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The Hiding Place for Young Readers
In this special youth edition, Corrie ten Boom's remarkable story of heroism and faith inspires a new generation of readers with its timeless message.
192 pages, ebook
Published April 28, 2015
2017 people are currently reading
2991 people want to read
About the author
Lonnie Hull Dupont
16 books19 followersLonnie Hull DuPont is an award-winning poet, book editor, and writer. She is the author of several books, including five compilations of animal stories under the pseudonym of Callie Smith Grant. A member of the Cat Writers Association, she lives in rural Michigan with her husband and their cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 326 reviews
September 19, 2022
The Hiding Place written by Corrie Ten Boom and edited by Lonnie Hull Dupont was one of the most inspirational books I have ever read. Kellie O’Conner, a friend on Goodreads, recommended it to me and I was glad that she did. It was so well written and gave another perspective of the Holocaust. I listened to the audiobook that was well narrated by Bernadette Dunne.
Corrie Ten Boom and her family were devout Christians that resided in Haarlem, Holland. Her father was a well known and respected watchmaker in Haarlem. Corrie also learned the trade as well and helped her aging father in the shop. She and her family were in the habit of finding guidance through prayer and their strong devotion. Their home was always a welcome place for anyone needing assistance, guidance or aid of any sort. It was no wonder then that as the Nazis invaded Holland and started to impose their numerous anti-Semitic threats on the Jews of Holland that Corrie and her family opened their doors and hid Jewish men, women and children from the Nazis in their own home. Corrie Ten Boom became a heroine in the Dutch Resistance. She selfishly risked her life to save the lives of others. Corrie believed that faith would always prevail over evil. Those beliefs helped her survive the atrocities of Ravensbruck Concentration Camp. While in Ravensbruck, Corrie and her sister helped others hold on to their faith through secret prayer meetings. Corrie was the only one in her family to survive the atrocities of the Holocaust. After she was released from Ravensbruck and regained her health, Corrie continued to offer assistance to others that had survived but suffered from trauma the Nazis instilled during their long and terrifying occupation. She was a remarkable woman in every sense of the word and should be celebrated for all she did. I highly recommend this audiobook.
Corrie Ten Boom and her family were devout Christians that resided in Haarlem, Holland. Her father was a well known and respected watchmaker in Haarlem. Corrie also learned the trade as well and helped her aging father in the shop. She and her family were in the habit of finding guidance through prayer and their strong devotion. Their home was always a welcome place for anyone needing assistance, guidance or aid of any sort. It was no wonder then that as the Nazis invaded Holland and started to impose their numerous anti-Semitic threats on the Jews of Holland that Corrie and her family opened their doors and hid Jewish men, women and children from the Nazis in their own home. Corrie Ten Boom became a heroine in the Dutch Resistance. She selfishly risked her life to save the lives of others. Corrie believed that faith would always prevail over evil. Those beliefs helped her survive the atrocities of Ravensbruck Concentration Camp. While in Ravensbruck, Corrie and her sister helped others hold on to their faith through secret prayer meetings. Corrie was the only one in her family to survive the atrocities of the Holocaust. After she was released from Ravensbruck and regained her health, Corrie continued to offer assistance to others that had survived but suffered from trauma the Nazis instilled during their long and terrifying occupation. She was a remarkable woman in every sense of the word and should be celebrated for all she did. I highly recommend this audiobook.
July 12, 2015
one day I hope I can have half the faith that this family had. Truly inspiring.
September 23, 2022
It's been quite a few years since I read this amazing true story by Corrie ten Boom! It's a beautiful treasure of a book that I hope everyone will read one day!! She writes with such love and grace that can only come from God!! 💙
She was one of the survivors of Ravensbruck Concentration Camps in WW2 . Her sister was there too. Her forgiveness and radiance shines through,as well as her sister, Elisabeth ( Bestie) as a beacon of light 🕯️ in the darkness! I'll always appreciate & remember her books. I was fortunate enough to hear her speak on the radio a few times 😊 I'll never forget the lessons that they taught me!
