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.

“This thrilling account, based on an event that took place in 1979, offers young readers a sense of why a family might risk everything to emigrate.”—Shelf Awareness

“Flight for Freedom is a model historical picture book… Older readers (and adults!) are likely to want to learn more… [T]his gem of a book brings the historical setting vividly to life under its own steam.”—Booklist, Starred Review

“[T]hrilling. . . ‘Flight for Freedom’ manages to be suspenseful, as well as beautifully presented. It’s timely, too.”—Wall Street Journal

“These events seem too incredible to be true, but they really happened. The dramatic exit and daring flight will hold readers in suspense. . . [Flight for Freedom], like The Wall by Peter Sís, will encourage [young readers] to learn more [about the Cold War].”—School Library Journal

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.