The Winged Watchman (Living History Library) [Paperback]

Hilda Van Stockum (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up | Series: Living History Library

Dutch-Irish-American storyteller Hilda von Stockum has placed this adventure of resistance among the windmills of Holland during the Nazi occupation of World War II.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Paperback: 191 pages
• Publisher: Bethlehem Books (October 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1883937078
• ISBN-13: 978-1883937072
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #209,780 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL FICTION DONE WELL! A KEEPER!, August 2, 2000

By 

BeatleBangs1964 (United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Winged Watchman (Living History Library) (Paperback)

I have loved this book since I was a child. It is a fascinating portrayal of life in Holland during the Second World War. It is replete with Dutch customs, such as the significance of the different positions of windmill blades. I really enjoyed the description of the Dutch Christmas with "Sinterklaas." It helps to put a human face on those who suffered during the war. The central characters take in a child whose family was captured by Nazis and raise her along with their children. The description of how Trixie's foster mother teaches her to respond to her natural mother when they are reunited at the end of the war will warm one's heart. The real heroes are "Kees Kip," who might be loosely based on Wallenberg, a humanitarian now famous for saving the lives of many during the war. It is a wonderful book. Please read it.

23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book not to be forgotten, July 21, 2002

By 

Yumuri "Polilla" (NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Winged Watchman (Living History Library) (Paperback)

The Nazi occupations of neighboring European countries is not a subject that is well addressed in children's literature. Here is a chance for young and old alike to face the impact the Nazi occupation had on The Netherlands. It is a fantastic tale of bravery and faith amid the inhumanity of the Nazi mentality and those who cooperated with them. We see how the Nazis courted a young man, known to be bad anyway, for the task of spying and informing on his neighbors. we see how even his own faily was afraid of this youth's power and its abuse. But, we also see the strength of the Dutch character as they suffered hunger , bombings and loss of life and property. Von Stockum has clearly exposed the evil of the Nazis but she has shown the courage of those who fought them. memorable and so appropiate after Sept. 11th.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The most captivating book I've read to my children., December 4, 1998

By 

Paul H. Stout ([e-mail]) (Kaysville, Utah) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Winged Watchman (Living History Library) (Paperback)

Set in WWII Holland, Hilda Van Stockum, paints a historically accurate picture of family life in the polders and windmills during the Nazi occupation. She describes a Dutch family that must overcome the attrocities of the Germans and remember a greater purpose of life despite these difficulties. I began reading this book to my children, one chapter at a time. It was so good, that we huddled late into the night to read several chapters. In the end, I stayed home from work one morning, just so we could finish it. We can't wait to read her next book!