This Rat....... A Military College Story Paperback – March 17, 2026

This Rat....... A Military College Story is a unique book from Sofia Fleming about the Rat Line at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI). This children's book depicts a Rat which is a VMI freshman and their day to day life in the rigorous and challenging Rat Line. The story unfolds as a brand new Rat enters the arches of VMI's historic barracks and it follows different Rats through their VMI adventures as they complete their freshman year which is filled with training. The Rat Line serves as a training process that forms Rats into disciplined cadets while building lifelong bonds as Brother Rats.It is full of hand illustrated drawings of the freshman who are depicted as rodents as they complete various activities such as parades, guard and workouts. These cartoon rodents humorously depict the VMI life as they deadlift wheels of cheese in the Rat gym or sleepily count wedges of cheese in Rat math class. This book's clever rhyme scheme captivates the young and old alike. Read more