Flight for Freedom: The Wetzel Family's Daring Escape from East Germany

Ages 5 to 8

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.

Perfect for: Fans of true-life escape stories Picture book readers ages 5 - 9 Teachers, librarians, and historians Readers who enjoy the I Survived book series, The 39 Clues, and other children’s action and adventure books

About the Author

Kristen Fulton is a children's book author. She can always be found with a notebook in hand as she ventures through historical sites and museums. Most of the time she lives in Florida—but she can also be found traveling the country by RV.

Torben Kuhlmann is an award-winning children's book author and illustrator. Starting in kindergarten, he became known as "the draftsman." Flying machines and rich historical detail often adorn his work. He lives in Hamburg, Germany.