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The Story of Corrie ten Boom: The Watchmaker Who Forgave Her Enemies
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November 30, 2025
I read this as part of a larger project that I’m working on, and I am so glad that I did. Though knowledgeable about Corrie ten Boom’s story, there were many details that were new to me—details that deepened my respect for this incredible woman of God.
It is impossible to read her story and not be convicted or overwhelmed by the goodness of God—not to be reminded of the gospel, the forgiveness we have in Christ, and the faithfulness of God. Corrie’s life is a powerful testament to how someone who chooses love and forgiveness over hatred and unforgiveness can truly change the world.
This biography is both engaging and compelling, offering a clear picture of Corrie’s courage, the deep faith of her family, and how the Lord sustained her through unimaginable trials. It’s the kind of story that lingers long after you close the book.
Though it’s written for ages 8–13, slightly younger children may enjoy it as well. The illustrations, maps, timelines, and extra features help draw them in. Because the story naturally includes the realities of WWII—death, racism, antisemitism, enslavement, and violence—I do encourage parents to pre-read to determine if it’s appropriate for younger or more sensitive listeners. Nothing is depicted graphically, but the themes are heavy and worth thoughtful consideration.
If you’re looking for your next family read-aloud or wanting to expand your bookshelf with stories from WWII or heroes of the faith, this one is absolutely worth adding to your list. Highly recommend!
It is impossible to read her story and not be convicted or overwhelmed by the goodness of God—not to be reminded of the gospel, the forgiveness we have in Christ, and the faithfulness of God. Corrie’s life is a powerful testament to how someone who chooses love and forgiveness over hatred and unforgiveness can truly change the world.
This biography is both engaging and compelling, offering a clear picture of Corrie’s courage, the deep faith of her family, and how the Lord sustained her through unimaginable trials. It’s the kind of story that lingers long after you close the book.
Though it’s written for ages 8–13, slightly younger children may enjoy it as well. The illustrations, maps, timelines, and extra features help draw them in. Because the story naturally includes the realities of WWII—death, racism, antisemitism, enslavement, and violence—I do encourage parents to pre-read to determine if it’s appropriate for younger or more sensitive listeners. Nothing is depicted graphically, but the themes are heavy and worth thoughtful consideration.
If you’re looking for your next family read-aloud or wanting to expand your bookshelf with stories from WWII or heroes of the faith, this one is absolutely worth adding to your list. Highly recommend!
July 14, 2025
The Story of Corrie ten Boom
The Watchmaker Who Forgave Her Enemies
by Jennifer T. Kelley
Part of Lives of Faith and Grace
Pub DateSep 23 2025 | Archive Date Aug 10 2025
Crossway
Children's Nonfiction| Christian| Religion & Spirituality
I am reviewing a copy of The Story of Corrie Ten Boom through Crossway and Netgalley:
I was rather impressed with this book, its a great way to familiarize younger readers and older readers alike!
Corrie ten Boom was a watchmaker, a prisoner, and a hero of World War II who helped hundreds of Jews escape persecution. But the risks she was willing to take led to her being captured and imprisoned. After her release, Corrie met the prison guard who caused her so much pain again. Can she forgive the unforgivable based on what she's been through?
Readers will learn about ten Boom's upbringing, her family's covert operations, and her most remarkable achievement-forgiving those who persecuted her. A witness to the world, Ten Boom's story illustrates the power of mercy and the importance of spreading God's love no matter what. Kids ages 8–13 will enjoy the illustrations, maps, timelines, bonus sidebars, and study questions in this addition to the Lives of Faith and Grace series.
I give The Story of Corrie Ten Boom five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
The Watchmaker Who Forgave Her Enemies
by Jennifer T. Kelley
Part of Lives of Faith and Grace
Pub DateSep 23 2025 | Archive Date Aug 10 2025
Crossway
Children's Nonfiction| Christian| Religion & Spirituality
I am reviewing a copy of The Story of Corrie Ten Boom through Crossway and Netgalley:
I was rather impressed with this book, its a great way to familiarize younger readers and older readers alike!
