The Eternal Soldier

By Allison Crotzer Kimmel, Rotem Teplow (illustrator),

Book cover of The Eternal Soldier: The True Story of How a Dog Became a Civil War Hero

Book description

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…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked The Eternal Soldier as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Ever since I was a teenager, I have been interested in the story of Sallie, a bullterrier who became the mascot of the 11th Pennsylvania Infantry. (I have an ancestor who fought with the 11th Pennsylvania, which is how I first became aware of Sallie’s story.)

The illustrations in this book are delightful as the author tells the story of when Sallie first joined the 11th until she was killed in battle in Virginia several years later. Today, she is memorialized at Gettysburg National Military Park. Visitors often leave dog biscuits at her statue.

Allison Crotzer Kimmel’s touching book is a 2023 Pennsylvania Young Reader Choice Award Winner for Grades 3-6. This book is a favorite of mine not only because it covers a little-known bit of Civil War history, but because the author humanizes the difficult topic of war, using a beloved dog.

Sallie, a brindle bull terrier, marched with the 11th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry as their mascot during the Civil War. The dog was so well-liked even President Lincoln tipped his hat to her when reviewing the troops. At the battle of Gettysburg, she guarded the wounded, nearly dying herself from hunger.…

From Rebecca's list on little-known US history for children.

Want books like The Eternal Soldier?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Eternal Soldier.

Browse books like The Eternal Soldier

Book cover of Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre
Book cover of Farewell to Manzanar
Book cover of Children of the Dust Bowl: The True Story of the School at Weedpatch Camp

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,351

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in dogs, war, and the American Civil War?

Dogs 426 books
War 2,066 books