Tucky Jo and Little Heart

Starred review from June 15, 2015
Polacco shares the story of a World War II veteran who served in the Pacific as a very young man. According to the author's note, her intention was to "tell it as nearly as I can in his own words." Assuming she succeeded, Johnnie Wallen was a thoughtful and eloquent individual whose words convey the horrors of war while also offering glimpses of humanity and hope. Inspired to join the Army after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the "Kentucky Kid," as he was known, was initially teased for his youth but gained the respect of his comrades for his marksmanship and skill with explosives. The colloquial, conversational text skims over the many battles in which Wallen's infantry unit was involved to focus on Johnnie's redemptive connection to an emotionally fragile young Filipino girl. Little Heart's difficult experiences are delicately depicted, allowing young readers to see clearly the impact of war on children and families. In an unlikely, heartwarming (and true) twist, Little Heart eventually finds a way to repay "Tucky Jo" for his help and care. Polacco's illustrations, created with colored pencil and marker, effectively reflect the action and illuminate the emotions of major and minor players without explicit violence or mawkish sentimentality. Once again, this talented author/illustrator brings the past to life for young listeners and introduces them to unforgettable, admirable characters in the process. (Picture book. 7-10)

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September 1, 2015

Gr 2-4-In Polacco's latest picture book based on true events, Johnnie Wallen is only 15 years old when he leaves his backwoods Kentucky home to join the army after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. In spite of his youth, Johnnie's accuracy with a rifle earns him the respect of the other soldiers and many dangerous missions. Arriving with his unit in the Philippines, he is tired of fighting and of the hot, steamy jungle. He happens upon a little Filipino girl who shows him how to soothe his bug bites using local plants. Unable to pronounce "Kentucky Johnnie," she calls him "Tucky Jo." He calls her Little Heart, after the birthmark on her arm. In time, Johnnie meets the villagers and his fellow soldiers share their rations with them. When the soldiers receive news that the area is to be firebombed, Johnnie sees to it that the villagers are evacuated when the troops leave. After World War II ends, Johnnie marries his childhood sweetheart. Sixty-five years later, he is patriarch to a large family but his health is failing. In an amazing-yet true-turn of events, he is found by Little Heart. Now a nurse, she happily repays Tucky Jo's kindness. Polacco echoes her main character's Kentucky dialect in the longish text, making the book more suitable for reading aloud to younger children. Spreads done in her signature style with colored pencils and markers portray the weary determination of the soldiers, Little Heart's emotions, and wartime conditions. The final reunion picture is poignant and memorable. VERDICT This beautifully crafted work is a testament to human kindness.-Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

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