The Borrowed House by Hilda van Stockum

 After two years of living in Germany with her nurse, twelve-year-old Janna travels to occupied Holland to join her actor parents. The Baron, her mother's friend, has provided a house for them and another family. The former owners, the van Arkels, were forced to leave. Before arriving to Holland, Janna was a member of the Hitler Youth. She soon discovers as she interacts with the household staff and witnesses how the Germans treat the Dutch, she has brainwashed and has been fed lies. As World War II rages, Janna realizes the truth about Hitler and the Jews. By the end of the story her perspective has transformed.

I have not read many World War II books from the perspective of a character who loves Hitler and his beliefs. It was interesting to read what she believed to be truth and how it affected her interactions. The plot captivated me. 

Janna's parents, both actors, maintain an odd relationship throughout the book. I did not find it believable. Janna's mother, Mechtild, loves the Baron and his generosity. They are having an affair (nothing graphic is described). Her father, Otto, knows it is occurring but often just makes a snide comment or looks away. Toward the end Otto and the Baron engage in a fist fight over Mechtild. The resolution results too quickly and shallowly. Also, Janna's parents seem more interested in themselves and their careers than being her parents. Their parenting desires fluctuate throughout the story. By its conclusion, it appears they understand the importance of being together. They just seem shallow and self-centered. This part of the book did not appeal to me and is why I am not "highly recommending" it. Other aspects were superb.

This book is more suited for an older audience, but again, it has the appearance of a book for elementary age readers.

Why it is for older readers: Janna's mother's affair-very apparent throughout the book; WWII violence/cruelty; the other family in the house has a party with SS soldiers-Janna, who is bored, walks into the party. An SS soldier pulls her onto his lap and attempts to kiss her two times; An older boy, who she likes, gives her a goodbye kiss (nothing inappropriate); the German father  of the other family who lives there physically abuses his son

-I own this book.

The Winged Watchman by Hilda van Stockum*

 I read this book aloud to my sixteen-year-old son during lunch. This exciting novel engaged us and deepened our appreciation for ordinary Dutch citizens who sacrificed their lives for their fellow-countrymen.

Joris and Dirk Jan Verhagen live in a mill with their parents and little sister Trixie. During WW II their family assists many individuals, from a Jewish baby hidden in a garden to members of the Resistance to two little girls whose parents must hide to a English bomber to an escapee (They also assist in many other situations!). Their neighbors, the wealthy Schenderhans, have a son who is a Landwatcher, working for the enemy. His diligent "watching" causes much consternation throughout the book.

I love how this book brings to life the impact of WWII  has on one country, on one small village, and on one family. Although this book is fictional, the accounts are based on what real Dutchmen and women did.  Ms. van Stockum is an excellent storyteller.

This book has the appearance for elementary age readers, but with the descriptions of how the Nazis treated the people, I would recommend it for twelve years & older. High schoolers may label it too young for them, but I think they would enjoy it.

Considerations/things to discuss: war violence, cruelty, mean characters, the Verhagen family is Catholic  Their view of God and their theology will contradict Protestants. Parents may want to discuss the family's theology with younger children who are not solid in their faith. 

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book.

The House on the Canal by Thomas Harding illustrated by Britta Teckentrup*

 The author and the illustrator share the history of the house where Anne Frank and her family hid during WW II. Dates are tucked up in the upper right hand side of every two-page spread. I found this book fascinating! I also enjoyed these duo's book, The House on the Lake.

Older readers will appreciate this book more than elementary or younger.

*Highly recommend for junior high, high school , and adults.

-Borrowed from the library.

When We Flew Away by Alice Hoffman

 I read this novel in less than twenty-four hours! It is a compelling read.

Ms. Hoffman imagines what Anne Frank's life may have been before her father hid her and the family in the secret annex. Readers experience with Anne the gradual loss of freedom in the Netherlands as the Nazi assume more control. Throughout it all Anne keeps trying to cling to the good in people and in life and concludes love is the one thing they cannot take away. The book ends with Anne entering their secret room.

