Book Description: Berlin, spring 1948. Teenage cousins Erich and Katarina are just trying to survive in a city still devastated by World War 2 when the Soviets blockade the city isolating its citizens---and starving them---behind the Iron Curtain. But the Americans have food, so Erich sneaks inside a U.S. cargo plane...where he is caught by a sympathetic American sergeant who tries to befriend him. Though Erich has plenty of reasons to resent this man, in the end he must decide---should he cling to bitterness or learn to forgive?My Review: Robert Elmer weaves a great tale of teenagers Eric and Katarina who are trying to survive after World War II. Even though the war is over the devastation has caused a lack of food and meager living quarters. Erich persuades his cousin, Katarina, that he can sneak on the American base and steal some much needed food. Of course, the best laid plans go awry and Erich is caught. The title of the book Candy Bombers is a true life action that the Americans did after the war . . . dropping hundreds of candies and gum to those below. Can Erich let go of of his preconceived hatred for peoples he only knows as the enemy? Can he and Katarina get back to their home through the devastation? And even though the war is over is there still "war in the hearts" of those who live???
I read this book to my class of third graders who loved the action and were very interested in soldiers who would drop candy for kids. A wonderful story for preteens (even though I'm an adult I too loved the story!). The story has a lot of history and facts about the devastation of World War II and the attitudes of both the Germans and Americans.
This is a fantastic 5 star read! I'm looking forward to reading Book 2, Beetle Bunker.
*I reviewed this book for Zondervan/ZonderKidz*
This sounds like a very interesting book.
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