Corrie ten Boom was a watchmaker, a prisoner, and a hero of World War II who helped hundreds of Jews escape persecution. But the risks she was willing to take led to her being captured and imprisoned. After her release, Corrie met the prison guard who caused her so much pain again. Can she forgive the unforgivable based on what she's been through?
Readers will learn about ten Boom's upbringing, her family's covert operations, and her most remarkable achievement-forgiving those who persecuted her. A witness to the world, Ten Boom's story illustrates the power of mercy and the importance of spreading God's love no matter what. Kids ages 8–13 will enjoy the illustrations, maps, timelines, bonus sidebars, and study questions in this addition to the Lives of Faith and Grace series.
I give The Story of Corrie Ten Boom five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
March 9, 2026
My favorite heroe of the faith.
This was a perfect read and would be wonderful for any elementary age kid or older.
Not too graphic for younger readers yet at the same time instilling how things really were for Corrie during her life time.
Loved how Jennifer added fun tidbits and graphs and extra information throughout the book. The graphics are a fun touch as well to the book.
Want to read more in this series.
Also I am proud of having gone to college and known the author! We were fellow English majors together!
💬𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘵:𝘩𝘵𝘵𝘱𝘴://𝘸𝘸𝘸.𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮.𝘤𝘰𝘮/𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘴/
This was a perfect read and would be wonderful for any elementary age kid or older.
Not too graphic for younger readers yet at the same time instilling how things really were for Corrie during her life time.
Loved how Jennifer added fun tidbits and graphs and extra information throughout the book. The graphics are a fun touch as well to the book.
Want to read more in this series.
Also I am proud of having gone to college and known the author! We were fellow English majors together!
💬𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘵:𝘩𝘵𝘵𝘱𝘴://𝘸𝘸𝘸.𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮.𝘤𝘰𝘮/𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘴/
February 25, 2026
"The Story of Corrie ten Boom inspires young readers to love their neighbors and forgive those who persecute them."
My Thoughts:
What a deeply touching and profoundly thought-provoking biography! Corrie ten Boom’s unwavering bravery (standing firm in what she believed was right, no matter the devastating consequences) left me utterly moved (and yes, a few tears were shed). Her story stirred so many emotions as I turned the pages. This beautifully written living book vividly brings Corrie’s remarkable story to life, with thoughtful side notes packed with extra historical insights to enrich every chapter. While there are heartbreaking and disturbing moments amid the horrors of Nazi occupation, the enduring power of prayer, unshakable faith, and ultimate triumph of good over evil shine brightly. Evil does not prevail!
A wonderful choice for independent reading or a meaningful family read-aloud, this one is certain to inspire hearts of all ages.
5/5 ⭐️ I highly recommend this book!
⚠️Content to Note:
While there are some VERY intense topics in this book, the author was very tactful in approaching them.
Betrayal by friends, imprisonment, physical/emotional abuse from captors, horrendous living conditions, starvation, separation from family, and death.
My Thoughts:
What a deeply touching and profoundly thought-provoking biography! Corrie ten Boom’s unwavering bravery (standing firm in what she believed was right, no matter the devastating consequences) left me utterly moved (and yes, a few tears were shed). Her story stirred so many emotions as I turned the pages. This beautifully written living book vividly brings Corrie’s remarkable story to life, with thoughtful side notes packed with extra historical insights to enrich every chapter. While there are heartbreaking and disturbing moments amid the horrors of Nazi occupation, the enduring power of prayer, unshakable faith, and ultimate triumph of good over evil shine brightly. Evil does not prevail!
A wonderful choice for independent reading or a meaningful family read-aloud, this one is certain to inspire hearts of all ages.
5/5 ⭐️ I highly recommend this book!
⚠️Content to Note:
While there are some VERY intense topics in this book, the author was very tactful in approaching them.
Betrayal by friends, imprisonment, physical/emotional abuse from captors, horrendous living conditions, starvation, separation from family, and death.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2026
Livi read this as one of her sources for her CTB research paper. She immediately handed it to me and said we needed to do it as a read aloud and I’m so glad we did! Highly recommend for middle grade readers or for a family read aloud :)
September 8, 2025
What is it about?