I recommend this emotionally moving book very highly!! 🙏✨✨✨✨✨🙏
She was one of the survivors of Ravensbruck Concentration Camps in WW2 . Her sister was there too. Her forgiveness and radiance shines through,as well as her sister, Elisabeth ( Bestie) as a beacon of light 🕯️ in the darkness! I'll always appreciate & remember her books. I was fortunate enough to hear her speak on the radio a few times 😊 I'll never forget the lessons that they taught me!
I recommend this emotionally moving book very highly!! 🙏✨✨✨✨✨🙏
May 20, 2024
I can't tell you how much this book impacted me. You could see the passion and drive that the author had for her Savior and for His people.
May 8, 2018
I read this aloud to my 3rd and 6th grade kids, and found it to be well-adapted for young readers. The story still retains its power.
February 5, 2017
One of my new favorite books. So moved by Corrie's testimony. It truly was amazing how God was at work in her life!
""...it would be a pretty poor father who would ask his little girl to carry such a load. It's the same way, Corrie, with knowledge. Some knowledge is too heavy for children. When you are older and stronger you can bear it. For now you must trust me to carry it for you."" -31
"Stealing, lying, murder. Was this what God wanted in times like these? How should a Christian act when evil was in power?" -pg. 71
""You say we could lose our lives for this child. I would consider that the greatest honor that could come to my family."" -pg. 95
"Perhaps only when human effort had done its best and failed, would God's power alone be free to work." -pg. 116
"...now like a starving man I gulped entire Gospels at a reading, seeing while the magnificent drama of salvation." -pg. 139
""If people can be taught to hate, they can be taught to love!"" -pg. 161
""'Give thanks in ALL circumstances,'" she quoted. "It doesn't say, 'in pleasant circumstances.' Fleas are part of this place where God has put us." And so we stood between piers of bunks and gave thanks for fleas." -pg. 181
"And so I discovered that it is not on our forgiveness any more than on our goodness that the world's healing hinges, but on His. When He tells us to love our enemies, He gives, along with the command, the love itself." -pg. 215
""...it would be a pretty poor father who would ask his little girl to carry such a load. It's the same way, Corrie, with knowledge. Some knowledge is too heavy for children. When you are older and stronger you can bear it. For now you must trust me to carry it for you."" -31
"Stealing, lying, murder. Was this what God wanted in times like these? How should a Christian act when evil was in power?" -pg. 71
""You say we could lose our lives for this child. I would consider that the greatest honor that could come to my family."" -pg. 95
"Perhaps only when human effort had done its best and failed, would God's power alone be free to work." -pg. 116
"...now like a starving man I gulped entire Gospels at a reading, seeing while the magnificent drama of salvation." -pg. 139
""If people can be taught to hate, they can be taught to love!"" -pg. 161
""'Give thanks in ALL circumstances,'" she quoted. "It doesn't say, 'in pleasant circumstances.' Fleas are part of this place where God has put us." And so we stood between piers of bunks and gave thanks for fleas." -pg. 181
"And so I discovered that it is not on our forgiveness any more than on our goodness that the world's healing hinges, but on His. When He tells us to love our enemies, He gives, along with the command, the love itself." -pg. 215
June 30, 2015
Even with the hard subject matter, this book brings joy to your heart.
October 14, 2024
A True Classic
Corrie Ten Boom’s The Hiding Place is a true classic. The story of how Corrie and her family hid Jews during the brutal German occupation of the Netherlands is inspirational. It is also tragic when Corrie and her family are betrayed and sent to concentration camps. My faith was strengthened by reading this book. Your faith will be strengthened too.
Corrie Ten Boom’s The Hiding Place is a true classic. The story of how Corrie and her family hid Jews during the brutal German occupation of the Netherlands is inspirational. It is also tragic when Corrie and her family are betrayed and sent to concentration camps. My faith was strengthened by reading this book. Your faith will be strengthened too.
February 23, 2022
This book was incredible. WW2 is one of my favorite history topics because there is so much to learn from it and every account is different. This book was hard to read at points because it shows just how EVIL us humans can be and how sick we are sometimes.
While I loved this book, I wouldn't recommend for younger children. 13 and up definitely. It is extremely heavy and disturbing at times, because that's what happened.
