Product Description
Brothers in Arms is the remarkable true story of an orphaned bear cub who grew into a World War ll hero alongside his brothers in arms from award-winning author Susan Hood and star illustrator Jamie Green. Perfect for fans of Finding Winnie.
Wojtek was just an orphaned bear cub (yes, an actual wild bear!) when a group of teenaged Polish soldiers, many of whom were orphans themselves, took him into their ranks during World War ll. Wojtek quickly became a beloved and important member of the Polish II Corps. Together with his brothers in arms, Wojtek helped his friends turn the tide of World War II.
This incredible true story teaches young readers about the history of World War II while also underscoring the life-changing power of teamwork and the enduring bonds of friendship and love in the face of adversity.
The picture book includes extensively researched back matter based on interviews with the soldiers and their descendants, photographs, additional resources, further reading, and more!
From School Library Journal
K-Gr 4-Wojtek was a Serbian bear who enlisted in the Polish army during World War II and became a symbol of resilience throughout Europe. This inspiring true story explores the realities of war by focusing on the tale of a bear and the soldiers who cared for him, presenting a complicated piece of world history in this accessible, child-centered volume. Polish citizens who had been sent to Siberian slave labor camps by the Soviets early in the war were released to fight Hitler's troops. As they traveled to Allied training and civilian camps in modern-day Iran, an orphaned bear cub was adopted and raised by Polish soldiers. As Wojtek grew, he engaged in mischief like pulling underwear off a clothesline and using a month's water supply to cool off in the desert heat. He also made himself useful by capturing an enemy spy and carrying heavy supplies. Perhaps his most important role was helping the soldiers who had endured numerous traumas to heal. He slept cuddled up to a man separated from his family, and played with teenaged soldiers who had lost their childhoods. The tales of Wojtek's antics will amuse; the accounts of healing and heartbreak will help young readers to empathize and learn about the world. The story is presented in clear chronological order, with dated headings to track the passage of time. Numerous nonfiction features enhance the text: photographs, author's notes, pronunciation guides, a time line, maps, and source notes support the narrative. The writing is accessible for readers, perfectly paired with charming illustrations full of humor and pathos. Recommend to animal lovers and history buffs. VERDICT The story of one clever bear brings home the heartbreak of war and the hope of healing. Recommended for first purchase.-Elizabeth Lovsinα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review
A true and colorful account of how an orphaned bear and a unit of Polish soldiers—many of them also orphaned or missing family members—adopted one another. — Kirkus Reviews
The story of one clever bear brings home the heartbreak of war and the hope of healing. Recommended for first purchase. — School Library Journal (starred review)
About the Author
Susan Hood is the award-winning author of many books for young readers, including Alias Anna, Lifeboat 12, Ada’s Violin, Brothers in Arms, The Last Straw: Kids vs. Plastics, Shaking Things Up, and Titan and the Wild Boars. She is the recipient of an E. B. White Read-Aloud Picture Book Honor, the Christopher Award, the Américas Award for Children’s and Young Adult Literature, the Golden Kite Award, and the Bank Street Flora Stieglitz Straus Award, given annually for “a distinguished work of nonfiction.” Visit her at susanhoodbooks.com.
Jamie Green is a Greenville-based illustrator, professional curious person, and alum of Ringling College of Art + Design. They have a soft