This story starts with Corrie, post World War II, sharing her testimony at a church meeting in Germany. There she meets one of her former prisoner guards who has become a Christian and he asks her forgiveness. We’re left til the end of the book to find out the answer.
In then begins with Corrie’s early childhood, her conversion and work as the first women watchmaker in the Netherlands. We are then taken to World War II and how her and her family are led to help protect Jews from the Nazis and what daily life of caring for them involved.
It then moves to her eventual arrest, imprisonment and the experiences in prison and ultimately testifies to God’s provision and sustaining, even in such darkness, and he used this time to strengthen her faith and share it with other prisoners.
We then learn of her release and how she sought to helps those affected by the War as well as travelling the world sharing the message of hope and forgiveness in Jesus.
hy I love it?
This book is well written for older children. I think it has a good amount of details, without going too deeply into things that may be more disturbing for children (e.g. her time in prison). It balances conciseness yet good explanations of events well so it is appropriate for the age group.
I also like the fact that there are explanations of key terms that may be unfamiliar for children throughout the book (e.g. Dutch words, vocabulary related to World War II etc.) as this is a great way to help them
understand the wider context of events that were happening at the time. Ultimately I love the fact it is a story about Jesus! Corrie’s love for him shines through again and again and it is remarkable to see her faith and dependence on him in truly horrific circumstances. Her trust in him to do the right thing and help others is remarkable, despite the risks for her and her family. It would be a great conversation starter about right choices, ethics and faith.
I also enjoyed the honesty. She’s very honest about her struggle in deciding whether to forgive the guard she later meets. I think it’s helpful that she doesn’t shy away from the fact these aren’t always easy choices to make.
It is a remarkable story of love, providence, Hope and forgiveness and is a great introduction for older children to a truly amazing example of faith in Jesus. I wholeheartedly recommend it!
This story starts with Corrie, post World War II, sharing her testimony at a church meeting in Germany. There she meets one of her former prisoner guards who has become a Christian and he asks her forgiveness. We’re left til the end of the book to find out the answer.
In then begins with Corrie’s early childhood, her conversion and work as the first women watchmaker in the Netherlands. We are then taken to World War II and how her and her family are led to help protect Jews from the Nazis and what daily life of caring for them involved.
It then moves to her eventual arrest, imprisonment and the experiences in prison and ultimately testifies to God’s provision and sustaining, even in such darkness, and he used this time to strengthen her faith and share it with other prisoners.
We then learn of her release and how she sought to helps those affected by the War as well as travelling the world sharing the message of hope and forgiveness in Jesus.
hy I love it?
This book is well written for older children. I think it has a good amount of details, without going too deeply into things that may be more disturbing for children (e.g. her time in prison). It balances conciseness yet good explanations of events well so it is appropriate for the age group.
I also like the fact that there are explanations of key terms that may be unfamiliar for children throughout the book (e.g. Dutch words, vocabulary related to World War II etc.) as this is a great way to help them
understand the wider context of events that were happening at the time. Ultimately I love the fact it is a story about Jesus! Corrie’s love for him shines through again and again and it is remarkable to see her faith and dependence on him in truly horrific circumstances. Her trust in him to do the right thing and help others is remarkable, despite the risks for her and her family. It would be a great conversation starter about right choices, ethics and faith.
I also enjoyed the honesty. She’s very honest about her struggle in deciding whether to forgive the guard she later meets. I think it’s helpful that she doesn’t shy away from the fact these aren’t always easy choices to make.
It is a remarkable story of love, providence, Hope and forgiveness and is a great introduction for older children to a truly amazing example of faith in Jesus. I wholeheartedly recommend it!
January 13, 2026
First sentence: Corrie ten Boom's train arrived at the station in Munich. But it was not her first time in Germany.
