This month’s book is Cher Ami: WWI Homing Pigeon by Jeoming Dunn.

Cher Ami was a carrier pigeon used in World War I to deliver messages for the US soldiers. She saved an encircled battalion during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive in October 1918. She flew a total of 12 missions.
The American army was outnumbered, had eaten all of their food and used all their first aid supplies. Then things got even worse. “Our artillery is dropping a barrage on us. For Heaven’s sake, stop!” – Major Whittlesey.
Cher Ami was the soldiers’ last hope. She took to the air, where she was shot. She flew 25  miles to deliver her message. When she arrived, one leg was hanging on by a tendon, she was blind in one eye, and she had a hole in her breast.
Cher Ami received many awards, including the Croix de Guerre Medal and a palm Oak Leaf Cluster. She died from her injuries on June 13, 1919. Her preserved body is on display at the Smithsonian in Washington DC.

Cooper thinks Cher Ami was an amazing and brave bird. She enjoyed the graphic novel style of the book (illustrations by Benn Dunn). There is a fact page and a glossary to help with some of the terms in the book. Cooper was glad that Cher Ami was recognized for her sacrifice. Cher Ami was a true hero.