adult form). So, 4 stars from the perspective of being a children's book.

[Emily McKee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a totally different side of Erin Entrada Kelly—she has brought to light the true story of a brave Filipino woman, Joey Guerrero, who courageously served as a secret courier for the Allies during WW2, while suffering from leprosy.

This may be especially interesting for readers who appreciated John Green’s Everything is Tuberculosis.

[Hannah Kotz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew a good bit about the American side of the Pacific theatre during WWII but nothing about the actual residents of the areas affected, let alone what was going on in the Philippines. Joey’s story was so intriguing and really showcased what happens to heroes in the aftermath of their shining moments. A great book for young readers I never would have picked up if it weren’t for my book club!

[Rebecca Lowe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Middle school appropriate. An amazing woman who accomplished incredible things. It is a shame that so much of her life is undocumented because some momentous things in her life receive only a single sentence and readers are left wanting more. A fast read.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I named my daughter after Cory Aquino for her role in the People Power Revolution. If this book had come out three years ago, I probably would have named my daughter after Joey Guerrero instead.

[Fiona]

Not bad but due back at the library and less interesting than all the other library books I’m trying to finish before they’re due.

[TheNextGenLibrarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A MG biography about an unsung hero in World War II.
🇵🇭
Joey Guerrero, a native of the Philippines, was diagnosed with leprosy during World War II and basically shunned from everything and everyone she knew. When the Japanese occupied the Philippines, Joey, thinking she would die of the disease soon, joined the guerrilla movement to complete covert missions in support of the Allies. No one wanted to touch Guerrero for fear of catching her sickness so she was able to move freely and courier secret messages. She eventually won the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom for her efforts. When she’s cured of leprosy after a nine year stint at the National Leprosarium, Guerrero struggled to find work due to her health history and racial discrimination due to her thick accent. Guerrero died in 1996 in DC and she’s listed as a secretary from Manila, but really she’s a hero who needs to be taught in schools across the world.
🗣️
This was such a well-researched and well-written biography by @erinentrada I’m sad to admit that I haven’t heard much about Joey Guerrero before diving into this nonfiction book. We absolutely need more titles like this in our libraries so that kids can learn about the people rarely taught in history classes in the U.S. Guerrero was a hero and a survivor who never gave up. She’s a woman to emulate and look up to. Educators: it’s also a great way to show text features such as maps, sidebars, photographs, and other illustrated material. This book releases May 6!

CW: disease, death, illness, medical content, war (theme), racism, poverty, discrimination

[D'Anne Mosby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joey Guerrero wanted only a simple life. Marriage, family, to be a good catholic. But she was diagnosed with Hanson’s disease at 24 years old, just after she’s married and has a baby, her life changes.

Joey lives in the Philippines in the 40’s. In those days Hansons disease is known as leprosy and people who had it were quarantined and shunned because there was no cure. And people misunderstood that it is not highly contagious. Untreated, it can look terrible—sores on one’s face, open wounds that won’t heal. So people were afraid.

You’d think that this diagnosis would send Joey to a life of isolation and hospitalization. And in a way, it did. But despite her health—-she truly did stand up!

1940’s Philippines meant World War 2 and Japanese occupation of her country. It meant the US Allies fighting hard to bring freedom to the Philippines. And Joey served as a spy.

1950’s brought her to two hospitals, one in the Philippines and one in the US, where treatment was harsh and unsanitary. And Joey became an advocate and changed the way the hospitals provided for people with Hansons disease like her.

This biography is the surprising story of a woman who might have simply been sad and afraid of her affliction, but instead fought for her country, for the afflicted, and for the oppressed. She is an amazing uostander that you need to read about to understand how many lives she saved.

[Laura Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

The narrative is broken up with side quests of valuable information that make it difficult to fully engage and follow the narrative. I will be adding this to my library and encouraging students to read it, but it does feel disjointed.

