This story is about a boy named Per who lives on a mountain and dreams of flying. When his country is invaded by enemies, Per and his friends are forced to make a long journey over the sea to safety, but when they arrive, they don’t want to live in comfort while their people live under tyranny. Per makes an even longer journey across the ocean where he trains as a fighter pilot so he can fly for freedom and justice.

Wings for Per, by Ingri and Edgar Parin d’Aulaire, is a charmingly illustrated story based loosely on the life of Ingri’s nephew, Per Bugge, who grew up and lived in Norway until the German occupation in 1940 and flew in the Royal Air Force against the Nazis in World War II. This book was first published during WWII, and was recently republished with the historic story behind the book included in the back

“‘You are strong,’ said the colonel to Per, ‘for you are going into battle not to conquer and make people slaves, but to free them. Out of the darkness grew your spirit which will break the enemy’s strength. And you and the others like you will carry the victory on, each of you in his own land. Never in the days of happiness to come must you forget the will to sacrifice which the war has taught you. For then you will have won not only the war but also the peace.'”

Originally published in 1944, this is the story of a Norwegian boy growing up pre-WWII who learns about freedom and the value of defending that right, and eventually becomes a WWII flyer. Through beautiful illustrations, in the D’Aulaires unmistakable style, Per’s journey from his hometown, to America, and then his return as a pilot, readers will see his will to protect and free his family and homeland from tyranny. Book also includes extensive historical background information on the real-life Per and his adventures.