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The Yellow Badge
The Yellow Badge is a symbol of shame and reproach for those who wear it.
But for some, it's a call to action.
After her parents are arrested and her brother Andrew joins the Dutch Resistance, Ruth DeVos is left to face the uncertain wrath of war alone.
But when faced with persecution and threats of forced labor arise, Ruth has no choice but to seek refuge and go into hiding. Still Waters Inn is the home of an allied Dutchman and many other refugees who are hiding from the clutches of the Nazis. It is here that Ruth joins the Resistance and begins working anonymously for La Libre Belgique- the notorious underground rebel newspaper- and where she meets the quiet and intriguing Ezra Pik.
As the war rages on with no end in sight, hope becomes dire as courage falters and they must all learn to lean on their faith in order to preserve their freedom. But the enemy lurks closer than any of them knew, and whispers of betrayal soon ensnare them as they are handed over to the Germans and their actions are brought to a dangerous light.
In the end, Ruth must take a stand in the face of her enemy and learn the true value of love and liberty, faith and freedom- and what it costs to keep them.
But for some, it's a call to action.
After her parents are arrested and her brother Andrew joins the Dutch Resistance, Ruth DeVos is left to face the uncertain wrath of war alone.
But when faced with persecution and threats of forced labor arise, Ruth has no choice but to seek refuge and go into hiding. Still Waters Inn is the home of an allied Dutchman and many other refugees who are hiding from the clutches of the Nazis. It is here that Ruth joins the Resistance and begins working anonymously for La Libre Belgique- the notorious underground rebel newspaper- and where she meets the quiet and intriguing Ezra Pik.
As the war rages on with no end in sight, hope becomes dire as courage falters and they must all learn to lean on their faith in order to preserve their freedom. But the enemy lurks closer than any of them knew, and whispers of betrayal soon ensnare them as they are handed over to the Germans and their actions are brought to a dangerous light.
In the end, Ruth must take a stand in the face of her enemy and learn the true value of love and liberty, faith and freedom- and what it costs to keep them.
326 pages, Paperback
Published December 6, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 25, 2026
When I saw the cover of this book, I had to check it out, and when I learned that it is about the World War II Dutch Resistance, I was hooked! (My most recent book, Trains and Tulips, is about the Dutch Resistance, and it’s one of my favorite topics to read about!)
This book is mostly set in Belgium, though some of the characters are from the Netherlands and a few scenes take place on that side of the border, too. (Many people in Belgium speak Dutch, and evidently, the Belgian Resistance was also called the Dutch Resistance sometimes.)
The main character is a young Jewish Christian woman named Ruth, and we’re also introduced to a cast of varied and delightful characters, including a kind and quiet young farmer and musician named Ezra and Ruth’s courageous older brother, Andrew. The scenes from Ruth’s perspective are written in first person, while there are also several scenes written from Andrew and Ezra’s perspectives, written in third person. Writing a book in both first and third person is not something I see done in books very often, but I really like it!
This book is beautifully written! The prose and descriptions are simply lovely, and the best part is the themes and messages naturally woven in: speaking the truth, fighting for freedom, hope, trusting God, the triumph of light over darkness, and more.
And the history! So much real history is woven into the story, something I love in historical fiction! One of the real historical events that inspired something in the story’s plot was also the inspiration for a scene in another of my favorite WWII books, The Auschwitz Escape by Joel C. Rosenberg, and is one of the most amazing Resistance stories I’ve read. (The true story is also in the book My Brother’s Keeper by Rod Gragg.)
There were also several things that just made me happy! Ruth is an author, she has a typewriter, she gets a C.S. Lewis book for a birthday gift, mentions of tulips and forget-me-nots, a few beach scenes–little things like that just made the book a delight for me! And when a book has a beautiful cover, that just makes it all the more enjoyable to read! (A shout-out to the author’s sister for designing such a lovely cover!)
