Candy Bomber

Candy Bomber: The Story of the Berlin Airlift's "Chocolate Pilot"
By Michael O. Tunnell
Charlesbridge, 2010. 110 pgs. Young Adult Nonfiction

Following WWII and the division of Germany between the Allied powers, the Soviet Union blockaded Berlin, hoping to be able to gain control of West Berlin as well as East Berlin. However, the British and American forces found a solution: they began airlifting supplies into West Berlin. Gail Halvorsen, an American pilot, was touched by the German children, and came up with the idea to drop mini-parachutes with candy and gum to them as he flew overhead. His small act became something much bigger, as soldiers and civilians alike caught wind of what he was doing, donating time, parachutes, and candy to help with the cause. As candy and gum rained down, the Germans sent letters of gratitude and even instructions of where to drop candy.

This is an endearing story of a man who found a small way to make a big difference. With photographs and letters (some humorous, some touching) and drawings from the Germans to Halvorsen, this book helps readers really get into the story.

AE