There are not many classics in the category of war books, but this one is a masterfully written exception. It follows the experiences of the Verhagens, a small close-knit family living in a windmill named "The Winged Watchman" in the Holland countryside, through WWII. The story begins when Leendert Schenderhans, a boy on a neighboring farm, becomes a Nazi landwatcher, causing trouble for the patriotic Verhagens. Tension mounts as the Verhagens become more and more involved in the war, sheltering runaways, participating in crucial events, like undercover weapon droppings, and aiding their anti-Nazi Uncle Cor. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone desiring a different perspective of WWII than just the American side of the story.

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 sufefred 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.

Set in Holland during the German occupation of World War II, the story follows the wartime trials, joys and adventures of a Dutch family that lives in a windmill called the "Watchman". Gradually, the children become more and more involved in the Dutch Underground movement, resisting and outwitting German soldiers in several hair-raising episodes. My 8 year old daughter loved this book... it helped us to bond (and she can sometimes be hard to reach). I read it aloud before bedtime; we laughed, held our breath in suspense, cried and rejoiced together. She loved that the children were empowered to take on such a monstrous enemy as the German army. She also loved the characters; each has his or her own well-drawn personality. And who is Kees Kip, the Underground Resistance hero who does such shockingly funny things to the Germans as he frees the "underdivers"? This book differs from other books of this type in that there is an air of innocence that is preserved, innocence and idealism. Although concentration camps and shootings are mentioned, they happen elsewhere and are not graphically portrayed. The children ask several questions about the morality of their enemies and I like that in the end they conclude that to stop war, they must not hate their enemies, but learn to respond with peace. One does not feel a heaviness upon finishing the book; it's not like Schindler's List. It contains everything a child could want: adventure, fun, empowering knowledge... and it slips in quite a lot about the history and culture of Holland during that time. Excellent book!

In addition to being entertaining, this book was also informative. Prior to reading it, I didn't even know what a victory garden was! I loved the characters and found them to be realistic and recognizable. Angela was the funniest. I love the stupid names she gave her doll. Traincrack was certainly an original name. Even today I laugh about Traincrack.

On a more serious note, I was quite moved when Una/Eunice was reunited with her grandfather. The drawing of them together really touched my heart. It is a book I will never forget and am glad to say I own. (I lucked into this book -- I bought it at a book sale some years ago). This is a classic that should be revived. It is wonderful.

This is a wonderful story about a family during World War II. It gives a glimpse into life during that time period from Victory Gardens to rationed food. I love how the kids all try to help out and usually get along with each other. They are a typical family that work together to survive the war. I am loaning these books to everyone I know who has kids who love to read. This should be on reading lists at schools. The story is well written and entertaining.

So, I am a little biased - My last name is Mitchell, and I grew up in Washington, DC. In addition to being a wonderful series of adventures, this book is a great way to learn about the WWII homefront in our nation's capital. A must-read for any child beginning to read books with chapters.

I have been a Hilda Van Stockum fan since elementary school. I loved the Mitchell series, especially "Canadian Summer." This is vintage Van Stockum -- rich, realistic characters one can recognize, sympathize with and love. One's heart goes out to little Catherine, the pre-schooler who feels upstaged by her twin brothers and taken for granted by an impersonal caregiver. One laughs with Peter and Patsy, who seem more like twins than siblings 2 years apart and I like the way they formed their own unit. Joan brought a voice of "youthful maturity" which certainly brought a smile to my face. This is really a wonderful book. I'm glad I have it. (I was lucky that it was available when my town library was having a book sale a few years ago. This book is a timeless classic).

Friendly Gables is the third and final book in the Mitchell family series. I loved this book because all the children are sweet, kind, and loving, to their siblings. Twins have just been born, making eight Mitchell children. The nurse, who helps Mrs. Mitchell, presents a challenge to the six other Mitchell children, by being difficult to get along with. The children create a hide-out in the attic called Homework, to escape the nurse, Miss Thorpe. The Mitchells have much fun and adventure during the month following the twin's birth.

Hilda Van Stockum was one of my favorite authors in elementary and middle school. My first book by this outstanding author was "The Winged Watchman," which was a historical look at a Dutch family during WWII. It was a lovely story replete with Dutch customs. "Pegeen" and the entire "Bantry Bay" series will not disappoint, either. The characters are lively, heart warming and full of fun and vigor. I am lucky in that I have several Hilda Van Stockum books as my library was having a sale some years ago. I have never read a bad Hilda Van Stockum -- there is no such thing. She is a keeper.

Pegeen is the third and final volume in Hilda van Stockum's delightful Bantry Bay series. Without a hint of pedantry or preachiness, all three books teach children virtues such as courage, self-sacrifice, and honesty. The whimsical and charming young heroine of the present volume gets into a few tight scrapes, learns to accept the blame for her own wrongdoings, and is rewarded in the end. I've read all three books to my three year old; he can listen to them for hours on end. They are quite appropriate for accomplished young readers ages ten to twelve. Pegeen can be read without any knowledge of the preceding volumes, but do your children (and yourself) a favor - buy all three; you will not be disappointed.

Canadian Summer is a book that makes you count your blessings. Hilda VanStockum has become our family's favorite author. Her writing is magical. She draws you into the story so you feel as if you are a part of it.

Because of a job transfer and limited resources, the Mitchell family was forced to move to a rustic cabin in the mountains. The cabin was far from a town and they had no transportation. VanStockum makes us love the Mitchell family. We can feel their humiliation as they come into church, the first morning in a new town, all bedraggled or dirty for various reasons.

This book is a glimpse into family life with all of its ups and downs. When the book is finished you will feel a loss, but then you will appreciate the relatively easy life we all live due to modern conveniences.

Great story to read aloud to kids. Characters are spunky and positive. We went through the three books of this series non-stop.

This is a wonderful book for younger children, and their older siblings, too. It portrays the values and attitudes of days gone by when boys were masculine and girls were feminine and everyone was happy that it was so. The story is interesting, the action is well-paced and fun; you feel as if you have been on the picnic with the children! One of our favorite books!

Read any of Hilda van Stockum's three Bantry Bay books, and you will come to the conclusion that she is one of the finest authors of children's fiction. Period. And six year-old Francie O'Sullivan is perhaps her finest creation. Francie will make you his friend, nay, his admirer. This bold little boy has all the panache of Tom Sawyer as well as the goodness and piety Tom lacks. FRANCIE ON THE RUN tells of Francie's adventures on his roundabout journey home to County Cork after he sneaks out of a Dublin hospital where he is recovering from surgery. This novel, the second in the series, can be read on its own. I suggest, however, that you read THE COTTAGE AT BANTRY BAY first; you'll want to find out how Francie's impoverished family was able to send him to Dublin. All three books, but especilly FRANCIE ON THE RUN, are first and foremost corking good stories: my three year old never tires of having them read to him; yet older children, even teenagers (and adults too), will find them thoroughly enjoyable reading. The greatest beauty of these stories, however, is the author's masterful way of teaching children virtue without sounding preachy.

This was another mediocre book about the holocaust. One thing that made it stand out however, was that is was largely narrated by a young German girl (living in Germany during WWII). About midway through the book, the young girl finds out that their housekeeper has been hiding Jews in their house. The girl gets to know the Jews, and by the end of the book begins to realize the cruelty that Jews are being subjected to.

Although this book was ok, it was not particularly gripping, page turning or especially unique. If your going to read a holocaust book, I would recommend Number the Stars by Lois Lowry, or The Devil's Arithmetic, by Jane Yolen as much better choices. Happy reading!

I remember reading this book in elementary school. This was one of my best friend's and my favorite books. We learned about history and people's lives during WWII. I am so happy it is back in print, so I can own a copy and share it with my children.

This is a wonderful book about debunking prejudice. It is a nicely told story about how a young girl comes to question, challenge and later renounce the prejudiced notions she had been exposed to. In some ways, I can't help thinking about Ann Frank. She, too, was German/Dutch. This is a lovely little story that will not be forgotten by those who read it. It's a treasure.