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Snow Treasure
In the bleak winter of 1940, Nazi troops parachuted into Peter Lundstrom's tiny Norwegian village and held it captive. Nobody thought the Nazis could be defeated--until Uncle Victor told Peter how the children could fool the enemy. It was a dangerous plan. They had to slip past Nazi guards with nine million dollars in gold hidden on their sleds. It meant risking their country's treasure--and their lives. This classic story of how a group of children outwitted the Nazis and sent the treasure to America has captivated generations of readers. About the Author: The late Marie McSwigan wrote many novels for young readers, including All Aboard for Freedom. Originally published in 1942.
196 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1942
129 people are currently reading
3810 people want to read
About the author
Marie McSwigan
19 books20 followersA life-long writer, Ms. McSwigan wrote for several Pittsburgh newspapers and worked in publicity for many area institutions, including Kennywood Park and the University of Pittsburgh, before in 1947 she devoted all of her time to writing. Her first book was a biography of the primitive painter John Kane, who became popular after his death and on account of McSwigan's book. She was an award winning writer of more than 10 children's books. She died of leukemia and is buried at Calvary Roman Catholic Cemetery in Pittsburgh.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 833 reviews
March 13, 2013
Based on a true story, this World War II novel would be considered historical fiction now, but when it was published, it was about an incident that occurred just two years before. Children in Norway helped to move gold bars to a ship, which took the gold to the U.S. to keep it out of the hands of the Nazis. This edge-of-your-seat tale is tightly written and is sure to be of interest to any 4th-7th graders who like adventure stories. In fact, Snow Treasure was chosen for its Alameda County Library’s Booklegger program, where volunteers visit school classrooms and do booktalks to promote titles they believe will be popular.
A few aspects of the writing will grab contemporary readers – the story begins rather quickly, describing how the gold must be moved under the eyes of the Nazis without them discovering what is happening. Instead of spending several chapters describing how Norway was invaded, it is described in just a few sentences, and by the third chapter the children have started their mission of sledding to the ship’s dock with gold hidden on the sleds. Another plus is the fact that the mission is led by two boys and two girls, making this a book that will appeal to both genders.
Recently several children’s librarians were discussing Margi Preus’s Shadow on the Mountain (Amulet, 2012), a new tween novel set in Norway during WWII. Also based on a true story, this involves a group of teens who spy on the Nazis who have taken over their village, and the teens also pass messages and help the adults working for the Norwegian anti-Nazi underground. Alan Bern of Berkeley Public Library mentioned that Shadow of the Mountain would appeal to those who read Snow Treasure, which is still popular at his library. I hadn’t read it, so I looked for it at my library and had to place Snow Treasure on hold since all the copies were checked out!
Although these two books are based on actual events, they describe different missions that took place in Norway. But both involved the bravery of young people who wanted to participate in saving their country from the Nazis. Both books make the reader feel the snow and cold, and tension that the characters had to feel when engaging in their missions. Both combine adventure with the seriousness of what was occurring without being dour. A great old movie on how Norway’s citizens used underground tactics to fight the Nazis is “Commandos Strike at Dawn” starring Paul Muni.
If you have tweens seeking out adventure books, or books set during World War II, Snow Treasure is a great book to recommend.
A few aspects of the writing will grab contemporary readers – the story begins rather quickly, describing how the gold must be moved under the eyes of the Nazis without them discovering what is happening. Instead of spending several chapters describing how Norway was invaded, it is described in just a few sentences, and by the third chapter the children have started their mission of sledding to the ship’s dock with gold hidden on the sleds. Another plus is the fact that the mission is led by two boys and two girls, making this a book that will appeal to both genders.
Recently several children’s librarians were discussing Margi Preus’s Shadow on the Mountain (Amulet, 2012), a new tween novel set in Norway during WWII. Also based on a true story, this involves a group of teens who spy on the Nazis who have taken over their village, and the teens also pass messages and help the adults working for the Norwegian anti-Nazi underground. Alan Bern of Berkeley Public Library mentioned that Shadow of the Mountain would appeal to those who read Snow Treasure, which is still popular at his library. I hadn’t read it, so I looked for it at my library and had to place Snow Treasure on hold since all the copies were checked out!
Although these two books are based on actual events, they describe different missions that took place in Norway. But both involved the bravery of young people who wanted to participate in saving their country from the Nazis. Both books make the reader feel the snow and cold, and tension that the characters had to feel when engaging in their missions. Both combine adventure with the seriousness of what was occurring without being dour. A great old movie on how Norway’s citizens used underground tactics to fight the Nazis is “Commandos Strike at Dawn” starring Paul Muni.