There was some romance, including two quick kisses, which I personally don’t care for in books, but the romance wasn’t the main focus of the story. Rather, the main focus of the story and what I came away with was following God’s voice, speaking His truth, being thankful for freedom and family, but willing to sacrifice and fight for it if necessary. Like any WWII book that’s realistic, there is some sadness, but we’re left with hope. It also reminded me a lot of the book The Jewel of Berlin by L.E. Levens, so if you’ve read and enjoyed that one, I suspect you’ll like this one, too!
Overall, I was very impressed (especially considering the author is a teenager!), and I think this is a beautiful story, rich in history, and steeped in truth, hope, and light.
This book is mostly set in Belgium, though some of the characters are from the Netherlands and a few scenes take place on that side of the border, too. (Many people in Belgium speak Dutch, and evidently, the Belgian Resistance was also called the Dutch Resistance sometimes.)
The main character is a young Jewish Christian woman named Ruth, and we’re also introduced to a cast of varied and delightful characters, including a kind and quiet young farmer and musician named Ezra and Ruth’s courageous older brother, Andrew. The scenes from Ruth’s perspective are written in first person, while there are also several scenes written from Andrew and Ezra’s perspectives, written in third person. Writing a book in both first and third person is not something I see done in books very often, but I really like it!
This book is beautifully written! The prose and descriptions are simply lovely, and the best part is the themes and messages naturally woven in: speaking the truth, fighting for freedom, hope, trusting God, the triumph of light over darkness, and more.
And the history! So much real history is woven into the story, something I love in historical fiction! One of the real historical events that inspired something in the story’s plot was also the inspiration for a scene in another of my favorite WWII books, The Auschwitz Escape by Joel C. Rosenberg, and is one of the most amazing Resistance stories I’ve read. (The true story is also in the book My Brother’s Keeper by Rod Gragg.)
There were also several things that just made me happy! Ruth is an author, she has a typewriter, she gets a C.S. Lewis book for a birthday gift, mentions of tulips and forget-me-nots, a few beach scenes–little things like that just made the book a delight for me! And when a book has a beautiful cover, that just makes it all the more enjoyable to read! (A shout-out to the author’s sister for designing such a lovely cover!)
There was some romance, including two quick kisses, which I personally don’t care for in books, but the romance wasn’t the main focus of the story. Rather, the main focus of the story and what I came away with was following God’s voice, speaking His truth, being thankful for freedom and family, but willing to sacrifice and fight for it if necessary. Like any WWII book that’s realistic, there is some sadness, but we’re left with hope. It also reminded me a lot of the book The Jewel of Berlin by L.E. Levens, so if you’ve read and enjoyed that one, I suspect you’ll like this one, too!
Overall, I was very impressed (especially considering the author is a teenager!), and I think this is a beautiful story, rich in history, and steeped in truth, hope, and light.
May 17, 2026
Wow. What an amazing ride! And that ending... it had me in tears.
I got this book in a swap with the author, and it did not disappoint. I absolutely loved the main character, a writer named Ruth who lives with a little found family in Belgium (which is itself an amazing setting). The historical detail was spot on! I loved learning about their resistance and especially about La Libre Belgique.
Throughout the story Ruth looks for her place in resisting the Nazis, and finds that her calling has to do with her words. I loved all the little details along the way that just added to her personality and relatability, like the little bottle of perfume she keeps and seeing her mother in her own face. It all added such a level of realness to the storyline it was easy to imagine it really happening!
Ezra is, of course, wonderful. Who doesn't love a pianist with a heart of gold??? His relationship with Ruth is so wholesome (and clean in case anyone's wondering).
The whole Still Waters crew is so diverse and interesting! Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd, Fletcher, Eline, and especially little Maya are so sweet and faithful and added a found family element that I wish more WWII books had! And of course, there's also Hugo who we all love to hate. :(
Also, I just want to take a moment to appreciate the beautiful cover and formatting??? One of the prettiest indie books I've ever read!
If you love resistance, seaside memories, a romance that's all green flags, and a brave writer facing the darkness with the help of her heavenly Father, you will LOVE THIS BOOK!
