Hunger Winter: A World War II Novel

Hunger Winter

by Rob Currie

The 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, 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.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, World War II, Fiction, Young Adult, War, Childrens

272 pages, Hardcover

First published March 3, 2020

About the author

An award-winning author, Rob Currie has been reading World War II books since he was a teenager. But why write this book?
Life conspired to get him to write Hunger Winter. Rob's father is a World War II veteran, his wife is of Dutch descent, and his son wrote a short story about World War II in the Netherlands. I guess you could say he finally took the hint.

Reviews

[Deacon Tom (Feeling Better) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Winner

I really enjoy the heck out of this book. Bow that’s the operation in the Netherlands. I have a personal affection for the Netherlands because when I lived in Europe my children went to school there. We live about 5 miles from the border.

The research done by Rob Curry is beyond what one would expect. It includes the timeline for Nazi activation in the Netherlands.

I enjoyed the book it was fun and it was a fast read.

I highly recommend

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

My fifth grade library patrons will be thrilled to see another WWII historical fiction novel on our library shelves and I am happy to add one that carries the family's motto of hope throughout the entire book: "Keep your hopes high and your prayer strong!" Dutch Resistance fighter Hans is missing and his wife has passed away, leaving older sister Els, middle son Dirk, and 6 year old Anna on their own in the Netherlands during the Nazi occupation. When Els is captured by the Gestapo, Dirk is determined to protect Anna and get them both to Oma and Opa's house in another town. Author Rob Currie alternates between Els' struggle to keep her father's secrets from first the Gestapo and then the Luftwaffe and the torture she endures and the harrowing journey experienced by Dirk and Anna as they traverse occupied territory. The family is fictional, but their experiences are not and readers will come away with greater knowledge of the Hunger Winter of 1944 and what the Dutch suffered before being liberated in 1945. Back matter included is informative and while my ARC did not contain it, I understand that the final edition contains a map that allows the reader to trace Dirk and Anna's travels. The level of violence in this book is appropriate for the target audience of grades 4-6 without sugarcoating the events. There is no profanity nor sexual content. Hans Ingelse's family identify as Christians and Anna tells her father of prayers to Jesus, but there is no proselytizing, only a message of hope amidst horror. Highly recommended. Thanks for the dARC, NetGalley.

2nd reading-During COVID19, I set up a Read Aloud Google Classroom for my library patrons and primarily read books I had given 5 star ratings. This second reading confirmed the reasons for my earlier 5 star rating. This WWII novel is definitely a "must have" for any library with high circulation in the genre and maybe in libraries that don't have much readership there because this one might create a buzz that generates a new trend! I love it. The poem included in the back matter could easily be used to support TEKS or Common Core standards in poetry, especially in the compare/contrast requirement.

[Cindy aka "The Book Fairy" · Rating 5 out of 5]

One word to start with....Tremendous....This was so well done, an eye opener regardless no matter how many WW2 type books one may have read previously. I liked how it was quite engaging without any dull moments nor tedious /too long drawn out details etc....My heart was again grieved of course at the sadistic cruelty of the Nazis towards fellow human beings :( I can only imagine how God himself was grieved and angered knowing all that was occurring!! ) Still so hard to fathom in one sense. However, as this book is still intended for tweens and up, it wasn't graphic at all...even though many kids are aware and exposed to much more than many realize anyway sadly. yet my heart was warmed as I felt admiration yet again at those who bravely resisted++ showing courage in the face of unimaginable tyranny in trying to help their fellow Jewish citizens. The Dutch and Polish were certainly gutsy in opening sabotaging the Germans or helping in the underground etc....the spiritual elements were also woven throughout wonderfully. Many of the events did occur as the novel was based around them....Even as fiction, one still can learn more regardless about situations, events, and this time for me more so, it was the Luftwaffe method of interrogation that I gained more insight into. They used kindness....hard to believe coming from them in a sense but like in any situation, that often works way better!.... It was so successful that the Americans adopted that style afterwards even and some actually remained friends after the war.....I was impressed and would definitely recommend this book to most any age.

[Jessica Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Educational YA story of the German occupation of the Netherlands during World War II.

Thirteen-year-old Dirk has been charged with taking care of his younger sister Anna since his papa left to aid the Dutch resistance against the German Occupation. His mother died one night shortly after his father left and now his older sister Els has been captured by the Gestapo and likely tortured to learn the whereabouts of their father. When their neighbor comes in the night to warn Dirk about Els capture, he takes his younger sister and sets off to make it to their Aunts house in a nearby town. Along the way, Dirk and Anna face many uncertain challenges including informers, work camps, and deserting German officers. Dirk must rely on everything he learned from his father about staying alive as well as his wits if he is going to keep Anna safe.

I love getting new material that educates readers on lesser known areas about World War II. Sadly, I must admit that the most knowledge I have of the Netherlands during this time period comes from The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank. So, I was pleased to learn more about the occupation and the meaning behind Hunger Winter. I’m very happy that there are becoming more young adult novels that are educating our young about the past so that maybe we can avoid repeating it in the future!

Dirk was a protagonist that I enjoyed watch come of age. He had a lot thrust upon him at only thirteen years old and took up that challenge without complaining. He become well educated about what was going on around him but still managed to maintain some adolescent innocence. Els was a very strong spirited character and someone that I continually wanted to see escape. She was also very smart to catch her captors trying to trick her into revealing information.

I’ve started to build up quite a collection of YA novels from this time period and my nine-year-old son has begun to really become interested in them. This will definitely be added to the shelf!

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

[Beth | Faithfully Bookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review, author q&a, plus giveaway on FaithfullyBookish.com

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.

[Shauna Morrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I requested and received an e-ARC of this book from NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this book! Dirk is so resourceful, and I love his interactions with Anna he is so caring and patient. I love the amount of research the author did on World War II and that he includes real events within his fictional story. Just a great read, I couldn't put it down!

#HungerWinter #NetGalley

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jessica Fitzpatrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ /5! Hunger Winter by #robcurrie. Thank you @tyndalehouse for sharing this fantastic novel with @kidlitexchange . WWII in Europe and their father (the leaders of the Resistance) disappears, his older sisters is arrested, his mother has passed away and now 13 year old Dirk is taking care of his sister Anna. The Nazi's are coming after them and the two siblings must escape in order to survive. The Nazi's are destroying everything Dirk holds near and dear. Dirk and Anna run away to relatives trying to escape the Nazi's hold that is slowly engulfing them.
This novel has everything a WWII #middlegrade novel should have. Soldiers, fighting, describing life as someone who is trying to escape the Nazis , action, heartache and suspense. This is a novel that hooks you and it doesn't unhook you until you finish the novel. The cover art is BEAUTIFUL and I just LOVE how the art captives you! This is a book that will for sure be ordered! #kidlitexchange

[Jenn Lasko · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a positive spin on a dark time in history that restores my hope in humanity and I stayed up late reading it to the end. It is geared towards middle school aged kids but I enjoyed it and I am a middle aged adult.

[Andria Potter · Rating 3 out of 5]

At first I thought this would be five stars, but it steadily grew a lot more ridiculous and the fact that Anna is six years old and constantly asking Dirk who is thirteen to pray with her? Most six year olds I know of, barely understand what praying and god is.

The writing was good, but it felt as though the characters had no depth. It was action after action, and while historically important it was very vague about why the Germans were attacking and barely explained in later chapters. It felt more like "Germans bad! We good!" But it is a children's novel, but I figured that it would have at least a little more detailed historical notes.

I might try this author again, but at the moment I'm going to give this a 3.5 ⭐ rating. It was good but it wasn't an absolute favorite.

Recommended for fans of ya historical fiction with lots of action.

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was spell bound from the start of this captivating, emotionally charged, page-turning, debut novel.
“BAM! BAM! BAM!
“Dirk Ingeles’s eyes flew open…Who could be knocking on the front door? Gestapo? His insides turned to ice.”

It’s a distressing story tangled in a web of sorrows, unforeseen events, yet filled with hope, faith and a unimaginable bravery these young ones have while facing their fears and head to the goal of reuniting their family, as the enemy seeks to arrest them. Nazi’s were handing out extra food and things to those who would spy on their neighbors? Who to trust?

