Ski Soldier: A World War II Biography

by Louise Borden (Author)

Ski Soldier: A World War II Biography
Reading Level: 6th − 7th Grade
"[This books] tells the story of Pete Seibert, a ski soldier severely wounded in World War II who went on to found the Vail Ski Resort in Colorado"--Provided by publisher.
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Hardcover
$17.95

School Library Journal

Gr 4-8--As a seven year old, Peter Seibert became obsessed with skiing when he discovered on old pair of skis in his family barn. Little did he know that his passion for the slopes would take him halfway around the world from the battlefields of World War II to a world-renowned ski resort in Vail, CO. At 18, Pete enlisted in the 10th Mountain Division. After rigorous and often brutal training, he led his platoon in a successful stealth attack on the overlook held by German soldiers in northern Italy. However, Seibert was severely wounded by mortar fire during the attack against Mount Belvedere, a strategic German stronghold, and spent years recovering from his wounds. He struggled to walk so that he could once again ski. His story is told in brief lyrical passages composed of short groups of lines and accompanied by numerous photos, quotes, and maps. VERDICT A true story of valor, stamina, and dedication. Seibert's exciting biography will appeal to fans of sports and adventure stories.--MaryAnn Karre, Binghamton, NY

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

"Borden's insightful biography, written in verse form, is highly readable and distinguished by the generous collection of period black-and-white photographs that illustrate it. It's a treat for both ski buffs and military history fans." - Booklist

"(T)old in brief lyrical passages composed of short groups of lines and accompanied by numerous photos, quotes, and maps... A true story of valor, stamina, and dedication. Seibert's exciting biography will appeal to fans of sports and adventure stories." -School Library Journal

"In spare, brief free-verse lines that will enable readers' eyes to slide effortlessly down the pages, Borden relates the story of a boy who grew up skiing...(a)n accurate, high-interest narrative focused on a mature topic but written at an accessible reading level is a rare gem. Many period photographs are included...as is excellent backmatter. A fascinating and inspiring tale." - Kirkus Reviews

"(A) unique story of mountain soldiers that fans of World War II will find intriguing...(E)ducators and librarians seeking nonfiction titles with appeal to reluctant readers and history fans should add this book to their shelves." -VOYA

"This biography is easy to read...(T)he life of Pete (and) the brief glimpse of the 10th Mountain Division is unique and interesting, as are the views of some of the men comprising the Division." - School Library Connection

"(The) storytelling (is) concise and the reading experience swift...Readers in search of a compact biography for report writing or a lesser-known story from World War II may want to give this consideration." - The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Louise Borden
Louise Borden graduated from Denison University with a degree in history. She taught first graders and preschoolers and later was a part-owner of a bookstore in Cincinnati, Ohio. In addition to writing children's books, she also speaks regularly to young students about the writing process. Her books include Good Luck, Mrs. K!, which won the Christopher Medal, and The A+ Custodian. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, and you can visit her at LouiseBorden.com.

Teresa Flavin is a children's book illustrator and fine artist whose mission it is to delight and inspire people of all ages through her artwork, stories, and teaching.
Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9781629796741
Lexile Measure
1060
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Calkins Creek Books
Publication date
September 20, 2018
Series
-
BISAC categories
JNF007020 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | Historical
JNF025130 - Juvenile Nonfiction | History | Military & Wars
JNF054160 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Sports & Recreation | Winter Sports
Library of Congress categories
-

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