Thursday, October 7, 2010

Candy Bomber by Michael O. Tunnell


Tunnell, Michael O. Candy Bomber: The Story of the Berlin Airlift’s “Chocolate Pilot’, 104 p. Charlesbridge, 2010.  $9.95.  Content: G.  After World War II, Lt. Gail Halvorson helped with “Operation Vittles”, airlifting food, fuel and other essentials to the citizens of West Berlin, who were hemmed in by the Russians.  Lt. Halvorson saw another need and soon became know as the man with the candy, as his operation extended all over West Berlin, to bring a little joy and hope to the children, along with the food they needed to survive.  Mr. Tunnell has written a wonderful book about one of Utah’s own heroes.  I would suggest that every school that teaches Utah history or looks at WWII have this book on hand as a way to bring the human element to this war.  Even, or especially, elementary children should know about Gail Halvorson, as he continues to participate in drops to places such as Kabul, Bosnia and Mississippi (after Hurricane Katrina).  EL, MS, HS – ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher.

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