Very religious book, and I loved all the messages about how God is real, because he is!
While I loved this book, I wouldn't recommend for younger children. 13 and up definitely. It is extremely heavy and disturbing at times, because that's what happened.
Very religious book, and I loved all the messages about how God is real, because he is!
November 28, 2015
I think this is a must read. We hear/read about what the Jews went though but I never knew what the people that helped them stay safe. This was one book I could not put down. I never heard of Corrie Ten Boom before but I will never forget her and her family and what they did for the Jews and how they was able to forgive the enemy.
April 5, 2022
A poignant story about a family's deep moral fight against the Nazis and how they clung to God amidst the most horrid moments of the world.
This book follows the journey and horrible treatment of Corrie ten Boom and the rest of her family. They all show bravery as they are hauled to concentration camps and treated as animals. AND YET...Corrie and Betsie show God's love to the hurt around them. It's touching and it's heart wrenching to imagine.
I only rated it four stars because I have read other books about Corrie and Betsie that touched me even deeper.(if that's possible) An inspiring and tangible book that will leave your heart scarred.
(Also reviewed on BB)
This book follows the journey and horrible treatment of Corrie ten Boom and the rest of her family. They all show bravery as they are hauled to concentration camps and treated as animals. AND YET...Corrie and Betsie show God's love to the hurt around them. It's touching and it's heart wrenching to imagine.
I only rated it four stars because I have read other books about Corrie and Betsie that touched me even deeper.(if that's possible) An inspiring and tangible book that will leave your heart scarred.
(Also reviewed on BB)
March 12, 2024
Truly inspiring. It made me want to be a better person all along the way.
June 5, 2015
Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word…Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe…
What do you do when you are stripped of everything and everyone that you have ever known? The story of Corrie Ten Boom and her family who hid the Jews during the German occupation is compelling and one filled with faith. What kind of faith does it take first to help when fear is driving others to hate? It is the faith that looks to Jesus alone. It is by emptying yourself of your own will and taking the will of the Father to love others in spite of the pain.
I loved Corrie’s father. He had wisdom of the love of God and passed it on to his children. When Corrie had fallen in love and was expecting her love to be returned, she was devastated when the young man introduced Corrie to his fiancé. Her father lovingly shared these words with her Corrie, he began instead, do you know what hurts so very much? It’s love. Love is the strongest force in the world, and when it is blocked that means pain. There are two things we can do when this happens. We can kill the love so that it stops hurting. Then of course part of us dies too, Or we can ask God to open another route for that love to travel.. Her father in wisdom taught his children never to run ahead of God that the Lord would give what was needed at the time. These words proved to be true in the worst of circumstances that many of us could never fathom.
Corrie and sister Betsie were taken to German work camp as sympathizers to the “Jew Problem”. There they were able to share their faith with other prisoners and to love their enemies with only the love of God can give. When Corrie was released, she continued the dream of her sister, to help bring the love of God to the hurting- to the wounded and the ones who wounded as all need the grace and love of God.
Corrie’s story is one of forgiveness; redemption and facing fear by empting ourselves that you only see Christ. Her story is one that will continue.
A Special Thank You to Chosen and Netgalley for ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
What do you do when you are stripped of everything and everyone that you have ever known? The story of Corrie Ten Boom and her family who hid the Jews during the German occupation is compelling and one filled with faith. What kind of faith does it take first to help when fear is driving others to hate? It is the faith that looks to Jesus alone. It is by emptying yourself of your own will and taking the will of the Father to love others in spite of the pain.
I loved Corrie’s father. He had wisdom of the love of God and passed it on to his children. When Corrie had fallen in love and was expecting her love to be returned, she was devastated when the young man introduced Corrie to his fiancé. Her father lovingly shared these words with her Corrie, he began instead, do you know what hurts so very much? It’s love. Love is the strongest force in the world, and when it is blocked that means pain. There are two things we can do when this happens. We can kill the love so that it stops hurting. Then of course part of us dies too, Or we can ask God to open another route for that love to travel.. Her father in wisdom taught his children never to run ahead of God that the Lord would give what was needed at the time. These words proved to be true in the worst of circumstances that many of us could never fathom.
