BJORN'S GIFT is a sequel to ODIN'S PROMISE, winner of the 2014 Midwest Book Award for Children's Fiction. Set in Norway during World War II, BJORN'S GIFT continues the exciting adventures of Mari, the young Norwegian girl who faces growing hardships and dangers in her small village in a western fjord. German occupation troops and local Nazi supporters move closer to her family's daily life, and her classmate Leif becomes active in the Norwegian Nazi youth party. Mari struggles to live up to her brother Bjorn's faith in her, as she becomes more involved in risky resistance activities, trusting only her family and a few close friends. Across Norway, oppressive laws are imposed in the months from late 1941 to early 1943, with dire local consequences. Still, difficult decisions force Mari to admit that many things in life are not easily sorted into good or bad, and she begins to wonder if Hitler will ever be defeated and whether the occupation of Norway will ever end. Praise for ODIN'S PROMISE: "Readers will cheer for Mari as she discovers her inner strength - and the courage to help celebrate Norway's spirit of resistance." -Kathleen Ernst, author of the Caroline Abbott series from American Girl. "A seldom-seen slice of daily life during WWII...." - ALA Booklist. Author Sandy Brehl is a teacher and an active member of the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators. She lives in Muskego, Wisconsin, near Milwaukee.

Bjorn's Gift

Children's Books

Sandy Brehl

Animals

Crispin Books, Imprint of Crickhollow Books

Mari's Hope delivers the dramatic conclusion to the Odin's Promise Trilogy, following Odin's Promise, winner of the 2014 Midwest Book Award for Children's Fiction, and Bjorn's Gift (2016). In Mari's Hope, set in occupied Norway in the final years of World War II, young teen Mari has become a valued helper to the village doctor, while continuing to play a role in her family's efforts in the local resistance. As German war efforts begin to falter, the pressure increases to hold Norway firmly in their tight grip. But the freedom-loving Norwegians will do their best to thwart those plans. Praise for the series: "An exciting look at the occupation of Norway, through the eyes of a young, brave girl." - Angela Cerrito, author of The Safest Lie.

Mari's Hope (Odin's Promise Trilogy)

Crispin Books

Is It Over?

KA-BOOM! When storms send you running for cover, be brave, look up. Find a story in the storm to calm your fears and you just might help someone you love. IS IT OVER? celebrates the power of love and storytelling to overcome fear. A prowling, growling thunder storm sends Risa running to Daddy to make it stop. When the storm worsens, Risa wants a story. His childhood storm stories changed while he was a soldier, so they aren't helpful. Inspired by her toy elephant, Ivan, Risa summons the courage to find her own story in the storm, one that helps them both.

Growing Up & Facts of Life

Pen It! Publications, LLC

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Books by Sandy Brehl