I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Disclosure here.
Check out this website https://tbrandbeyondtours.com/ to follow the tour schedule.
Reading age
14-18
Genre
Historical fiction
Publisher
First Second
Publication date
January 21, 2025
Two girls from different eras try their best to save their loved ones.
In modern-day Amsterdam, a young girl named Annick is searching for a bone marrow donor for her grandmother, who is battling leukemia, before it’s too late. A shocking revelation reveals that her grandmother was adopted, and since her supposed siblings’ bone marrow doesn’t match, it falls to Annick to find her grandmother’s real family using prints.
Back in 1943, in Amsterdam, Emma Bergsma joined the resistance after learning about the Nazis’ actions toward the Jews. In doing so, Emma undertook many dangerous missions to save and protect the people she cared about.
This poignant and beautifully crafted book left a lasting impression on me. The narrative is enriched with lyrical passages that evoke deep emotions, while the stunning blend of illustrations and photographs adds a distinctive layer to the storytelling. I particularly appreciated the seamless transitions between the perspectives of Annick and Emma, which provided a multifaceted view of their experiences.
Emma stands out as a fearless young girl, and I found myself both in awe of her courage and filled with anxiety for her well-being as she ventured into perilous situations to save others. In contrast, Annick’s character shines with her genuine curiosity and sweetness, making her an endearing presence in the story.
I recommend this book to history enthusiasts and fans of poetic historical fiction. Its insightful exploration of the resistance and a religious order offers valuable lessons, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in the complexities of the past.
My rating
About the Author
Maria is a Dutch-American illustrator and graphic novelist.
She grew up near Amsterdam, and studied Visual Communications at George Washington University in DC. Maria has a background in brand design and innovation and has illustrated/written 15 picture books for kids. Her historical graphic novel about a female artist in the Amsterdam resistance during WWII will be published by FirstSecond January 2025.
Please follow Maria on Instagram at @vanlieshoutstudio or visit www.vanlieshoutstudio.com for more information.