Corrie and sister Betsie were taken to German work camp as sympathizers to the “Jew Problem”. There they were able to share their faith with other prisoners and to love their enemies with only the love of God can give. When Corrie was released, she continued the dream of her sister, to help bring the love of God to the hurting- to the wounded and the ones who wounded as all need the grace and love of God.
Corrie’s story is one of forgiveness; redemption and facing fear by empting ourselves that you only see Christ. Her story is one that will continue.
A Special Thank You to Chosen and Netgalley for ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
June 12, 2015
I've read the unabridged version of this wonderful story of love, faith, and forgiveness many times, and this retains the essence of the original. Sentences are shorter, and some secondary elements (such as Corrie's new dress for the party) are removed, but it has the same feel, the same rhythm of the words. None of my favorite pieces were removed, whether Corrie's "ticket" or her praise of fleas. There are the same loving details about the watches, her father's simple but honest faith lived out in the world, the presence of kindness even in the most unexpected places, and of course the big question: How should a Christian act when evil is in power?
Every time I read Corrie's story, I discover something new. This most recent time it was that God convicts people differently about different things (Nollie and Corrie's disagreement reminded me of 1 Cor 8).
These are words written in love, not shrinking from the truth or from painful episodes, and now thoughtfully, carefully abridged with pencil drawings to illustrate key moments. It may be intended for children, but I enjoyed every moment.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Every time I read Corrie's story, I discover something new. This most recent time it was that God convicts people differently about different things (Nollie and Corrie's disagreement reminded me of 1 Cor 8).
These are words written in love, not shrinking from the truth or from painful episodes, and now thoughtfully, carefully abridged with pencil drawings to illustrate key moments. It may be intended for children, but I enjoyed every moment.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 13, 2022
I grew up knowing the story of Corrie ten Boom generally and thought that was enough. Turns out, it wasn't.
First, I never realized how old she was when all this happened, because I imagined that a person willing to take on the risks involved with hiding Jews from Nazis would be more spry. Sometimes I think that I can't be involved in certain ministries or activities because of my age or situation; this taught me differently.
Second, I loved how she wrapped lessons that she learned as a child into her adult trials, some lessons I am sure she probably forgot, until "her train came" and God called them to her mind. God never lets us experience something without a reason, and all the fractured pieces of our lives will make sense one day.
Finally, I simply love WWII stories. There is something about the craziness that enveloped Europe in the 1940s that is frightening. And those who don't pay attention to history are doomed to repeat it. I'd like to skip this particular re-run.
First, I never realized how old she was when all this happened, because I imagined that a person willing to take on the risks involved with hiding Jews from Nazis would be more spry. Sometimes I think that I can't be involved in certain ministries or activities because of my age or situation; this taught me differently.
Second, I loved how she wrapped lessons that she learned as a child into her adult trials, some lessons I am sure she probably forgot, until "her train came" and God called them to her mind. God never lets us experience something without a reason, and all the fractured pieces of our lives will make sense one day.
Finally, I simply love WWII stories. There is something about the craziness that enveloped Europe in the 1940s that is frightening. And those who don't pay attention to history are doomed to repeat it. I'd like to skip this particular re-run.
April 18, 2017
This book is mistitled. Yes, there is a hiding place and yes, her family did hide Jews. However, it seems to be a small mention in the story. This is ten Boom's life story starting from a young age with the bulk centering around the WWII era. The main focus for ten Boom is her religion. There is a lot of worship and praying in this book and it is the reason for every action. For ten Boom, the fact she held on to this faith is downright amazing. It was what got her through the war. If you're a religious person, you'll probably feel this book is very inspirational. If you're not, you might struggle to finish. Personally, I found it to be a bit too much especially when she was in the concentration camps.
November 2, 2020
I can't believe I haven't read this book before! This is the abridged version, but still oh so powerful. What a remarkable family the ten Boom's were. What unshakable faith at such a time. The bold prayers they prayed. Corrie and Betsie were so brave. Would I have been brave and had their faith that God was still in control in the concentration camp? Very powerful book. This is a must read for everyone.