[Richie Partington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richie’s Picks: AT LAST SHE STOOD: HOW JOEY GUERRERO SPIED, SURVIVED, AND FOUGHT FOR FREEDOM by Erin Entrada Kelly, HarperCollins/Greenwillow, May 2025, 208p., ISBN: 978-0-06-321890-1

“Now the flames they followed Joan of Arc
As she came riding through the dark
No moon to keep her armor bright
No man to get her through this very smoky night”
– Leonard Cohen (1971)

“In 1939, Joey develops a fever.
There is never a good time to get sick, but this is a particularly bad time. Joey’s little daughter, Cynthia, is only a toddler. It’s difficult to care for someone else when you don’t feel well, and Joey’s fever is relentless. No matter what she does, it won’t go away. And it’s not just the fever. Joey’s skin is flushed. There are red welts on her left arm and elbow. Trickles of blood dribble from her nose for no apparent reason. As soon as she thinks the nosebleeds are under control, another one is just around the corner.”

Joey Guerrero, whose childhood heroine was Joan of Arc, was 22 when these symptoms of Hansen’s disease (leprosy) upended her life. As former journalist-turned-Newbery Medalist Erin Entrada Kelly chronicles here, the medical regime of those less-enlightened days led to Joey’s forced separation from her husband and baby daughter. She would never again live a normal family life.

Two years later, as World War II descended upon the Philippines, Joey was in Manila secretly receiving medical care. Employing an umbrella to literally beat off unwanted attention from occupying Japanese soldiers barracked nearby, she was taken under wing by a couple involved with the Philippine guerilla movement, who were trying to help the Allies defeat Japan. She became a spy, sometimes hid messages in her braids, and characterized herself as “a little errand boy.”

But a bigger challenge awaited her. There were credible rumors that the Japanese intended to slaughter the prisoners in an internment camp before leaving town.

“American troops want to storm the camp and rescue the prisoners, but the area is littered with land mines. Land mines are weapons that are concealed underground and explode under pressure, usually when they’re stepped on or driven over. If the Americans launch an attack without knowing where the land mines are, the results will be disastrous.”

Fortunately, the guerillas had a rough map of the minefield. Unfortunately, the map needed to be delivered to the U.S. military. They were then 40 miles away, through a maze of swampland and Japanese military checkpoints.

Joey Guerrero had the guerillas tape the map to her back–her best shot at keeping it from being discovered (and staying alive). Then she walked a total of 60 life-threatening-every-moment miles, while suffering the agonies of Hansen’s disease, in order to successfully deliver the map and save a lot of lives. She would be presented a Medal of Freedom and would end up in America, spending nine years in a specialized Hansen’s disease care facility until she was officially “cured.”

But her struggles did not end there. At one point, her U.S. visa expired and she had to fight to keep from being deported.. Fortunately, there were some who knew what she did for the Allies in the War and she eventually was granted American citizenship. Nevertheless, the superstition surrounding leprosy back in those days prevented her from keeping a steady job. Things got so bad that, at one point, she had to pawn her Medal of Freedom.

AT LAST SHE STOOD is a powerful tale about this heroic woman. But that’s just the beginning. This book is so much more. Readers learn about the history and geography of the Philippines. We get a solid overview of fascism and World War II. And we learn how, in my lifetime, the superstitions and forced isolations relating to leprosy for thousands of years have been blown apart by modern scientific breakthroughs.

This is an awesome and engaging piece of nonfiction for elementary and middle school readers.

Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com

[Jhana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I came across this book while searching for nonfiction titles for older readers on my instructor’s Wakelet page. At Last She Stood: How Joey Guerrero Spied, Survived, and Fought for Freedom was written by Erin Entrada Kelly. This book received the 2025 Orbis Pictus Honor Award for Nonfiction. Nonfiction is not usually my genre of choice, so I appreciated listening to this book on audio, as it was filled with historical information that helped me better understand the context of Joey Guerrero’s life, work, and legacy.

At Last She Stood tells the life story of a Filipina woman, Josefina “Joey” Guerrero, commonly known for her work as a spy during World War II. The book begins by highlighting Joey's upbringing, as well as historical information regarding colonization in the Philippines, illnesses, and events that led to World War II. Being diagnosed with leprosy, Joey used this to her advantage to deliver messages to Allied forces without being caught by Japanese soldiers. Additionally, the book highlights her influence after the war, as she immigrated to the United States to seek treatment for her chronic illness. She leveraged her experience to advocate for others with leprosy. Earning a Presidential Medal of Freedom, Joey Guerrero is considered a remarkable hero in our nation’s history, although often forgotten. Through vivid descriptions and historical narratives, this book captures the theme of resilience.

I appreciated the book's formatting, which alternates between Joey’s story and historical information to help the reader build background knowledge of events that took place in Joey’s story. This helped me better understand the gravity of those experiences and the impact of her work. However, I felt that the historical information sometimes overpowered Joey’s story.

The book’s historical context makes it suitable for readers in grades 5 and up. I envision this book being paired with discussions about what a hero is and how a hero can look different in various contexts. This could lead to other opportunities to discuss other forgotten heroes and compare/contrast the impact of their heroic actions in relation to the historical setting and events of that time. While this wasn’t my favorite read, I would still recommend this to readers who love nonfiction and are interested in learning about an incredible woman’s story.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I learned more about the history of the Philippines in this book profiling the courageousness of Josefina "Joey" Guerrero than I have reading anything else. Is there any topic that Kelly can't write about?!?! This was a gentle, brave biography of Guerrero's life through war and living with leprosy with the grace of her faith and selflessness. The chapters were brief and swift but full of insightful historical facts about the push and pull of (firstly, Spain and Magellan) then Japan, the United States, and course, the guerilla fighter of the Philippines trying to save their country.

This is on top of the historical and cultural understanding of leprosy which Joey had and tried her spirit, relationships, and body which eventually took her to the United States for treatment at Carville.

The arc of her life is one that Kelly tried to find the most information about, namely because there isn't a lot toward the end of her life where she worked various jobs in the United States after successful treatment of her disease. She died almost in obscurity though having received Medals of Freedom for her efforts and being a prolific writer for much of her life.

The text boxes featuring additional helpful contextual information make the story itself shine.

"Eventually, someone listens. A.H. Lacson, a journalist for The Manila Times and former guerilla scout, makes a trip to Tala Leprosarium to see things for himself. He publishes a series of articles, in which he describes Tala as a "graveyard of the living dead." There are 650 patients and only four nurses, he writes. Most patients sleep on dirty floors and there's a constant shortage of food, medicine, and clean water.... About six patients die every month- not from leprosy, but from malnutrition."

"'Most people think I have died because I have tried very hard to efface the past,' she writes. 'I simply want to forget it. It was too traumatic and has given me no end of heartbreak. [But] I am still alive and full of zest for life.'"

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never heard of Joey Guerrero before, though I hope she was mentioned at least in passing during one of the sections on WWII I sat through during my years of schooling. Either way, I'm glad I know her story now, and I'm excited that middle grade readers will know about her as well.

As admitted in the author's note, Joey did her best to fade into the background of history, so unearthing details of her life was no easy task. But At Last She Stood does not feel like it is lacking in events or details of Joey's life. I also love that readers learn about ​Gertrude "Gertie" Hornsbostel and Lourdes "Lulu" Reyes among other people who played important roles in either the history of the Philippines and/or the medical progress made in treating Hansen’s disease.

While the audiobook is very well done, I highly recommend reading a print copy (physical or digital) so that you can see the photos included. I'm glad that I had the chance to co-read this, flipping through a digital ARC while listening to the audiobook. The photos add a whole other layer to the events during Joey's life.

