Ski Soldier: A World War II Biography

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.