Commemorate the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall with the inspiring true story of Peter's harrowing
escape from East Berlin to West Berlin via hot air balloon!
Peter was born on the east side of Germany, the side that wasn't free. He watches news programs rather than
cartoons and wears scratchy uniforms instead of blue jeans. His family endures long lines and early curfews.
But Peter knows it won't always be this way. Peter and his family have a secret. Late at night in their attic, they
are piecing together a hot air balloon—and a plan. Can Peter and his family fly their way to freedom?
Now in paperback, Flight for Freedom is the true story of one child, Peter Wetzel, and his family, as they risk
their lives for the hope of freedom in a daring escape from East Germany in 1979 via a handmade hot air
balloon. This thrilling nonfiction picture book is perfect for fans of historical books for young readers like Let the
Children March, The Wall:Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain, and Armstrong: The Adventurous Journey of a
Mouse to the Moon.
TIMELY YET TIMELESS: Marking 35 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, this commemorative reprint of a story
about a family who risks it all to start anew remains incredibly resonant.
TRUE ADVENTURE: This is a harrowing true-to-life account based on in-person interviews with the family and
reviewed by them for accuracy. It is a fact-based picture book that makes an excellent addition to classrooms
and libraries and an outstanding resource for educators teaching about the Cold War, the Iron Curtain, and
East Germany.
HISTORY BOOK FOR ALL AGES: Flight for Freedom is a showcase for lessons of bravery, heroism, family,
and perseverance, as well as stunning history. Young readers will appreciate the clearly explained differences
of a child's life in East and West Germany and will be excited by the construction and flight of the hot air balloon.
The human-centered historical context and gripping storyline will also call out to older readers and adults.
IMMERSIVE BACKMATTER: Extensive backmatter, which includes a map of Peter's journey over the wall, a
diagram of the balloon itself, an explanation of how much cloth and gasoline were needed to construct and fly
the balloon, some of the history and science behind hot air balloons, and what happened to the family after
they landed, will satisfy readers interested in learning more.
