Ski Soldier

June 1, 2018

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. VERDICT A true story of valor, stamina, and dedication. Seibert's exciting biography will appeal to fans of sports and adventure stories.-MaryAnn Karre, Binghamton, NY

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 15, 2018
Born in Massachusetts, Peter Seibert loved to ski. It was only natural that he would enlist during World War II in the 10th Mountain Division to serve as a soldier who fought on skis.In spare, brief free-verse lines that will enable readers' eyes to slide effortlessly down the pages, Borden relates the story of a boy who grew up skiing, doing whatever he could to get out on the snow. Talented and skillful, Seibert was winning races in his teens. After enlisting, followed by many months of training in the Rocky Mountains, he was sent to war in Italy's Apennines, towering heights that were held by the Germans in seemingly unassailable positions. Hiking up in darkness and snow, Seibert's division positioned itself for a surprise dawn attack, described with ample suspense. Although that attack was successful, only days later Seibert would be badly injured in another battle, ending his war but beginning a long recuperation driven by his determination to ski again. Like many members of the Mountain Division, Seibert was a pioneer in the American ski industry and would go on to found the ski resort of Vail. An accurate, high-interest narrative focused on a mature topic but written at an accessible reading level is a rare gem. Many period photographs are included (revealing Seibert and his fellows to be white), as is excellent backmatter.A fascinating and inspiring tale. (Verse nonfiction. 10-16)

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June 1, 2018
Grades 5-8 Pete Seibert was seven years old in 1931 when he found an old pair of his mother's skis and fell in love with skiing. There was nothing else like it in the world, Borden writes in this agreeable biography of Seibert, who grew up to enlist in the U.S. Army when he was 18 and was assigned to the famous 10th Mountain Division. After training in Colorado and Texas, he shipped out to Italy to fight the Germans who still controlled large parts of the Apennine Mountains in the northern part of the country. There he was seriously wounded in battle, and with his legs badly injured, it appeared he might never walk again. But he rallied and not only walked but skied and subsequently realized the dream of a lifetime when he founded the now famous ski resort of Vail, Colorado. Borden's insightful biography, written in verse form, is highly readable and distinguished by the generous collection of period black-and-white photographs that illustrate it. It's a treat for both ski buffs and military history fans.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2019
Borden's admiration for American Pete Seibert's skill as a skier and his heroism as a WWII soldier in the Italian Alps is clear, but her writing is uncharacteristically colorless. However, text laid out as free verse makes for extremely accessible reading, and archival photographs appear prominently throughout the spacious design. There's not a ton of information here, but back matter directs readers to more in-depth material. Timeline. Bib.

(Copyright 2019 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)