New Releases by Gary Metivier

The streetlights were dark. Black-out curtains hung on every window on every home. The buzz of bombers circled above, searching for targets in the night. For a little girl named Norma, this was the only life she knew. This was life in World War II England. A shiny apple for Christmas was all her father could give. Her mother had walked away without saying a word to her children, after young evacuees escaping the Blitz bombing in London flooded their town. Norma's older sister Pat comforted and protected her as they watched the "pretty little lights" that lit the way for bombers above their home. Her mischievous brother Brian entertained them with his antics when he wasn't entertaining himself in his search for adventure. He ran out onto the streets to see where the bombs landed when most ran to shelters instead. But together they found a way to live life. Soon, two American service members on leave would open their eyes to a whole new world filled with new tastes and new dreams for a brighter tomorrow. But what would it take for Norma to make it through? She takes us on an inspirational journey of love, loss, laughter, and hope. Norma reveals life behind the masks she would need to wear to survive. My Mask. My War. Norma's War.

On Christmas Eve, Cody helps Grandpa, a Vietnam War veteran, carry out a Christmas tradition in remembrance of his unit.

"A little girl watches as her daddy leaves to protect our country. But they have made a secret pledge to keep strong hearts. When Daddy comes home, they have a joyous reunion"--

Andrew has heard at school about a special program called the Honor Flight, which honors World War II veterans with a trip to Washington, D.C. While there they get to see all of the memorials built for them. Andrew's great-grandfather was in World War II, and Andrew wants him to be honored as he deserves, but his great-grandfather doesn't want to go. He doesn't even want to talk about all he did for his country. But Andrew thinks of an idea to make Grandpa realize just how special he is: he'll learn the perfect salute! Perfect for children, parents, and veterans alike, this book teaches about the importance of family, bravery, honor, and patriotism. Gary Metivier is an award-winning author and journalist. He enjoys covering a variety of news stories for television, but among his favorite projects is Honor Flights. Metivier grew up with eleven brothers and sisters, but his house in Davenport, Iowa, is much less crowded now with his wife, two sons, two dogs, and one pot-bellied pig. Robert Rath is a book designer and illustrator living in Bozeman, Montana. He has worked for companies such as Scholastic Books, Lucasfilm, the History Channel, and other publishers. His favorite project is keeping up with his family.

When Willie gets a bad grade on his essay about how life on farms is easy, his parents send him and his sister to visit their aunt and uncle's farm so he can figure out what farm life is really like and write a better essay.