If you have tweens seeking out adventure books, or books set during World War II, Snow Treasure is a great book to recommend.
July 22, 2010
One of my favorite childhood books. I first read this when I was eight or nine, and recently re-read it. More than 35 years didn't dim in the least my pleasure with this robust and realistic kids' adventure, set in Norway in the early days of World War II.
The story: As Nazi Germans begin to occupy Norway in the winter of 1940, leaders in the town of Riswyk fear that the enemy will gets its hands on the gold bullion — tens of millions of kroners' worth — that make up the financial foundation of the nation. So they hit on a plan to smuggle it past the invaders to a waiting vessel on the coast that will take it to America. And they hit upon a brilliant way to put that plan in motion — by using kids on sleds to transport the gold bricks, a few at a time, under the guise of being at carefree play.
The story focuses on Peter Lundstrom, the 10-year-old town banker's son, and his little sister and two friends. He's brave but not as smart as he thinks he is, and soon enough the Nazi occupiers guess that something suspicious is going on. Can Peter and his friends outwit the German and save their country from financial collapse?
It's a story with a dash of humor, some heart-in-the-throat moments and some light lessons about Norwegian culture. Author Marie McSwigan tells the story, which was written in 1968 and based on actual events, with a light, deft touch that keeps the action zipping along like a child's sled down a steep snowy slope.
I'm sure it seems tame by today's standards, but "Snow Treasure" would be a good book to get a child hooked on between the ages of 8 and 10, before their tastes get jaded and commercialized and ultra-modernized.
The story: As Nazi Germans begin to occupy Norway in the winter of 1940, leaders in the town of Riswyk fear that the enemy will gets its hands on the gold bullion — tens of millions of kroners' worth — that make up the financial foundation of the nation. So they hit on a plan to smuggle it past the invaders to a waiting vessel on the coast that will take it to America. And they hit upon a brilliant way to put that plan in motion — by using kids on sleds to transport the gold bricks, a few at a time, under the guise of being at carefree play.
The story focuses on Peter Lundstrom, the 10-year-old town banker's son, and his little sister and two friends. He's brave but not as smart as he thinks he is, and soon enough the Nazi occupiers guess that something suspicious is going on. Can Peter and his friends outwit the German and save their country from financial collapse?
It's a story with a dash of humor, some heart-in-the-throat moments and some light lessons about Norwegian culture. Author Marie McSwigan tells the story, which was written in 1968 and based on actual events, with a light, deft touch that keeps the action zipping along like a child's sled down a steep snowy slope.
I'm sure it seems tame by today's standards, but "Snow Treasure" would be a good book to get a child hooked on between the ages of 8 and 10, before their tastes get jaded and commercialized and ultra-modernized.
January 18, 2019
3.5 stars. Set in Norway during WWII this exciting story tells how the gold bullion of Norway's bank is smuggled out of the country hidden in the sleds of Norwegian children and taken to America. Based on a true story and has a happy twist at the end. We found the way it was written slightly plain and unpoetic but found the storyline interesting and enjoyable.
November 5, 2022
This was more engaging and adventuresome than I thought it would be. I liked it! And I'm pretty sure your child will too. I mean, what child wouldn't thrill of hearing about a child hero that had to hide gold bullion from the German soldiers in their sled and race down a mountain. Fun! And there really was gold bullion that had to be smuggled out of Norway so that Germany wouldn't get it.
Ages: 7+
Cleanliness: "Gee whiz" "stupid" "thank the merciful heavens" are said. Mentions someone smoking a pipe. A boy is given a fiery drink (alcohol) to warm him after being in the ocean.
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Ages: 7+
Cleanliness: "Gee whiz" "stupid" "thank the merciful heavens" are said. Mentions someone smoking a pipe. A boy is given a fiery drink (alcohol) to warm him after being in the ocean.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
January 23, 2025
Excellent middle grade historical fiction about Norwegian children who risk their lives to smuggle gold out of their country, right under the Nazi's noses.
I highly recommend for ages 9-12, though I think 11 & 12 year old boys will be the sweet spot!
I highly recommend for ages 9-12, though I think 11 & 12 year old boys will be the sweet spot!
September 28, 2023
Para escribir este libro la autora se baso en un hecho real, al leer en un periódico como un grupo de niños noruegos se habían arriesgado para salvar el oro del país.
Una novela juvenil, muy fluida y ligerita gracias a su escritura y a sus capítulos cortos pero a la vez muy interesante, al saber que en gran parte los hechos que se cuentan son reales.
Una novela juvenil, muy fluida y ligerita gracias a su escritura y a sus capítulos cortos pero a la vez muy interesante, al saber que en gran parte los hechos que se cuentan son reales.