May 29, 2020
The Hiding Place is one of my favorite books ever! Unlike other biographies about Corrie Ten Boom, this is the main one that she is known for, and it was written BY her. Which probably means it's more accurate, too!! This is the abridged version, but I hope to read the real version soon. I don't think that that means her exact words were changed, though. Only that the extreme descriptions of the concentration camps are taken out.
May 26, 2016
incredible.
July 20, 2021
This book should be read by all! A book of faith in adversity. A true tale that will make you cry both tears of heartbreak and tears of joy.
December 20, 2024
My most inspiring book! I love Corrie and her family. I've read this book several times and highly recommend it!
May 22, 2015
orrie and her family own a watch shop in the Netherlands. But when World War II starts their loyalties are tested. They can't sit by and watch while thousands of Jews are killed. So they secretly alter their home to hid a few people. When someone betrays them they are all rounded up and sent to the concentration camps. Corrie and her sister Betsie must endure the most terrible conditions. Corrie is amazed at her sister's faith and learns to trust in God no matter the circumstances.
I loved the adult version and was so excited to see an edited version for children. Both of my children enjoyed the book. Corrie Ten Boom is an amazing and inspiring woman. Her story reaches out to the young and old alike. It's one that I felt blessed to be able to share with my family. The black and white drawings were a plus with my young readers. The story, while dealing with harsh reality, didn't cross the line as far as too much information. This is a book I would recommend every household having in their library.
I received this book free of charge from Chosen in exchange for my honest review.
I loved the adult version and was so excited to see an edited version for children. Both of my children enjoyed the book. Corrie Ten Boom is an amazing and inspiring woman. Her story reaches out to the young and old alike. It's one that I felt blessed to be able to share with my family. The black and white drawings were a plus with my young readers. The story, while dealing with harsh reality, didn't cross the line as far as too much information. This is a book I would recommend every household having in their library.
I received this book free of charge from Chosen in exchange for my honest review.
August 4, 2015
The story of Corrie Ten Boom and her family offers a timeless example of the power of the Christian message during times of fear, pain and worry. Giving thanks for all things - good and bad - is a product of a Christ-filled life. This book , provided to me as part of the Goodreads First Reads program, is well written and easily readable for young adults and adults.
September 14, 2020
I read this out loud to my 13 year old! I think it was appropriately abridged. Of course I loved the unabridged. But this was perfect for young readers in introducing them to this time period and the amazing ladies that were Corrie and Betsie Ten Boom.
November 5, 2019
So glad my book club wanted to read this! A book of hope and encouragement!
"Lord, You are my secret hiding place,
protecting me from these troubles,
surrounding me with songs of gladness!
Your joyous shouts of rescue release my breakthrough."
Psalm 32:7 (TPT)
"Lord, You are my secret hiding place,
protecting me from these troubles,
surrounding me with songs of gladness!
Your joyous shouts of rescue release my breakthrough."
Psalm 32:7 (TPT)
January 21, 2021
Corrie has an amazing story to tell. A very timely read. The Bible tells us to love our enemy and have faith, but sometimes those things are easier said than done. Corrie SHOWS us how it's done with her true story of life in Holland during WW2 Nazi occupation.
April 7, 2020
Read this with my younger siblings after I read real version. Not the same but still a spectacular story. Powerful
July 28, 2024
I’ve read a countless amount of books about WW2. I think what always captures me most about the time period is the constant battle between good and evil. The decisions the people living during the time period were forced to make between what they knew was right, and what may cost them their lives.
When I purchased THE HIDING PLACE, I expected it to be like all the rest of the resistance stories I’ve read, only this one as a first-hand account of a real survivor of Holland’s occupation and war years. What I didn’t expect was the level of faith in God that poured from nearly every page of this story.
I found myself sending up silent prayers for people who lived a lifetime before me. I cried. I clutched this book to my chest in moments of complete awe of God’s goodness and more so for the people who, even when death was at their doorstep and betrayal an every present obstacle, chose love and forgiveness.
Multiple times Corrie, the author of the book, mentions how the stories of the Bible her and her family read didn’t seem like something from thousands of years before. They were real and current to the times she was living in during the war, and I had the same thoughts as I read THE HIDING PLACE here in 2024.
