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When the Dikes Broke
Everyone knew that a tile roof was a precarious perch. Everyone saw, too, that the steadily rising water had reached a corner of the attic floor near the stairway and was beginning to spread, slowly but surely, toward them.
Based on the great flood that swept over Holland in 1953, the gripping story When the Dikes Broke follows the tale of the van Rossem family as they are awakened by sirens and the clanging of church bells and soon realize that the dikes have broken. As the water rises to their roof, the family is separated, and a desperate and daring search is set in place for those who have been swept away. This adventurous story is packed with educational and moral value.
Based on the great flood that swept over Holland in 1953, the gripping story When the Dikes Broke follows the tale of the van Rossem family as they are awakened by sirens and the clanging of church bells and soon realize that the dikes have broken. As the water rises to their roof, the family is separated, and a desperate and daring search is set in place for those who have been swept away. This adventurous story is packed with educational and moral value.
110 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1958
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99 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 26, 2022
Fabulous although sad as well, true story and insight into Dutch life and happenings. These short versions are perfect as not too long nor tedious as I get to read more shorter ones. (This was read during childhood and a few years back as well.)
March 29, 2024
A delightfully cozy book! Easy to read, but still good quality writing, I really enjoyed this book
May 2, 2013
Thirteen-year-old Lisa van Rossem lives on a farm outside of Kuyfoort, not too far from Dortrecht in the Netherlands, with her father, mother, older brothers Klaas, who wants to be a farmer like his father, and almost-fifteen-year-old Dirk, who wants to be engineer, their grandmother, and their shepherd dog Rex. They raise cattle for milk and cheese and sheep for wool, and they grow onions, potatoes, sugar beets, and apples. Their mother’s brother, Uncle Pieter, and his wife, Tante Anna who is going to have a baby, are visiting the van Rossems. One night a terrible storm rises up.
“How the wind blows tonight! As if it wants to tear the house up by the roots,” says Tante Anna. But the van Rossem family isn’t worried. Their house is strong and solid And the dikes that hold back the sea are strong, too. However, that very night they awaken to the shriek of sirens and the clang of church bells. They hear an even more frightening sound too–the rush of water flooding the house. And then comes the cry that strikes terror to the heart of every Dutch boy and girl: “Get to your attic. The dike gave way!” Everyone climbs to the attic, and the men are able to escape in a boat to go for help. But when they return, the women have had to climb on the roof and Anna has been swept away. What will happen to them all? And will they ever find Anna?
Based on a real event, the great flood that swept over Holland in January, 1953, this book, which was originally published in 1958, was republished by Scholastic Book Services in 1964. A slightly revised edition, in which “minimal editing has been done to maintain acceptable standards for wholesome, character-building reading, while preserving the flavor and style of the original publication,” was published by PrairieView Press in 2004. It is a gripping story that is full of adventure, realistic interaction between siblings, and information on life in Holland near the dikes. After reading it, children will never forget one important fact of Dutch geography, that much of it has been reclaimed from the sea. Not only does it depict the heroism of people working together to achieve a common aim, but it also illustrates great inter-generational family relationships. And there are numerous examples of people thanking God and praying to God during their trials.
“How the wind blows tonight! As if it wants to tear the house up by the roots,” says Tante Anna. But the van Rossem family isn’t worried. Their house is strong and solid And the dikes that hold back the sea are strong, too. However, that very night they awaken to the shriek of sirens and the clang of church bells. They hear an even more frightening sound too–the rush of water flooding the house. And then comes the cry that strikes terror to the heart of every Dutch boy and girl: “Get to your attic. The dike gave way!” Everyone climbs to the attic, and the men are able to escape in a boat to go for help. But when they return, the women have had to climb on the roof and Anna has been swept away. What will happen to them all? And will they ever find Anna?
Based on a real event, the great flood that swept over Holland in January, 1953, this book, which was originally published in 1958, was republished by Scholastic Book Services in 1964. A slightly revised edition, in which “minimal editing has been done to maintain acceptable standards for wholesome, character-building reading, while preserving the flavor and style of the original publication,” was published by PrairieView Press in 2004. It is a gripping story that is full of adventure, realistic interaction between siblings, and information on life in Holland near the dikes. After reading it, children will never forget one important fact of Dutch geography, that much of it has been reclaimed from the sea. Not only does it depict the heroism of people working together to achieve a common aim, but it also illustrates great inter-generational family relationships. And there are numerous examples of people thanking God and praying to God during their trials.
September 2, 2020
4.5 stars. I LOVED this book. Set in the Netherlands during the 1950s, this historical fiction is written for older children (my 9 through 15-year-olds will read it) but is a great, quick read for adults as well.
Instead of focusing on one main character, "When the Dikes Broke" instead tells the stories of multiple family members and their exciting experiences surviving and helping during a natural disaster. And the whole story is fascinating, full of adventure, and just a great read.
Like all books from The Good and the Beautiful library, this one has absolutely nothing offensive in it and teaches high morals. The writing is beautiful and readers can learn a lot about post-World War II Dutch history and culture.
Instead of focusing on one main character, "When the Dikes Broke" instead tells the stories of multiple family members and their exciting experiences surviving and helping during a natural disaster. And the whole story is fascinating, full of adventure, and just a great read.
Like all books from The Good and the Beautiful library, this one has absolutely nothing offensive in it and teaches high morals. The writing is beautiful and readers can learn a lot about post-World War II Dutch history and culture.
October 8, 2021
This story takes place during a real event. It brought the characters and events to life and had me reading faster in an effort to help those stranded on rooftops or in trees, and it had me silently cheering when other countries came to lend a hand. I worried over characters and wanted to offer help. This story does more than just tell you of the flood, it goes beyond the flood days and you see characters rolling up their sleeves to pretty much start over again. Miracles are shared, hope is seen, and my attention was held the entire time.
This isn’t necessarily a Christian book, but there were mentions of prayer and of going to church.
Recommended for history and adventure lovers.
This isn’t necessarily a Christian book, but there were mentions of prayer and of going to church.
Recommended for history and adventure lovers.
February 7, 2023
What a charming book! I was struck by the optimism of the characters despite their enormous trials. This attitude of optimism plus hard work and grit is so valuable for children to read. The story ends beautifully with a hymn of praise to God.
April 5, 2019
Lisa, sitting with her loving family in their home one evening, shares of her desire to have a real adventure. Little does she know that that night her wish will be granted ... and perhaps more than she wanted.
It's an adventurous story that will leave you hanging until you've reached the end!
Ages: 9+
Cleanliness: there is a young man that is in love with a girl (not mushy).
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it!
Visit my website!
It's an adventurous story that will leave you hanging until you've reached the end!
Ages: 9+
Cleanliness: there is a young man that is in love with a girl (not mushy).
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it!
Visit my website!
September 1, 2017
The flooding in Texas reminded me of this book, which I'd last read in elementary school. I found it on Hoopla and re-read it in less than an hour. The story is more heartwrenching than I had remembered, and I was also much more struck by the strength and resilience of the villagers. Not all of my favorite childhood books meet my adult standards, but this one did.
June 18, 2013
I read this when I was about 12 and greatly enjoyed it. It's a good old read.
August 28, 2023
my first library book of the year, a pleasantly engrossing disaster story with brave kids, lots of tense bits, and considerable cleaning up to do afterwards.
August 10, 2020
Historical fiction based on the great flood that occurred in Holland in 1953. A story of family and courage in the face of fear and tragedy.
Favorite quotes:
-Uncle Pieter hesitated too, looking anxiously at his wife. Then he took both her hands and held them tight. "Anna, I also must go. I must help at the dike," he said. "It is for you and for all."
She drew a long breath, almost like a sob. "Yes, Pieter, I see. Of course, you must go," she said, and she stood on tiptoe to give him a goodbye kiss.
Lisa felt a lump in her throat and a surge of affection and respect for this pretty young aunt who, in spite of her fears, was showing such determined courage. If she can, I can, thought Lisa, and she set her lips in a firm line as she watched the loading of the boat. p. 13
-The others, working busily, had apparently not heard the call, and Lisa went out into the little hall and opened the door. She could hardly believe what she saw in the flicking light, but it sent her running down to the water's edge with a loud shout for help.
It was a wooden washtub that rocked on the waves, and two small children huddle there with frightened faces while a woman, limp with exhaustion, clung to the rim. "I swam. I swam and pushed the children," she gasped.
"Mevrouw Heyl!" cried Lisa, recognizing a neighbor, and reached out to pull her to safety. Others, coming swiftly in answer to Lisa's call, rescued the children and helped get the three to the dry refuge of the warm schoolroom.
"So long we have been on the way--so long," the woman murmured. "I did not know if I could hold on. But the children--I had to get them here."
"Courage like that will beat even the flood," Lisa heard her mother say, as the women busied themselves taking care of the new arrivals. And Lisa took new heart from the words. p. 35
-The burgomaster voiced the thought of many when he said, "We ourselves must of course bear the chief burden. But how heartening to know so many others want to do what they can to lighten it!"
"People are wonderful!" Uncle Pieter said... p. 46
-The little store was crowded. The burgomaster stood behind the counter. In front of it stood a young couple. And to Dirk's astonished ears came the words of the marriage ceremony. Suddenly his heart lightened. Here were folks going right on with their plans as if nothing had happened. They weren't even going to let a flood interfere with their wedding. p. 64 (like during the coronovirus now)
-There was a moment's silence, and a little sigh of discouragement went around the group. Then Vrouw van Rossem spoke up, with a twinkle in her eye. "I remember once when Dirk was very small and he was trying to move a good-sized table. I said to him, 'You can't move that, boy. It's as big as you are.' And he said, 'Yes, I can. I'm as big as it is.' This job we have on our hands is big, but let's hope we're as big as the job.
There was a lift of the heads, ready nods, and laughter. Paula's mother voiced the thought of many there when she said, "The flood didn't beat us, and the aftermath isn't going to either. And now maybe we all ought to get some sleep so we'll be big enough for those jobs waiting for us tomorrow." p. 92-93
Favorite quotes:
-Uncle Pieter hesitated too, looking anxiously at his wife. Then he took both her hands and held them tight. "Anna, I also must go. I must help at the dike," he said. "It is for you and for all."
She drew a long breath, almost like a sob. "Yes, Pieter, I see. Of course, you must go," she said, and she stood on tiptoe to give him a goodbye kiss.
Lisa felt a lump in her throat and a surge of affection and respect for this pretty young aunt who, in spite of her fears, was showing such determined courage. If she can, I can, thought Lisa, and she set her lips in a firm line as she watched the loading of the boat. p. 13
-The others, working busily, had apparently not heard the call, and Lisa went out into the little hall and opened the door. She could hardly believe what she saw in the flicking light, but it sent her running down to the water's edge with a loud shout for help.
It was a wooden washtub that rocked on the waves, and two small children huddle there with frightened faces while a woman, limp with exhaustion, clung to the rim. "I swam. I swam and pushed the children," she gasped.
"Mevrouw Heyl!" cried Lisa, recognizing a neighbor, and reached out to pull her to safety. Others, coming swiftly in answer to Lisa's call, rescued the children and helped get the three to the dry refuge of the warm schoolroom.
"So long we have been on the way--so long," the woman murmured. "I did not know if I could hold on. But the children--I had to get them here."
"Courage like that will beat even the flood," Lisa heard her mother say, as the women busied themselves taking care of the new arrivals. And Lisa took new heart from the words. p. 35
-The burgomaster voiced the thought of many when he said, "We ourselves must of course bear the chief burden. But how heartening to know so many others want to do what they can to lighten it!"
"People are wonderful!" Uncle Pieter said... p. 46
-The little store was crowded. The burgomaster stood behind the counter. In front of it stood a young couple. And to Dirk's astonished ears came the words of the marriage ceremony. Suddenly his heart lightened. Here were folks going right on with their plans as if nothing had happened. They weren't even going to let a flood interfere with their wedding. p. 64 (like during the coronovirus now)
-There was a moment's silence, and a little sigh of discouragement went around the group. Then Vrouw van Rossem spoke up, with a twinkle in her eye. "I remember once when Dirk was very small and he was trying to move a good-sized table. I said to him, 'You can't move that, boy. It's as big as you are.' And he said, 'Yes, I can. I'm as big as it is.' This job we have on our hands is big, but let's hope we're as big as the job.
There was a lift of the heads, ready nods, and laughter. Paula's mother voiced the thought of many there when she said, "The flood didn't beat us, and the aftermath isn't going to either. And now maybe we all ought to get some sleep so we'll be big enough for those jobs waiting for us tomorrow." p. 92-93
August 4, 2020
I had this book referred to me very highly by a group of well-read individuals. There were a few slow moving times but the end of the book is beautiful. The characters are beautiful and good. They are faithful, hardworking, courageous and selfless. The children honor their parents and the mom. Oh that I can be a mother such as her. Her faith, service, and lasting hope and optimism through very difficult and unsure times is the power that enables her ‘wish’ to come true.
The book is based on a historical event, the great if flood of Holland 1953. This caused our family to take a delightful rabbit hole of learning about how dukes were built and how they “created” more farm land in a land where none existed. So not only was it a beautiful, character building book, it contributed to our knowledge in history, social studies (fun because we have ancestors from this area), and engineering and building.
I Highly recommend this book.
The book is based on a historical event, the great if flood of Holland 1953. This caused our family to take a delightful rabbit hole of learning about how dukes were built and how they “created” more farm land in a land where none existed. So not only was it a beautiful, character building book, it contributed to our knowledge in history, social studies (fun because we have ancestors from this area), and engineering and building.
I Highly recommend this book.
May 18, 2025
An interesting story about a pretty terrible flood that happened in the Netherlands in the 1950s - the character development was good and there were several moments that left you wondering and concerned about the outcome – it wasn’t too scary for younger children, but it is suspenseful. It’s a relatively short book at only 130 pages.
December 14, 2021
4.5 stars. An exciting and quick read. I bought it for the kids and read it myself in a night. From the good and beautiful library, so it's clean and of high moral value. I think my kids will enjoy reading it, as well.
August 24, 2022
I read this to my children, 7 and 9, and they both loved it. Seymour did a great job of using descriptive detail for an unfortunate event, but appropriately done, even for a young audience.
A book I would read again for myself, as well as to the children for a read aloud.
A book I would read again for myself, as well as to the children for a read aloud.
January 20, 2025
We read this as a family read-aloud to go along with learning about Holland in geography. Wonderful book about faith, hard work and the unselfish love of family and neighbors. Would easily tie in to STEM for kiddos interested in construction, engineering, machinery, farming, etc.
April 7, 2018
I remember enjoying this book as a child; it was a pleasure to share it with my son.
August 11, 2021
Read to my 8-year-old. That seemed like a good age to read this story. Probably not any younger than that.
November 9, 2021
We used this book as part of our Netherlands study. It lead us to research the floods in Holland in 1953. It was a very heartfelt story of a Dutch family that lived through the dikes breaking.
July 31, 2022
Entertaining and enlightening quick read.
February 10, 2024
There was a lot of action in this story! I read it with my 4th grader for our study of Holland. She loved it and always wanted me to read "just one more chapter."
April 25, 2024
Story of the when the dikes broke in the 1950s and flooded the Netherlands. It started off well, with some excitement and suspense. And then the story slowed down at the end.
May 20, 2024
Beautiful family values and work ethic are celebrated throughout this story.
January 12, 2025
Story of courage and hard work and a village working together. Cliff hanger at the end of each chapter.
December 20, 2019
I just read this to my kids (10, 8, and 7), and we all really enjoyed it! So many good morals- the family and community working together, hard work, determination, optimism. My favorite quotes:
“I remember once when Dirk was very small and he was trying to move a good-sized table. I said to him, ‘You can’t move that, boy. It’s as big as you are.’ And he said, ‘Yes I can. I’m as big as it is.’ This job we have on our hands is big, but let’s hope we’re as big as the job.”
“...it isn’t so important what’s on the table as who’s in the chairs.”
“We’ll manage to work together. Yes, that’s what we’ve been doing-all through the flood-all through the country. It’s how we’re pulling ourselves out of the mud.”
“I remember once when Dirk was very small and he was trying to move a good-sized table. I said to him, ‘You can’t move that, boy. It’s as big as you are.’ And he said, ‘Yes I can. I’m as big as it is.’ This job we have on our hands is big, but let’s hope we’re as big as the job.”
“...it isn’t so important what’s on the table as who’s in the chairs.”
“We’ll manage to work together. Yes, that’s what we’ve been doing-all through the flood-all through the country. It’s how we’re pulling ourselves out of the mud.”
October 12, 2011
This was an exciting read-aloud about a big flood in Holland after the dikes broke.
April 17, 2016
Read the summer of 1980.
January 5, 2022
LOVED this book. It was so good! I love anything that shows how resilient people can be and this definitely did that. Broke my heart a little, made me want to be a better person!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews