Candy Bomber: The Story of the Berlin Airlift's Chocolate Pilot

One WWII pilot's mission to lift the spirits of children living in war-torn Berlin in 1945 comes to life in this moving middle-grade historical account. After World War II the United States and Britain airlifted food and supplies into Russian-blockaded West Berlin. US Air Force Lieutenant Gail S. Halvorsen knew the children of the city were suffering. To bring a bit of hope, he began dropping chocolate and chewing gum by parachute.

What began as a one-time gesture of compassion turned into an official U.S. Air Force operation. "Operation Little Vittles" grew, as more and more pilots volunteered to drop the parachutes, and donations of candy and cloth poured in from all over. This inspiring story of one man's contribution to the rebuilding of a country after war is a unique look at history.

Illustrated with archival photographs, personal photographs from Lt. Gail Halvorsen--the Chocolate Pilot--letters, and documents, Candy Bomber is an important and interesting addition to studies of World War II.

Author: Michael O. Tunnell
Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing
Published: 07/01/2010
Pages: 120
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.72lbs
Size: 9.08h x 7.38w x 0.41d
ISBN: 9781580893374
Audience: Ages 9-12


Review Citation(s):
Booklist 06/01/2010 pg. 99
School Library Journal 07/01/2010 pg. 104
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 09/01/2010
Horn Book Magazine 09/01/2010 pg. 107
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2011 pg. 194

About the Author
Michael has served on the Newbery Award Committee and on the selection committee for the NCTE Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children. He has also published many professional books, including THE STORY OF OURSELVES: TEACHING HISTORY THROUGH CHILDREN'S LITERATURE (Heinemann) and CHILDREN'S LITERATURE, BRIEFLY (Prentice Hall), and has written articles for a variety of educational journals. He and his wife, Glenna, live in Orem, Utah. They have four grown children.