The Tortoise and the Soldier: A Story of Courage and Friendship in World War I.

Gr 3–5—Based on a true story, this book opens with a young reporter for a British newspaper interviewing veteran Henry Friston about the pet tortoise he obtained when he served as a sailor in World War I. Friston relates his life story and shares his diary, describing his childhood as a poor student who daydreamed about traveling the world. As a young man, he joins the Royal Navy on the eve of the war. He rescues the wounded on Gallipoli, where he encounters the tortoise, names it Ali Pasha, and brings it aboard his ship. Ali becomes a mascot for the gun crew. After witnessing more action, Friston returns to England with Ali Pasha to live out the rest of his days as a gardener, with Ali becoming a local tourist attraction. This is an intriguing story that provides vivid accounts of battles and insight into one who fought. Haunting drawings convey the grimness of war in a way that children will find relatable, while maps and a few photographs flesh out the events. The title is somewhat misleading, as the tortoise is a fairly minor character (the bulk of the story focuses on Friston's war experiences). The book lacks a glossary for those not versed in Briticisms. Minor criticisms aside, this is a captivating story that will be read in one sitting.