I was astounded at the bravery of these children and how Dirk’s father trained him and his older sister Els how to deal with the enemy, how to fight, run, hide and if captured what not to say. Dirk was only 13 when he was pushed out into the dangerous streets to fend for him and his 6-year-old little sister with a small bag of food and a few things for their journey. It wasn’t safe for them at his aunt’s house anymore. The Gestapo sought to snatch them up so they could use them to pry out their father’s secrets he held close to his chest.

You never know what you are capable of until the rubber meets the road. I was amazed at the courage and determination these kids had in the hope of being reunited again. I enjoyed how the kids kept saying and reminding themselves of what their father told them. …”Keep your hopes up and your prayers strong.”

“Sometimes you have to take a chance because it’s the only chance you have.”

“Papa smiled. “…We love the cross because it’s a sign that even when things get really bad, Christ loves us and he’s coming back.”

This is an incredible story based on true events the author notes in the back of the book along with an insightful author interview and discussion questions that will help with your book club discussion. I highly recommend this as a book club pick. Although this was written for the YA audience anyone would enjoy this story. This is a novel is keeper and this author is one to watch.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

WWII with a twist. Love it. I am Dutch, and the Nazi-imposed starvation setting of the book gave me educational and interesting information on the "Honger Winter", and what some of their families faced back then.

Adults and kids seem to react to this book with different outlooks.
Out of 20 reader friends, the adults can't put it down to find out what happens next. They like it a lot!
The kids on the other hand, LOVE it! When given the chance to pick the next book, a boy stated he wanted another book like Rob Currie's. A girl gave it 2 million stars out of 1 million. Another was never interested in WWII until Hunger Winter. They are looking for Rob Currie's next book to come out. You get the idea. The author has these kids engaged in reading and learning! Kudos to Currie.

[Caitlin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, that was kinda disappointing. It wasn't terrible, but I don't think I'd read it again.

My main complaints are:

1) The writing style felt immature. So many things were plainly stated that I felt would have been MUCH better merely hinted at/left for the reader to discover. I also disliked the way that Dirk's thoughts were expressed, and how they were interspersed throughout the narrative so frequently.

2) The story was almost nonstop action, with no time for a quiet, thoughtful, heartfelt scene. I think it would have benefited from a few more of them.

3) At least a few plot twists felt suspiciously implausible...so yeah. 🙃

[Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jacquelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

How much tragedy can one family face during WWII? Dirk is a thirteen-year-old boy who is left to take care of his six-year-old sister, Anna. Their father has left them to help the Dutch Resistance fight the Nazis. Dirk and Anna set out on a journey across the war-torn Netherlands to search for their father and older sister, Else.
I have read several adult WWII historical fiction books. I was surprised at how much I really enjoyed this book. I think this book is unlike other WWII books, because it tells the story of children. Hunger Winter was well written and kept you on the edge of your seat throughout its entirety. Each time I read a section, I wanted to keep reading until I got to a part where I knew Dirk and Anna were safe. I loved how the author was able to write a historical fiction thriller that is also appropriate for middle grade readers. This book is great for kids and adults who enjoy historical fiction.

[Arlys Veen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Netherlands is a Christian nation, the King is Protestant, the Queen, Roman Catholic. So, if they speak of religious things, it is not unusual. My husband was born in the Netherlands and lived through the Hunger Winter. They had an onderduiker that lived with them to avoid going to Germany to work. He lived in the barn behind hay bales. The farmers had a strike and poured milk down the gutter rather than give it to the Germans and 11 men, at random, were taken and shot. There were many more stories of this awful time in history but, believe me, they are all true! They are all just condensed into one book here so it seems like it all happened all at the same time. A powerful and true story, fiction but based on true happenings.

[Janet Riehecky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book for middle grade readers. The story is an engrossing tale of courage and faith. It follows a young man who must get his younger sister to safety during the terrible hunger winter in the Netherlands during World War II. There are lots of plot twists and turns and enough action to keep even a reluctant reader glued to the pages. It also gives a glimpse of a part of WWII that many people don't know about, a time when the Nazis tried to starve the Dutch people. The characters are people you'd want to be friends with, and the messages is uplifting and inspiring.

[Shaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Hunger Winter" is a delight.
Exploring the plight of Netherlands through young eyes definitely makes Hunger Winter stand out from other WII YA stories. There's a lot to love about this action-packed novel, but my favorite element of the story is Dirk's relationship with his sister, Anna. There's a brave sweetness to his care for her that makes him a lovable and sympathetic hero.
I definitely recommend this book to readers who love history, excitement, and good-hearted people.

[Michelle Glatt · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fast-paced, exciting WWII book set in the Netherlands. Fans of Alan Gratz would enjoy this middle grade book.

[Sir Wiggles · Rating 5 out of 5]

i mean its pretty good but id say mid at best fr fr.
tbh fire tho
end kinda suck tbf


btw if any one needs a significant other u shuld call this #(226) 387 9699

[Ali Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely geared for younger readers; however, I just really love a good WWII novel (And this was in the clearance section of the book store - so, I couldn't pass it up).

This novel is set in the German-occupied Netherlands during the great Dutch famine. It follows a young boy, Dirk and his little sister, Anna as they flee their home in a final attempt to locate their father, a member of the Dutch resistance, following the Nazi's arrest of their primary guardian, their older sister. The pair find themselves in an abundance of sticky situations, but Dirk and Anna always seem to find a way out. Overall, it was very enjoyable for a short read and I loved that this novel focused on a part of WWII that I don't normally read about.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, this was a good book!! I liked it. But one thing was that at the end with the fighting it just seemed kinda… well, unrealistic? I don’t know. But really good book otherwise!!! 👍👍👍I read in like, 3 days lol

[Tim Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son read this book as a tweener. He was not much of a reader but he could not put this book down! He loved the story and always wanted to read more! Is there a sequel coming?!

[M.L. Little · Rating 4 out of 5]

@kidlitexchange Partner: Hunger Winter by Rob Currie. Available NOW through @tyndalehouse.
In Hunger Winter, 13-year-old Dirk and 6-year-old Anna find themselves basically orphaned in occupied Holland after their mother dies, their big sister is captured, and their father (a key figure in the resistance) disappears. Together, Dirk and Anna must cross the country looking for refuge with family members during the infamous Hongerwinter of 1944/45.
I’ll admit to LOVING a travel novel. Yes the circumstances in this one are horrific, but the characters don’t stay in one place for long, and I love that. It keeps the action flowing. I thought some parts of this book could have been better, like it really hammered into your head that The Nazis are bad! Very very bad! I appreciate some subtlety. But at the same time, this would make it a good introduction to the topic for kids. My favorite part was Dirk and Anna’s wild escape with Fleischer. I also learned a lot about Luftwaffe interrogation.
Hunger Winter is available now and it’s a great WWII resource for kids! Thank you @kidlitexchange for the review copy—all opinions are my own.

[Carmijn Gerritsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book follows a Dutch family throughout the hungerwinter of 1944, however the focus is on the warfare rather than the famine. It traces the experience of Dirk trying to evade deportation, and seeking his father and arrested sister. I think this book can be very educational for young people, but the many references to Dutch culture were a bit tedious at times.

[Jan Greashaber · Rating 3 out of 5]

All members of this Dutch family are effected by German occupation during WWII. The book focuses on Dirk and his little sister Anna. They make a dangerous trek to avoid being taken captive. They are aided by a defecting (?) German soldier. Dirk depends on training and cunning learned from his father.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great middle grade war read! Loved how the boy asks his father how can you still believe in a God when terrible things happen? his dad's response "...That's how Christians are. We love the cross because it's a sign that even when things get really bad, Christ loves us and he's coming back." thought this was a beautiful real response.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an interesting book of courage, perseverance and faith. I really enjoyed listening to this book.

[Dee Dee G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little sister Anna grated my nerves.

[Courtney Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interesting novel looking into the effect the German occupation of The Netherlands had on the citizens. The story follows two children as they escape Nazi capture and separately their 18 year old sister's tale of interrogation at the hands of the Gestapo and Luftwaffe. The novel gives a great look into the harsh reality faced by non-Jews in occupied territories and the dedication of the brave souls to aid Jews even though they knew their families may be in danger. The bravery is a testament to all of the brave Souls of occupied areas who opposed tyrannical rule.