This is why I love to read. To connect across time and space. To see the world that seems much different than my own, but in reality, may not be. To see how people survived, thrived, and most of all loved through times of darkness until their stories could be brought to light in the hopes of others learning from them. Learning of His goodness and love for all.
When I purchased THE HIDING PLACE, I expected it to be like all the rest of the resistance stories I’ve read, only this one as a first-hand account of a real survivor of Holland’s occupation and war years. What I didn’t expect was the level of faith in God that poured from nearly every page of this story.
I found myself sending up silent prayers for people who lived a lifetime before me. I cried. I clutched this book to my chest in moments of complete awe of God’s goodness and more so for the people who, even when death was at their doorstep and betrayal an every present obstacle, chose love and forgiveness.
Multiple times Corrie, the author of the book, mentions how the stories of the Bible her and her family read didn’t seem like something from thousands of years before. They were real and current to the times she was living in during the war, and I had the same thoughts as I read THE HIDING PLACE here in 2024.
This is why I love to read. To connect across time and space. To see the world that seems much different than my own, but in reality, may not be. To see how people survived, thrived, and most of all loved through times of darkness until their stories could be brought to light in the hopes of others learning from them. Learning of His goodness and love for all.
December 22, 2021
I’ve heard about Corrie Ten Boom for years, but I never had the courage to read her book for fear of the horrors I might find there—I’m the sort of person who can be haunted for days and even weeks if I encounter a particularly disturbing story. So, when I saw that there was a young readers’ edition of this book available, I was very glad to get the chance to read it.
According to the sources I read, this version has had some of the most disturbing details and scenes removed, some of the sentences shortened for easier reading, and some illustrations added. Since I never read the original, I can’t analyze the differences between the two versions. However, I can say that I loved the book, I enjoyed the illustrations, and I didn’t find the writing to be clumsy or particularly “dumbed down.” As far as the serious content goes, I found it very powerful and sobering, but not overly disturbing. A sensitive child might still find it disturbing, since it does describe the suffering at the concentration camps, etc. I think this book is appropriate for kids age 10-12, but with particularly sensitive kids, it might be better to wait until they are teenagers.
But what a wonderful story of hope and faith in the midst of great suffering! The Bible tells us over and over that those who suffer for Christ are blessed, but that truth goes so completely against our normal thinking that we have a hard time truly believing it. Stories like Corrie’s are therefore a powerful tool for helping God’s people to see this truth in action, so that we might fully trust that ALL things really do work together for good to those who love him—even fleas!
According to the sources I read, this version has had some of the most disturbing details and scenes removed, some of the sentences shortened for easier reading, and some illustrations added. Since I never read the original, I can’t analyze the differences between the two versions. However, I can say that I loved the book, I enjoyed the illustrations, and I didn’t find the writing to be clumsy or particularly “dumbed down.” As far as the serious content goes, I found it very powerful and sobering, but not overly disturbing. A sensitive child might still find it disturbing, since it does describe the suffering at the concentration camps, etc. I think this book is appropriate for kids age 10-12, but with particularly sensitive kids, it might be better to wait until they are teenagers.
But what a wonderful story of hope and faith in the midst of great suffering! The Bible tells us over and over that those who suffer for Christ are blessed, but that truth goes so completely against our normal thinking that we have a hard time truly believing it. Stories like Corrie’s are therefore a powerful tool for helping God’s people to see this truth in action, so that we might fully trust that ALL things really do work together for good to those who love him—even fleas!
October 9, 2023
This is a very moving and gripping story of some one who decided to help Jews in Holland and ended up in a concentration camp, where she lost her sister and father. It's harrowing and touching, and deeply involves her Christian faith. Had I read this ten years ago, I would have been swept up in her faithfulness, but at this point all I can wonder is why would God keep her vitamins from running out? If you're going to intervene, by all means take Hitler out of the equation. This have faith and see small miracles thing seems only to cause pain to those with faith who never receive their miracles. The Holocaust just doesn't seem like the time to be showing up in the vitamins and not with the cavalry.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 326 reviews