From the assassination that triggers World War I in 1914 to Armistice Day in 1918, the story follows the fates of five young people on both sides of the conflict--each facing their portion of the war with courage, until the end of the war brings them together. Includes information on the history of the war. As World War I stretches its cruel fingers across Europe, five young people, each from different backgrounds and nations, face the terror of battle, the deprivations of hunger, and all the awful challenges of war. Felix, from Austria-Hungary, longs for to save him family from deportation. Kara, from Britain, dreams of someday earning her Red Cross pin and working as a nurse or a doctor. Juliette, of France, hopes her family can remain together while her father is imprisoned. Elsa, from Germany, hopes her homing pigeon might one day bring her a friend. Dimitri, of Russia, wants only to survive the front. The winds of fate may cross their paths to give each of them not what they want, but what they need. -- adapted from jacket