Ethel Pochocki It is 1944 and nine-year-old Clare is old enough to help her family in the Maine potato harvest. This year, with many of the local men off to war, German POWs are brought in to help with the crop. Clare and her family are not sure of the strangers, but it soon becomes clear that these men aren’t so very different from young American soldiers. For Christmas, Clare is determined to recreate at least one holiday tradition for Peter, a POW who has befriended her. Her gift—and Peter’s present in return—strengthen the bonds of an unlikely and gentle friendship. A beautiful picture book illustrated by Mary Beth Owens.  For ages 8 and up.