Flight for Freedom: The Wetzel Family’s Daring Escape from East Germany
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.
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?
- About the author: Kristen Fulton is a children’s book author. She always has 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.