Nonfiction books can be hard to convince tweens and teens to pick up, but much like with Steve Sheinkin's books, this one reads like a work of fiction. I'm positive that once started, readers will be fully engaged and will want to continue reading.

Ferdelle Capistrano does a great job with the audiobook narration.

Advanced Reader’s Copies (I ended up with an egalley and the audiobook) that were provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The audiobook is from HarperAudio Children’s/Greenwillow Books and the egalley is from HarperCollins Children's Books/Greenwillow Books.

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

At Last She Stood is a fascinating biography of a little known WWII hero, Josephine Guerrero. Josephine lived in the Philippines, grew up Catholic, and was inspired by stories about Joan of Arc. As WWII unfolded life became difficult for many people in the Philippines, but Joey faced a more difficult road than many after she was diagnosed with Hansen's disease, otherwise known as leprosy. Joey's disease left her in pain and, worse, necessitated her separation from her husband and young daughter. But it was that same disease that made it possible for Joey to join the guerrilla movement in Manila and operate as a spy for the Allies. Joey was an unlikely hero and her story has been largely forgotten. Overcoming unthinkable obstacles, Joey was eventually brought to the United States where she received proper care for her disease and went on to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees and volunteer for the Peace Corps. When she died, those who knew her as an usher at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., knew nothing about her remarkable past. Thankfully Kelly's determined research pieced together Joey's story so readers can appreciate her astonishing life. Not only will readers learn about Joey's life, they will also gain perspectives on WWII outside of Europe and be encouraged to reflect on the obstacles Joey faced as an immigrant to the United States. With concise chapters and just under 200 pages, this is a reader-friendly biography for middle school students. The story is enhanced with black and white photos, maps, and text boxes offering extra context. Backmatter includes an author's note, further resources, and a bibliography.

Recommended for grades 5-8, especially where WWII biographies are popular.

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 4 out of 5]

While these pages tell the story of an inspiring woman, Joey Guerrero, the history richness goes even further to create a well-rounded, interesting dive into the Philippines during WWII.

To say that Joey Guerrero lead an interesting life is an understatement. From horrid diseases to dangerous missions and so much more, she took on everything that came her way. While only the first pages concentrate on her childhood, the author has kept the middle grade reader in mind as they present Joey's life, even as an adult, in a grabbing, down-to-earth way. Certain events are described with an almost story-like atmosphere but quickly venture back into the nonfiction realm to keep facts close and clear. But then, this isn't only the biography of Joey. Instead, the background of other people, which influenced her life, also come in along the way to keep the pacing steady and make the difficulties of the time frame clear. There are also many subsections printed in information boxes, which describe related facts and events such as leprosy, WWII and more.

Photos, related to the situations, as well as maps and more add substance and make the events hit with more potency and understanding. The reader comes out knowing much more about the role the Philippines played during the time period as well as many difficulties people faced. I didn't know much about the attacks by the Japanese on the Philippines, nor was I aware of the American involvement. This book fills that whole, while keeping it mostly interesting for the middle grade reader.

History fans are sure to enjoy this one, but it's also a nice fit for classrooms and groups, who want to learn more about these events and Joey's contributions.

[YSBR · Rating 5 out of 5]

At Last She Stood uncovers the incredible life of Joey Guerrero, a small Filipina woman committed to fighting for the liberation of the Philippines under Japanese occupation. Entrada Kelly tells the story of Guerrero’s life while seamlessly weaving in blurbs about the political and social context that Guerrero lived in. Readers will learn about the effects of colonialism on the Philippines, the Japanese Propaganda Corps, the social repercussions of being diagnosed with Hansen’s Disease (also known as leprosy), and more. These details are vital in establishing why the life that Guerrero led was so brave and so impressive. I really enjoyed that Entrada Kelly included images and primary sources throughout the book, grounding readers in the historical context and bringing Guerrero to life. Entrada Kelly acknowledges at the front of the book that we unfortunately do not know all the details of Joey Guerrero’s life, but the way that Entrada Kelly interweaves historical and political tidbits with biographical information paints a beautiful and powerful portrait of Guerrero’s courage and impact. Readers will come away from this book informed and inspired. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Greenwillow Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, and Netgalley for the digital arc.
A visit to a Rehoboth Beach bookstore was the inspiration for Erin Entrada Kelly's first nonfiction book, a biography about WWII Philippine guerrilla, Joey Guerrero. In the first half of the book, her biography is entwined with the history of the Japanese occupation of the Philippines, especially the area around Manila. Joey' s life was complicated. She was married, had a daughter, and suffered from leprosy, which helped her as a courier between the Philippine guerrillas and the Allies. After the war, Joey's life progressed through many stages-- recipient of the US Presidential Medal of Freedom, patient and advocate, the move to the United States, college student, and peace corp. Her story is a study in fortitude and bravery, and the author has done an exceptional job of portraying Joey Guerrero against the changing backdrops of her life. Generous resources , bibliography , and notes make this a valuable historical resource for the times.
 #AtLastSheStood

[Alexa Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Erin Entrada Kelly tackles non-fiction in this book about a little known Filipina woman who had Hansen's disease, did a lot of guerrilla work and also wound up immigrating to the US. Along the way, we learn about WWII and what happened in the Philippines at that time, along with some general history of the Philippines and the US. There are a few small stretches we learn about a few things that don't seem to be related, but the short chapters keep the book moving. Like Kelly, I truly wish that there was more about her feelings. We have some letters, but it makes you want to get in her head. Kelly does a great job not giving feelings she doesn't know, and shares similar primary resources to what Guerrero could have seen/used which provides context even though we don't have the real materials she interacted with.

It is a hard read, there is a lot of death but we follow the characters who lived (mostly) even if their lives were hard...and also incredible and surprising and worth knowing about.

[Alisha (booksmellz) · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this novel, you learn about Josefina “Joey” Guerrero, a guerrilla fighter, a spy, a Medal of Freedom recipient, Hansen’s disease survivor, teacher, and peacemaker. Told with historical photos as well as key themes and moments in history, readers will learn about a piece of WWII that many probably haven’t heard about.

Learning (yet again) something new in 2025 about WWII. I wasn’t too familiar with the Philippines in WWII, so I absolutely hadn’t heard of Joey Guerrero, but I adore Erin Entrada Kelly’s writing and once I saw she was writing a nonfiction about someone, I knew it was important that I knew who Joey was.

What a remarkable woman Joey was. She never let anything stop her, or slow her down. Her life wasn’t picture perfect, but she’d accept it and keep going. She was resourceful too - knowing she wouldn’t get checked as much because of her disease. It was kind of crappy how the US treated her after everything she did (but in all honesty, it doesn’t surprise me…)

Overall, though this book is aimed at middle grade readers, I still think older readers would enjoy it. As a woman in her 30’s, I found the breakdown of information a lot more digestible than older history books.

*Thank you Greenwillow Books and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

At the beginning of WWII, Joey Guerrero, a Filipino woman was diagnosed with Hansen's Disease (formerly known as leprocy) When Pearl Harbor was attacked, so were the Philippines, which came under Japanese control. Joey joined a guerrilla force in Manila hoping to do her part to help her people. She was a spy, a courier, and a brave woman.

Not much is known about Guerrero, so Entrada Kelly has filled in the gaps with general info about WWII, the war against the Japanese, an internment camp in Manila, sanitariums, racism, other characters, religion, MacArthur and a lot more. After the war, Joey story shifts to her fight to manage and help learn more about treatments for Hansen's Disease as she emigrates to Louisiana, changes her name and continues her life in the United States. So much content NOT about Josephina Guerrero, and so many sides stories about other people doing the same thing. Not entirely biography, only half WWII, I fear it might be a bit much for middle school readers. Includes index, pictures, a bibliography and further resources.