Jennifer T. Kelley has written a biography of Corrie ten Boom just right for younger readers who perhaps aren't quite ready for the original memoir The Hiding Place. To be fair, The Hiding Place is a memoir of a very specific time in her life, this children's biography is a fuller portrait of her whole life. Namely how God used Corrie ten Boom to reach people all over the world. Corrie ten Boom is known for her radical forgiveness and bold proclamation of the gospel, that the gospel is for EVERYONE, yes everyone. God SAVES and saves to the uttermost. The good news is so amazing that it transforms lives. Because Corrie ten Boom knew God to be a loving, forgiving God, she was able to forgive.
Corrie ten Boom and her family hid Jews during the Second World War. This led to her family's arrest--where her father died in jail--and subsequent time in a concentration camp--where her sister died. YET how could the family do otherwise? Obeying God meant defying government. Corrie ten Boom was an amazing witness wherever she went.
Definitely recommend this one!
Jennifer T. Kelley has written a biography of Corrie ten Boom just right for younger readers who perhaps aren't quite ready for the original memoir The Hiding Place. To be fair, The Hiding Place is a memoir of a very specific time in her life, this children's biography is a fuller portrait of her whole life. Namely how God used Corrie ten Boom to reach people all over the world. Corrie ten Boom is known for her radical forgiveness and bold proclamation of the gospel, that the gospel is for EVERYONE, yes everyone. God SAVES and saves to the uttermost. The good news is so amazing that it transforms lives. Because Corrie ten Boom knew God to be a loving, forgiving God, she was able to forgive.
Corrie ten Boom and her family hid Jews during the Second World War. This led to her family's arrest--where her father died in jail--and subsequent time in a concentration camp--where her sister died. YET how could the family do otherwise? Obeying God meant defying government. Corrie ten Boom was an amazing witness wherever she went.
Definitely recommend this one!
September 28, 2025
The text level and readability are perfect for the intended audience. Chapters are succinct and informative, capturing the essential details of her story without becoming bogged down in excessive detail. The book contains illustrations, maps, and a timeline that help kids add some contextual understanding to what’s happening in the story of her life.
The message of the story is, of course, deeply inspirational. It can serve as a launching point for great conversations about everything from persecution to forgiving people when they have wronged us, even when that wrong is incredibly deep.
I have also read another book in this series on Katie Luther and enjoyed it, too. A worthy entry to a strong series that is worth checking out for mid-late elementary kids interested in Christian history and influential figures.
The message of the story is, of course, deeply inspirational. It can serve as a launching point for great conversations about everything from persecution to forgiving people when they have wronged us, even when that wrong is incredibly deep.
I have also read another book in this series on Katie Luther and enjoyed it, too. A worthy entry to a strong series that is worth checking out for mid-late elementary kids interested in Christian history and influential figures.
March 15, 2026
This book would be a great choice to introduce middle-grade readers and up to the life of Corrie.
Included are timelines of her life (with other historical events to add perspective), extra boxes of historical information (for instance, one box explained the history of the swastika and another box included diagrams of her house) scattered throughout the text. The illustrations are well-done (not cheesy or too cartoonish) and there are discussion questions at the end of the book for each chapter.
An excellent choice for a Christian homeschool...I would give it two-thumbs up with no hesitation. I plan to check out the other books in this Lives of Faith and Grace Series.
Included are timelines of her life (with other historical events to add perspective), extra boxes of historical information (for instance, one box explained the history of the swastika and another box included diagrams of her house) scattered throughout the text. The illustrations are well-done (not cheesy or too cartoonish) and there are discussion questions at the end of the book for each chapter.
An excellent choice for a Christian homeschool...I would give it two-thumbs up with no hesitation. I plan to check out the other books in this Lives of Faith and Grace Series.
September 30, 2025
This story is a good way for both young and old to be introduced to Corrie Ten Boom. She is a remarkable lady who risked her life to save Jews during World War II. Upon being caught, she was imprisoned and tortured. Her legacy is that she was able to forgive her persecutors years after the war. I really enjoyed learning about her life and experiences. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.
December 9, 2025
A convicting and inspiring story of a courageous and faith-filled woman! Even though this is written for younger audience, it is great for adults as well.
January 24, 2026
The kids and I really enjoyed this. The book covers a lot from her long life, even though the book is not that long. It really shows how liberating and powerful forgiveness can be.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews