A TRUE STORY OF THE BERLIN AIRLIFT AND THE CANDY THAT DROPPED FROM THE SKY

Life was grim in 1948 West Berlin, Germany. In an effort to seize control of the region and put it under communist control, Josef Stalin blockaded the roads, railroads, and canal routes coming in and out of Berlin to cut off West Berliners from all food, clothing, heat, and electricity. Without outside help, over 2.2 million people would die.

Thus began the Berlin Airlift, a humanitarian rescue mission that utilized British and American airplanes and pilots to fly in needed supplies. As one of the American pilots participating in the airlift mission, Lt. Gail S. Halvorsen helped to provide not only nourishment to the children but also gave them a reason to hope for a better world. From one thoughtful, generous act came a lifelong relationship between Lt. Halvorsen and the children of West Berlin.

This is the true story of a seven-year-old girl named Mercedes who lived in West Berlin during the airlift and of the American who came to be known as the Chocolate Pilot.

Artist Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen's evocative paintings illuminate Margot Theis Raven's powerful, true story of hope, friendship, and remembrance. Mercedes and the Chocolate Pilot is sure to inspire generations of readers to come.

From the dust jacket