I got this book in a swap with the author, and it did not disappoint. I absolutely loved the main character, a writer named Ruth who lives with a little found family in Belgium (which is itself an amazing setting). The historical detail was spot on! I loved learning about their resistance and especially about La Libre Belgique.
Throughout the story Ruth looks for her place in resisting the Nazis, and finds that her calling has to do with her words. I loved all the little details along the way that just added to her personality and relatability, like the little bottle of perfume she keeps and seeing her mother in her own face. It all added such a level of realness to the storyline it was easy to imagine it really happening!
Ezra is, of course, wonderful. Who doesn't love a pianist with a heart of gold??? His relationship with Ruth is so wholesome (and clean in case anyone's wondering).
The whole Still Waters crew is so diverse and interesting! Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd, Fletcher, Eline, and especially little Maya are so sweet and faithful and added a found family element that I wish more WWII books had! And of course, there's also Hugo who we all love to hate. :(
Also, I just want to take a moment to appreciate the beautiful cover and formatting??? One of the prettiest indie books I've ever read!
If you love resistance, seaside memories, a romance that's all green flags, and a brave writer facing the darkness with the help of her heavenly Father, you will LOVE THIS BOOK!
May 23, 2025
Wow! Amazing historical fiction… truly moving, a must read if you enjoy WWII stories.
November 9, 2025
I chose to read this novel because it was a 2025 Christy Award nominee. I was also intrigued that the author was a teenager. And, while I applaud the research that went into the time period of this story, set during WWII, I think there could have been much better editing. For me, there was too much wordiness, long sentences, too much use of the word 'as', and some grammatical issues. I found myself speed-reading through the last quarter of the book, just so I could finish it. When I waded through all the extra descriptions of everything, I just didn't find enough character development or story to grab me.
March 9, 2025
This book was amazing and the girl who wrote it is only 17 and you can tell she did alot of research and this is her first book and I look forward to her next book.
November 30, 2025
When I finished this book- I found myself in a state of bittersweet awe. Tears have fallen. This story is a sad one, but also a fulfilled and emotionally full one. This story is based on true events and well researched historically accurate timeline and the magnitude of those events cannot be passed by, nor should they ever be. This is a book I think every person should read. History is not something that can be skipped over, we must read it, learn it and remember it. I believe it will be a reminder of what should never be forgotten as well as renewal of faith in humanity.
This story was well executed. Thoroughly researched and well planned. I flew through this book with ease as the story was easy to follow - WWII has so many stories still untold and this story combines the story of our heroine as well as the stories of her closer family and friends. Reading this book felt like I was living this story right along with her I could feel the emotions with them and each experience. I love how this author developed each character and truly left me wanting more. I just ordered her follow up novel as I have to find out what happens to these amazing characters I feel like I know!! I can not wait for every thing this author comes out with and to think she’s only 17!!
This story was well executed. Thoroughly researched and well planned. I flew through this book with ease as the story was easy to follow - WWII has so many stories still untold and this story combines the story of our heroine as well as the stories of her closer family and friends. Reading this book felt like I was living this story right along with her I could feel the emotions with them and each experience. I love how this author developed each character and truly left me wanting more. I just ordered her follow up novel as I have to find out what happens to these amazing characters I feel like I know!! I can not wait for every thing this author comes out with and to think she’s only 17!!
March 28, 2025
The Yellow Badge is a breathtaking and emotionally stirring story of courage, conviction, and the power of resistance during one of history’s darkest chapters. Addison Crissone masterfully brings to life the inner world of Ruth DeVos, a young Jewish woman swept into the heart of WWII Belgium, whose pen becomes her weapon and her faith, her shield. With richly drawn characters, lyrical prose, and a deeply rooted message of hope, this novel is both a tribute to those who fought with unseen bravery and a reminder of the light that lives even in the deepest shadows. A must-read for historical fiction lovers, especially those drawn to stories of resilience, faith, and the enduring human spirit.
March 3, 2026
This is a must read book!! I enjoy Holocaust stories and also find them horrific. This book tells of a tough time in life but it still steals your heart.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews