Mercedes and the Chocolate Pilot, a True Story of the Berlin Airlift and the Candy That Dropped from the Sky by Margot Theis (2003, Unabridged, Audio Cassette)

We had the honor of meeting the Chocolate Pilot and Mercedes at a BSA function in Berlin in February 2008. Beforehand, I purchased the book and read it to my children. I briefly explained the historical background before reading it so they would better understand the importance of the candy. This is a true story about human kindness and it honors the men and women who served in the Berlin Airlift 1948-1949. Mercedes is a little German girl who has lost her father in the war and lives amidst the destruction of Berlin. The Soviets blockade the city, leaving the West Berliners to starve and freeze to death if it were not for the determination of President Truman and the American people. One day, a kind American pilot, Gail Halverson, shares a few sticks of gum German children. When he realizes how much happiness this simple action brings, he organizes regular candy drops. The candy comes to symbolizes hope and freedom to Berlin's children. Mercedes, who is unable to catch the flying candy, writes the Chocolate Pilot a letter and receives a surprise that will change her life. The lesson to be learned is that one person can make a difference and that little actions can have a big impact.

I now have 3 copies of this beautifully illustrated book and recently purchased the book-on-tape on ebay for our school library to complement the books. I wish the book were on a CD, but a cassette will have to do for now! I recommend purchasing the book as well because it makes it easier to follow the plot while listening to the tape. The book also does a good job of visually illustrating the Berlin ruins and of capturing the emotions of Mercedes which would not be evident on the tape. One big plus about the tape is that it makes it easier for younger children to follow the story.

The Berlin Airlift is celebrating it's 60th anniversary in 2008-2009. There is no better way to honor it than by having a copy of this book complemented with the book-on-tape.