Blogger Book Club

This is not your usual World War II story.  In 1948, World War II has ended and one person makes a difference. A simple gesture by Gail Halvorsen begins by sharing two sticks of gum to children behind a fence.  Because of the blockade in Berlin by Russia, the people were very hungry.  Their desperation for freedom was greater than their hunger.  Gail Halvorsen devises a plan without the knowledge of the United States Air Force.  Gail Halvorsen soon becomes an international celebrity.  He made tiny parachutes to make the drops.  Any material was scarce.  How could he make parachutes?  How could he collect food and candy (tons of candy)? How do the children know which plane is his?

This is an important topic that everyone should know.  The actual black and white photographs and letters are very impressive.  What also impressed me is how modest Gail Halvorsen comported himself. There is good reference material at the back of the book. This would make a great read aloud for families or classrooms.  This story for children in Grades 4-7 is so impressive that you really might want a harder reading challenge.  Look for Gail Halvorsen's own book published in 2002 - The Berlin Candy Bomber.
You will be so impressed that that this World War II veteran is still alive. IMPRESSIVE
THANK YOU Lt. Halvorsen

2014 Rebecca Caudill Award Nominee