A Different Truth

What would you do if your best friend is attacked? Forget about it like they want you to or find out who did it. Even if it may cost you everything.





In 1968 sixteen-year old Andy Olson's family ships him off to Palmer Military Academy. There, along with his best friend, Tom, he's plunged into a world where rules are everything and disobedience not an option.





When Tom openly supports the peace movement, Andy grows increasingly irritated. He doesn't care about politics and the raging Vietnam War. Besides, messing with their bullying teammates is dangerous, underestimating fanatics like Officer Muller, the tormentor of plebes a mistake. It's hard enough to make it through each day, avoid counselor Beerbelly's spying eyes and extra marching. Andy plans to play a little football, visit Maddie, a townie with eyes like the Caribbean Sea and lie low until graduation.





But the war has a way of reaching Andy, he couldn't have imagined. His privileged classmates with deep pockets and connections to the Dean call Tom a traitor. Maddie's brother, a Vietnam vet confined to a wheelchair, aims to stop Andy from seeing Maddie. And there's Sarge, a dedicated soldier turned teacher who takes an interest in Andy's career.





When Tom is attacked and the school calls it an unfortunate accident, Andy decides to make a choice that will not only threaten his future but his very life.

Annette Oppenlander is an award-winning writer, literary coach and educator. As a bestselling historical novelist, Oppenlander is known for her authentic characters and stories based on true events, coming alive in well-researched settings. Having lived in Germany the first half of her life and the second half in various parts in the U.S., Oppenlander inspires readers by illuminating story questions as relevant today as they were in the past. Oppenlander's bestselling true WWII story, Surviving the Fatherland, was elected to IWIC's Hall of Fame. Her historical time-travel trilogy, Escape from the Past, takes readers to the German Middle Ages and the Wild West. Uniquely, Oppenlander weaves actual historical figures and events into her plots, giving readers a flavor of true history while enjoying a good story. Oppenlander shares her knowledge through writing workshops at colleges, libraries and schools. She also offers vivid presentations and author visits. The mother of fraternal twins and a son, she lives with her husband and old mutt, Mocha, in Bloomington, Ind.