She Started It All

Two students, assigned unwanted topics for the History Extravaganza, are shocked when their individual research intertwines and makes history of its own.

Joe Gerrard was interested in sharing his knowledge of World War II bombers at the History Extravaganza until his dream topic was assigned to a girl, studious Sandi Howard. She wanted music of the 1940's, not aircraft. Neither could have predicted how their unwanted assignments would bring them together, solve a mystery and uncover forgotten history in the process. Based on a true story from the award winning book "We Bought A WWII Bomber; The Untold Story of a Michigan High School, a B-17 Bomber & The Blue Ridge Parkway."

Sandra Warren has authored books in multiple genres spanning children's literature, educational activity books, parenting, gifted education and memoir/military biographies, and has been involved in audio and video production. SHE STARTED IT ALL, is a historical fiction middle-grade novel based on a true incident in the history of the high school she attended, South High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan. That true story is profiled in the award winning non-fiction title, "We Bought a WWII Bomber: The Untold Story of a Michigan High School, a B-17 Bomber & The Blue Ridge Parkway." During WWII, in 1943, the then student body instigated sales of over $375,000 in U.S. War Bonds & War Loan Stamps, earning the right to name and dedicate a B-17 Flying Fortress bomber. It was never heard from again until 71-years later in a surprising turn of events. A historical marker was placed on The Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 176.2, Mabry's Mill to honor the historical event described in the story. Sandra Warren lives in writes from a log home in the NC Mountains.