I felt the writing was a bit repetitive. Throughout the novel, I thought, "Yes, this idea or this phrase was already mentioned and expounded upon. Let's have a new thought or point."

Discuss: WWII and its atrocities, hope vs courage (towards the end the characters do not hope but try to have courage), Anne begins a romantic relationship w/ a young man at age twelve (they only hold hands), following a set of rules or having absolutes was regarded as not a good way to conduct life, instead-being you and whatever your heart desires is what is true.

What Makes a Bruegel a Bruegel? by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Richard Muhlberger**

 A short biography about Pieter Bruegle the Elder begins this informative, interesting book. The rest of the pages feature several of his paintings, analyzing them and sharing their back stories.

**Highly, highly recommend. Other artists are included in this series.

-Borrowed from the library.

A Day on Skates by Hilda van Stockum**

 Award winner-Newbery Honor Book (1935)

What a delightful book! This book's sales, Ms. van Stockum's first one, assisted her and her husband to begin their life in America.

In Holland nine-year-old twins, Evert & Afke, long for colder weather so they can skate. Finally Father Frost arrives and harden the canals. Their teacher promises an entire school day skating on the canals. Evert experiences many mishaps as they skate from village to village. Through these "accidents/adventures", he befriends a shy boy who has been lonely his entire life.

The depictions of the Dutch culture are superb. The reader feels immersed. Descriptions of the food they eat along the way will make readers search for recipes and want to feast after reading this book.

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed via Inter-Lib. Loan.

The Fantastic Journey of Pieter Bruegel by Anders C. Shafer*

 Mr. Shafer imagines what Pieter Bruegel's journey from Antwerp to Rome must have been like in 1551-1552. Narrated in 1st person via journal entries. Two-page illustration spreads enrich the experience. At the back Mr. Shafer includes small prints of Bruegel's art and comments on their significance. My favorite painting is Landscape with the Fall of Icarus. When I was researching ekphrastic poetry, I discovered two poems inspired by this painting. 

This book is over-sized.

*Highly recommend for art and history lovers.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom with Elizabeth & John Sherrill**

 I read this autobiography aloud to my fourteen-year-old and twelve-year-old over their lunch break three days a week. All three of us were captivated by Corrie's story. The writing style is engaging and well-executed. 

Almost a quarter of the autobiography describes her life with her father, her sister and her aunts in their watch shop, which surprised me. As we read, I understood why Corrie and the Sherrills devoted a chunk of the novel to this time period .  . . it was when the foundation was being laid and preparing them for their role in the underground and when the faith that was nurtured that sustained them in the Ravensbruck. 

An amazing story. As a parent, it encouraged me to continue to be faithful in reading the Word and praying with my boys on a regular basis. These foundational years are vital to sustaining them in their adult lives. 

**Highly, highly recommend for late elementary and older.

-I own this book.

Warning/points to discuss: Corrie asks her dad about sex, cruelty and degradation of humans, a few times Corrie & Betsie must be stripped down and stand before guards naked,  killing/death, WW II/Nazi/Hitler

Vincent and Theo -The Van Gogh Brothers by Deborah Heiligman

*Award-winner (many awards) 

Ms. Heiligman based this biography off of letters exchanged between the brothers (primary sources) and also secondary sources. Very-well researched and well executed. Her exquiste prose captivates the reader and thrusts them into Vincent's and Theo's worlds. 

Although Vincent's and Theo's tumultuous lives has sadden me (I almost did not finish the book), I have concluded that knowing their stories gives me greater appreciation for Vincent's work and also for brotherly devotion. Ms. Heiligman reveals Theo's little known story . . .without him or his wife, Jo, Vincent van Gogh may not have been famous.

*Categorized as "young adult". 

Warning/points to discuss: mental illness/depression, suicide, numerous times the men visit prostitutes (no graphic details are given), STD's, alcohol abuse, Both Vincent and Theo leave their faith, Theo contracts syphilis and eventually dies from it.

-Borrowed from the library.

Walt Disney -Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates DVD

90 minutes
We watched this DVD with the grandparents after we read the book Hans Brinker.  Although we enjoyed the movie, it shared few similarities with the book!
Most of the movie focused on the the big skating race.
-Borrowed from the library.

Festivals of the World-Netherlands by Joyce Van Fenema

The book begins with a brief overview of where the Netherlands are located and an explanation of the Dutch.  The rest of it focuses on the country's festivals.

-Borrowed from the library.

Exploring Countries The Netherlands by Lisa Owings

An informational book about the culture and history of the Netherlands.
Lots of photos and engaging text boxes.
We used this book for background building before reading Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates and also for research.
-Borrowed from the library.

Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates by Mary Mapes Dodge*

My sons and I created a club as we read this book.  We each had our own copy, would read on our own and then come together to discuss our thoughts and questions. 
My nine year old read an abridged version edited by Kathryn Lindskoog, which was significantly shorter.  My twelve year old and I read the original versions.
The story tells about Hans Brinker and his family as they struggle to make ends meet after the father Raff Brinker's accident.  This accident has left him mentally unstable and insane.  Is their any hope for his recovery?  Where is the money that he and his wife had been saving for years?  It disappeared the night before he was injured. 
Majority of the story also focuses on a group of boys who decide to have an adventure by skating fifty miles over a four day period.  These boys live in the same village as the Brinker family, but only Peter chooses to be kind to Hans.  One member of this group is Ben, Jacob's English cousin.  The reader learns about Dutch culture and history as Ben asks questions. 
The author provides detailed explanation of Dutch history, sights and culture. 
The three of us thoroughly enjoyed this story. 
Most children who are use to more simplistic, fast moving plots may label this story "boring".
We will be watching the Disney produced movie based on this book.  We are looking forward to comparing the book to the movie!  It is bound to be quite different!!
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.


Abridged version:

Hana in the Time of Tulips by Deborah Noyes illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline

The illustrations are like masterpiece paintings!
Readers travel to Holland when the tulipomania is consuming its residents.  Hana misses her father.  He use to pretend with her and smile.  Now he is focused on tulips.  When the tulip market crashes, Hana listens to Rembrandt's wisdom and steers her father back to what is important.

I read this aloud to my sons to support our study of the Dutch during this time period.
A great book to immerse children into this period in the Netherlands.
-Borrowed from the library.

Rembrandt and the Boy Who Drew Dogs by Molly Blaisdell illustrated Nancy Lane

A Story About Rembrandt van Rijn
I read aloud this picture book to my sons to support our study of the Dutch and the book Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates.
Titus, Rembrandt's son, longs for his father's approval and teaching.  After many scoldings, Titus finally receives art lessons from his famous father.
A delightful way to introduce younger children to this famous Dutch artist.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Girl Who Drew Butterflies by Joyce Sidman**

As soon as I saw the beautiful end pages, I was excited to read this biography about Maria Merian.
She pursued the study of insects in the 1600's when erroneous conclusions had been made about them and also when women were discouraged from participating in any activities other than housekeeping and raising a family.
Her talent in art and making paints enabled her to draw her observations and earn a living.
Her careful observations and drawings still assist scientists today!

The book proclaims how much research and time Ms. Sidman placed in creating this book.  She inserts pages about the time period so the reader can understand the mindset and the culture at that time.  She also includes a photograph of a caterpillar slowly transforming into a butterfly at the heading of each chapter.  Its stage directly correlates to the stage Maria is experiencing in life.  Very clever!
Beautiful art is included by Maria and other painters at that time.
Points to discuss: divorce (Maria leaves her husband), slavery in Suriname, witch hangings; suicide and abortion (the slaves would try to end their lives to escape their horrible situations and also try to end their children's lives so they would not have to born into slavery).
Pair with Summer Birds: The Butterflies of Maria Merian by Margarita Engle (a picture book)

**Highly, highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.