Candy Bombers

The Wall Trilogy #1

by Robert Elmer

Middle-school readers ages 8-12 can experience a story of action and adventure in Candy Bombers , book 1 in the Wall Trilogy series that presents historically accurate fiction which brings the past to life in a kid-friendly way. Cousins Erich and Katarina find themselves trapped behind the Berlin Wall in 1948, and must find a way to survive—despite the growing dangers around them. Candy Bombers is perfect Candy Bombers takes readers to Berlin, Germany in the spring of 1948. Teenage cousins Erich and Katarina are just trying to survive Soviet isolation and starvation when they see the Americans have food. When Erich sneaks inside a US cargo plane, he is caught by an American sergeant who tries to befriend him. Though Erich has plenty of reasons to resent this man, in the end he must decide—should he cling to bitterness or learn to forgive? If you enjoyed Candy Bombers, be sure to check out the other books in the Wall Trilogy that continue the Beetle Bunker and Smuggler’s Treasure

Genres: Historical Fiction, Childrens, Christian Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Young Adult, Family

160 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2006

About the author

Robert Elmer is the author of more than fifty books, including contemporary novels for the adult Christian audience, nonfiction devotionals like Piercing Heaven and Fount of Heaven (Lexham Press), and seven series for younger readers. Among kids, he is best known for his historicals such as the Young Underground, Adventures Down Under, Life Behind the Wall, and Promise of Zion books. When he's not at the keyboard, he enjoys beachcombing and travel with his wife, and spending time with their three kids and families.

Reviews

[Jenny Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very personal look at divided Berlin, and shows how many young kids must have felt. A quick, easy read and gives a good idea of what it was like at that time in history. Obviously written for a younger audience though.

[Tarissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erich and his family live in Berlin, Germany. The Cold War is raging, plus there are many problems left over from World War II. It is not a happy time.

As a teenager, Erich is in the midst of this horrible confusion with his mother, grandmother, aunt, & his cousin, Katarina. He takes it upon himself to find food for his starving family, which drives him into the undertaking of getting back at Germany's enemies--the Soviet soldiers. Erich blames the Russians for everything, including taking his father's life. Erich has a mission, but it lands both himself & Katarina, in an unpleasant situation dealing with the Americans. They don't know what will happen, or if they'll make it home.

With talk of war, spies, bombs, and no food in Berlin... What can a boy do to make a better difference in his life, and the lives around him?

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great short story on how the candy dropped happen. Excellent read for middle and high schoolers. If you like true story’s about the war, it is a good read.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Candy Bombers is a middle grade historical fiction book about the Berlin Airlift and dropping candy for the children in the Soviet sector at the beginning of the Cold War. The story is very simple and doesn’t really focus much on the candy bombing (it’s more of a backdrop). The transitions from one scene to the next very often are difficult to follow (could be an issue with how the book ended up when it was made into an ebook as there are some formatting issues). It’s an okay book, but there are better out there set in the same time period.

[Etta Mcquade · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting approach to the wonderful true story of the Americans dropping sweets, besides food, coal and supplies, to the Germans (whom they had defeated in WW II) when the Russians closed everything down in Eastern Berlin. I loved seeing Gail Halvorsen, the main Candy Bombers' pilot, who is LDS, recognized and honored here in Utah where he was born and lives.

[Ailey Leman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this story, so probably missed a few details, but it was a good story overall. Very wholesome!

[Liberty Sain · Rating 3 out of 5]

👍

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had never heard of the Candy Bombers before so when I heard about this, I knew I had to read more about it. The idea of the Candy Bombers occurred after WWII when Berlin was divided amongst different countries and an American pilot decided to take matters into his own hands. This one individual started a movement, a movement to bring some happiness to the children in the area. His one small act touched the lives of many.

Erich and Katarina are two young teens living in Germany after WWII. They are living in the American section but their Oma refuses to move in with them, as she has roots in the area that she is living in. The teens know that the Americans have food at the airport and Erich has the idea to raid their stash of food. It sounds like a great plan until they get caught. The Americans scold the teens for their actions, give them a small portion of food and then send the teens on their way, telling them to get home. Erich has a huge heart as he instantly thinks of his Oma when he gets the food from the Americans and he wants to share it with her. Erich is determined to head back to the airport tomorrow to obtain more food but this time, as the teens check out a cargo plane for food, the plane begins takeoff. Stuck on the plane, the stowaways are scared of what awaits them aboard this plane.

It’s a interesting read and although it doesn’t give you much in-depth information about the Candy Bombers, you get a great adventure story and become a part of the Candy Bomber crew. I enjoyed the story, as I thought it was entertaining, adventurous and educational. A great book for young readers to find out about this event in history.

[Duane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book that deals with the post World War 2 time period. Erich has a hatred of Americans that he uses to deal with the death of his father. When he meets his first American up close, he soon realizes that hating someone is a lot easier when you don't know them. Can his faith triumph over the hatred he's held onto so strongly? A great book for the young reader.

[Kimbrely · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was short fun read aloud book with the boys. Godo suspense. Some unexpected turns. Wasn't sure I liked the ending entirely, not exactly what I expected but overall a very fun book to read. Especially puts a face on WW II/Cold Ward which Jacob is studying in school.

[Adelle Eslinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a series my ten year old and i read. As citizens of Berlin, we were fascinated to read about our new city and experience this era theough the eyes of a child. Matthias (my son ) says " i really enjoyed reading this book" !

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed these books, The Wall Series, and the story brought some interesting history alive. I shared the books with some 4th graders and the books kept their attention and gave them information about World War II in story form which they enjoyed.

[Andrew]

i think it was a great book that i recommend for anyone interested in historical fiction.

[Tam Newell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Doesn't follow the historical pieces of the candy bombers, but a great story from a different point of view. Good read to do with students to discuss perspective as well as history.

[Christa R · Rating 5 out of 5]

2023 thoughts - Mark enjoyed this book. It was helpful to introduce some of the concepts of the Cold War.