- set in Netherlands, four years into World War II
- focuses on a Christian family’s efforts to help victims of Nazi persecution
- age-appropriate suspense, adventure and close calls
- convo: mentions deaths, imprisonment, concentration camps, executions
- clean language
Type: chapter book
Ages: 8-12
Author: Piet Prins
Have you ever read any of Piet Prins books? They were all originally written in Dutch, but the translations are done well, giving our 8- to 12-year-olds great historical fiction series. See this review of one of his books, which also happens to be my son’s top favorite book!
The first half of the book revolves around the two younger boys of the family, Frans and Dirk, while the second half more closely follows the older, almost-18-year-old brother, Dries. There are not a lot of Christian elements in the story, but they do occasionally pause to thank the Lord and also have regular Bible time as a family. The father leads the family so well, which is rare in children’s books.
My son enjoyed the rest of this series, but I have yet to get through them myself. Let me know if you pick up this one!