The thrilling story of one boy’s quest to find his father and protect his younger sister during the great Dutch famine of World War II.“Sometimes you have to take a chance, because it’s the only chance you have.”Thirteen-year-old Dirk has been the man of the house since his papa disappeared while fighting against the Nazis with the Dutch Resistance. When the Gestapo arrests Dirk’s older sister, … Dirk’s older sister, who is also a Resistance fighter, Dirk fears that he and his little sister, Anna, might be next.With only pockets full of food and his sister asleep in his arms, Dirk runs away to find his father. As Dirk leads Anna across the war-torn Netherlands, from farmyards to work camps, he must rely on his wits and his father’s teaching to find his way.
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After a neighbor bangs on their door late at night, Dirk must grab his six-year-old sister and flee from the Nazi secret police into the Dutch countryside.
Dirk and Anna’s journey toward safety involves lots of suspense. Will they make it to their aunt’s house on foot? Spoiler: because Dirk remembers a hiding place under a tree, they do make it. But when she sends them to buy food, Dirk and Anna are kidnapped, and things get very bad very quickly.
Through it all, Anna doesn’t lose hope. She teaches her big brother to pray for help.
This is a page-turner that showcases a plucky boy who consistently cares for his little sister, even when she puts them in deeper danger. It has a satisfying ending, too.
This is an exciting look back at a time in history when life was hard for everyone–the period of the Hongerwinter, the Dutch famine of 1944-1945 during the time the Netherlands was occupied by Germany, at the end of World War II. I have to admit I did not know much about this part of the war before reading this book, and it has spurred my interest to learn more.
Told from the points of view of Dirk, a 13-year-old boy who is trying to find his way to safety with his young sister, Anna, and his older sister Els, who is part of the Resistance and has been captured by the Gestapo, Hunter Winter, shares a snapshot of the dangers and difficulties that people were facing during this time. It’s written simply so a child could understand, but is full of suspense at the same time and kept this grandmother on the edge of her seat wondering how these children would be able to survive…. to the extent that I finished the book in one sitting.
There is a Christian message throughout the book; not heavy-handed but enough to show where this family gets its strength. One of the many pieces of advice Dirk’s father had shared with him was “Keep your hopes up and your prayers strong,” and it definitely helped him as he struggled to keep his sister safe.
I highly recommend this book to families with children 10 and up. It might be a little much for younger kids, but it’s important that our children learn about times like these so hopefully they’ll know enough to keep history from repeating itself. There are some violent moments, but this was a violent time, so to leave those elements out would have been doing the readers a disservice.
The author has obviously put a lot of research into this time period and, until I reached the end of the book and discovered the characters were fictional, I would have sworn the author was telling a story torn out of his own family’s history–the characters were that real to me. Good job, sir.
I thought Rob Currie’s Hunger Winter: A World War II Novel to be a good read. I liked the historical setting with emphasis of faith and inspiration that tells some valuable lessons. I loved the bravery and courage of the characters of Anna and Dirk.
I am giving Hunger Winter: A World War II Novel four and a half stars. I would recommend it for younger readers. Especially, those who enjoy stories that are historical.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
The story of a courageous boy and his family as they fight for freedom, in the Nazi occupied Netherlands during WWII. When Dirk and Anna’s older sister is arrested, Dirk and Anna set off on a dangerous journey, facing kidnapping, betrayal, and coming face to face with the enemy multiple times.
Will their fractured family ever see each other again?
An action packed historical read targeted at middle grade readers about the Hunger Winter and the struggles that the Dutch faced during Nazi occupied Netherlands.
Dirk is a brave young man, he is very responsible and his quick thinking keep himself and his sister safe. Anna is a sweet little girl, with a straightforward innocence and trust, with a child-like faith that reminds those around her about what is important.
I liked how the book also follows Dirk and Anna’s sister, Els showing her strength and resilience against the odds.
I will mention that there was gun use and violence, but I think that it is fitting for this book as it depicts a very tumultuous time in history, and made the story more realistic.
An action packed read, filled with daring, family and hope. I liked how the book did a good job of showing the danger that the children faced as well as the humanity of the people affected. It was a quick read, written for a younger target audience, and while there was a lot going on, I did find myself skimming here and there. But I do think that this is a good, wholesome read, with good themes of discernment, family and faith.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Hunger Winter boasts a heartfelt and fast-paced plot with endearing characters and an age-appropriate glimpse of Germany’s occupation of the Netherlands. The Ingelse family’s perseverance, dedication, and tenacious hope hooked each of us in turn. Els (18), Dirk (13), and Ana (6) each play an important role in their family’s survival story.
Hunger Winter is a much-needed contribution for the often-overlooked middle-grade-to-young-adult readers. I would recommend reading along with your child if he/she tends to be especially tenderhearted or timid. Overall, this book is enjoyable for all ages, launching discussions about history, family, and faith. I highly recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.