Barbara Hehner

The Desert Hawk is the story of James F. "Stocky" Edwards, one of Canada’s greatest WWII air aces, a fighter pilot who earned his nickname not because of his build, but because he would stand up to anything. A Saskatchewan farm boy whose bird-shooting skills would serve him well later in battle, he joined the RCAF and at 20 years old was leading the 260 Squadron over more senior officers. Edwards racked up victories in North Africa, Italy, France and Germany, and by war’s end he was a decorated wing commander, legendary for his victories and his irrepressible personality. In December 2004, he was made a member of the Order of Canada.

Like Barbara Hehner’s bestselling The Tunnel King, which scored highly with kids and was nominated for several awards, including the Silver Birch, The Desert Hawk is another lively, action-adventure read of a great Canadian war hero.