Shooting at the Stars: The Christmas Truce of 1914

Shooting at the Stars is the moving story of a young British soldier on the front lines during World War I who experiences an unforgettable Christmas Eve. In a letter home to his mother, he describes how, despite fierce fighting earlier from both sides, Allied and German soldiers ceased firing and came together on the battlefield to celebrate the holiday. They sang carols, exchanged gifts, and even lit Christmas trees. But as the holiday came to a close, they returned to their separate trenches to await orders for the war to begin again.John Hendrix wonderfully brings this story to life, interweaving fact and fiction along with his detailed illustrations and hand-lettered text. His story celebrates the humanity and kindness that can persist even during the darkest periods of our history. Back matter includes a glossary, additional information about World War I and the Christmas Truce and its aftermath, and an archival photograph taken during the Truce.

Praise for Shooting at the Stars

STARRED REVIEWS

andquot;Few titles at this level convey the futility of World War I as well as this one does. A first choice.andquot;

--School Library Journal, starred review

andquot;Timed with the centenary of World War I but a lesson for always, Hendrixand#39;s tale pulls young readers close and shows the human side of war.andquot;

--Kirkus Reviews, starred review

STARRED REVIEW

andquot;Hendrix crafts an intimate fictional account of the event...powerful images.andquot;

andquot;While not shying away from warandrsquo;s grim realities, the pictures go a long way toward conveying the hopeful light of the German Christmas trees twinkling in the night while the strains of andldquo;Stille Nachtandrdquo; waft across No Manandrsquo;s Land toward our homesick hero.andquot;

STARRED REVIEW

andquot;The acrylic and gouache illustrations tell a tale of their own. Not only is this an impressive Christmas story, but it shows the humanity of warring soldiers.andquot;

STARRED REVIEW

andquot;Timed with the centenary of World War I but a lesson for always, Hendrixand#39;s tale pulls young readers close and shows the human side of war.andquot;

andquot;Soldier Charlie is affectionately depicted as a freckle-faced youngster among war-worn older men, and his status as a newcomer to battle lends credibility to the combination of playfulness and awe with which he regards the truce.andquot;

Discover the incredible true story of the Christmas Truce of 1914 in this award-winning picture book from author and illustrator John Hendrix

Shooting at the Stars is the moving story of a young British soldier on the front lines during World War I who experiences an unforgettable Christmas Eve. In a letter to his mother, he describes how, despite fierce fighting earlier from both sides, Allied and German soldiers ceased firing that evening and came together on the battlefield to celebrate the holiday. They sang carols, exchanged gifts, and even lit Christmas trees. But as the holiday came to a close, they returned to their separate trenches to await orders for the war to begin again.

Award-wining creator John Hendrix wonderfully brings the story of the Christmas Truce of 1914 to life with his signature style, interweaving detailed illustrations and hand-lettered text. His telling of the story celebrates the humanity that can persist during even the darkest periods of our history.

Published on the 150th anniversary of John Brownand#8217;s raid on Harpers Ferry, this biography explores the life of one of American historyand#8217;s most controversial figures. A great deal of academic study has been published recently about John Brown. This is the first book for young readers to include these new attitudes and research.

and#160;

In the late 1850s, at a time when many men and women spoke out against slavery, few had the same impact as John Brown, the infamous white abolitionist who backed his beliefs with unstoppable action. His dedication to freeing the American slaves made him one of the most recognizable leaders in the liberation movement to end slavery.

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Told through engaging, thoughtful narration and bold, dynamic illustrations, John Brown: His Fight for Freedom is a fitting reminder that all men and women are created equal, and that some things are worth fighting for. The book includes an authorand#8217;s note, a bibliography, and an index.and#160;FandP level: U

John Hendrix lives in St. Louis, Missouri, with his wife and two children, and teaches illustration at Washington University. He has won numerous awards for his drawings, and his illustrations have been featured in the New Yorker, Rolling Stone, and the New York Times. This is his first childrenand#8217;s book that he has both written and illustrated. He illustrated Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek: A Tall, Thin Tale, which was named an ALA Notable Book. Visit his Web site at www.johnhendrix.com.