November 9th is World Freedom Day marking the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, symbolizing the end of the Cold War and a triumph for democracy over division. This year is the 35th anniversary of the same.

A Quick Look at World Freedom Day and the Berlin Wall

Here are five facts for you about the Wall and the Day

One Night to Start it All

Berliners woke up on August 13, 1961 to find a barbed-wire wall constructed overnight separating East and West Berlin. The wall underwent changes over the years

Two Walls to Divide

The Berlin Wall was actually two walls separated by a no-man’s land known as the “death strip,” which had patrols, landmines, barbed wire, and more to prevent escape.

Numerous Escape Attempts

Many East Germans tried to escape to the West, and over 5000 did escape while over 100 were caught or killed. Escape attempts included tunnels, hot-air balloons, daring jumps, and even ramming into the wall with vehicles.

One Day for its Sudden Fall

The fall of the Berlin Wall was as unexpected and as sudden as its rise. A misunderstanding during a government press conference led thousands to the wall on November 9, 1989, sparking the events that brought it down.

Many Pieces of History

After the wall fell, many people kept pieces of it as souvenirs. Today, parts of the Berlin Wall are displayed in many places worldwide as reminders of that historic moment. And I recall seeing one for the first time at the  Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima in Portugal years ago. Since them, I have seen others in LA, New York, and elsewhere. I just discovered as part of researching for this post that there are a few close by and I hope to go have a look on World Freedom Day to commemorate the occasion.

World Freedom Day is not only about the fall of the Berlin Wall; it symbolizes the global fight for freedom and the enduring hope for a world without oppressive barriers. Germany was officially reunified on October 3, 1990, marking the end of over 40 years of division.

Sources, references, and further reading: National Geographic, History, ThoughtCo

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Bookish Memes Five: Buffalo Dreamer

I picked Buffalo Dreamer to read a few months ago, but then set it aside until earlier this month when I wanted to read books consciously for Native American Heritage Month. It was only after I started reading this one that I noticed (after recalling that this is National Book Awards week and checking out the finalists) this is one of the finalists for this year in the YA category.

(1 & 2) Book Beginnings and First Line Friday

BOOK BEGINNINGS ON FRIDAY is hosted by Rose City Reader. What book are you happy about reading this week? Please share the opening sentence (or so) on BOOK BEGINNINGS ON FRIDAY! Add the link to your blog or social media post and visit other blogs to see what others are reading.

Happy Friday and welcome to the FIRST LINE FRIDAY, hosted by Reading is My Superpower! It’s time to grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line.

From Buffalo Dreamer

3 Friday 56

THE FRIDAY 56 is hosted by Freda’s Voice (currently by Anne at HeadFullofBooks) To play, open a book and turn to page 56 (or 56% on your e-reader). Find a sentence or two and post them, along with the book title and author. Then link up and visit others in the linky. 

From Buffalo Dreamer again

4 Book Blogger Hop

The purpose of THE BOOK BLOGGER HOP is to give bloggers a chance to follow other blogs, learn about new books, and befriend other bloggers. THE BOOK BLOGGER HOP is hosted by Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer.  

Being thankful and reflecting are common themes throughout November. Can you suggest a book that you’ve found inspiring and that tackles themes of appreciation, thanksgiving, or personal growth?

I have made a few lists of gratitude/thankfulness books before, like these below:

• Thankful For Wonderful Children’s Thank You Books
• Children’s Thank You Books
• Thankful for Books of Thanks!
• Words of Gratitude and Peace

5 Books for World Freedom Day

• Flight for Freedom. This picture book by Kristen Fulton and Torben Kuhlmann for readers of 5 – 8 years (and up) is inspiring, empowering, and based on a true story.
• The Other Side of the Wall. Simon Schwartz’s debut graphic novel for teens and older readers is based on the true story of his parents’ in East Germany and their attempts to go to the other side of the wall.
• The Wall. Peter Sis takes young readers (8 – 12 years, and up) on a personal journey through art and his own memories of growing up behind the wall.
• Wall by Tom Clohosy Cole is the heartwarming and heart-wrenching at the same time story of a young boy’s attempts to reunite his family separated by the wall. (4 – 8 years, and up)
• What was the Berlin Wall? (part of the What Was? series for young readers, this one is for 8 – 12 years and up)

Related Reads and More for World Freedom Day

• When the Skies Rained Freedom
• Five Need to Read Books About the Holocaust
• The Sound of Freedom
• The Book of Lost Names
• Plus, more books here

And Now, the End of This Post

Dear reader, have you read any of these books? Which book would you pick first to read? Do you have any recommendations for me? If you were already born when the wall fell, do you recall where you were when it did? Do let me know.