April 29, 2019
i loved this so much!
October 31, 2018
This was a very interesting story based on a true incident from WWII. For me, it was all the more interesting because it was published during the war, so it was very much a contemporary story for its time. I loved the way the children were able to outwit the German soldiers, but I also appreciated that it wasn't the kind of book where the children do everything and figure everything out by themselves. There were a number of key adults involved in the plan, helping with details the children could never have handled on their own, which I liked a lot.
One minor complaint--there were a couple of parts in the story where a character seemed to change views on something without any reason for it that I could see. Not a huge problem, but it did confuse me a bit. Peter: "Let's all swear that we'll never tell the Germans what we're doing." His friends: "We already promised not to talk to them at all." Peter: "Let's swear anyway. This is important." They do. His friends: "We should make the other kids swear, too." Peter: "No need. They already promised not to talk to them at all." Okay, paraphrased, but that seriously happens over the course of a single conversation. I read it over two or three times to make sure I really had all the attributions right. Again, minor points, but a bit confusing.
The book is obviously meant for a young audience, and the writing style was a bit more simple and repetitive than I usually like, but it was still a great story. And even though we didn't get much characterization on anyone, I liked the way that not all of the German soldiers were painted with the same brush. Definitely a worthwhile read!
Content--some name-calling, including "stupid"; "magic" used figuratively; references to legends of trolls
One minor complaint--there were a couple of parts in the story where a character seemed to change views on something without any reason for it that I could see. Not a huge problem, but it did confuse me a bit. Peter: "Let's all swear that we'll never tell the Germans what we're doing." His friends: "We already promised not to talk to them at all." Peter: "Let's swear anyway. This is important." They do. His friends: "We should make the other kids swear, too." Peter: "No need. They already promised not to talk to them at all." Okay, paraphrased, but that seriously happens over the course of a single conversation. I read it over two or three times to make sure I really had all the attributions right. Again, minor points, but a bit confusing.
The book is obviously meant for a young audience, and the writing style was a bit more simple and repetitive than I usually like, but it was still a great story. And even though we didn't get much characterization on anyone, I liked the way that not all of the German soldiers were painted with the same brush. Definitely a worthwhile read!
Content--some name-calling, including "stupid"; "magic" used figuratively; references to legends of trolls
July 22, 2021
Historical fiction that wasn't historical fiction when it was first published in 1942 (and now a classic). Marie McSwigan wrote a kid's book about children in World War II Norway during the war. At the time she wrote it she claimed that it was based on an actual event that happened in 1940. In April 1940, Germans invaded Norway and occupied it until the end of the war in 1945. This is the adventure story of Norwegian children who smuggle gold out of the country on their sleds as the Nazis watch. How gutsy is that??
Whether you believe McSwigan's story or not, this is an incredible amazing story for all ages.
7/21/21 Update - since this story is about gold, I recently gave this story to a special 8 year-old as a gift for his golden birthday.
Whether you believe McSwigan's story or not, this is an incredible amazing story for all ages.
7/21/21 Update - since this story is about gold, I recently gave this story to a special 8 year-old as a gift for his golden birthday.
August 19, 2010
I loved this book when I was a boy. It really captured my imagination, and stayed there. Nor was I the only one; I know several others who also loved that book. That's not too surprising; it was very popular in schools when I was young, and there were a lot of copies floating around.
I read it once a year or so until I was in my late teens. Some time in my 20s I picked up a copy, but eventually it ended up in a box down in my basement; it's still there, if it hasn't disintegrated.
But I never forgot it. And when my son and I went on a shopping spree in a wonderful old used-book shop* last weekend, the title came back to my mind. So I asked if they had it. They didn't think they did, but it turned out there was a copy in good condition still on their shelves. Naturally I grabbed it!
(This, incidentally, is why Amazon.com will never replace the experience of browsing in a good used-book shop.)
My son and I are still reading Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, and he's also reading the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books on his own, so I decided to re-read Snow Treasure on my own, first.
It's the story of Norwegian children during the Nazi occupation. According to the back cover, it's a true story; I believed that when I was young. Lately I did a little research, and discovered that there's some doubt about the truth of that claim. It seems likely that many if not all of the details were from the imagination of the author, possibly based on a story from a Norwegian ship captain at the time. It's also necessary to note that the book was first published in 1942; an element of propoganda seems inevitable, under the circumstances. Which doesn't necessarily mean that the book is entirely or even substantially false, of course.
But on reflection, it doesn't matter. It's a cracking good story; some of the language is a bit old-fashioned, yes, and the story itself is on the simplistic side. So what? This is a book for children! And the story of how children in Norway help to smuggle Norway's gold away from the invading Nazis makes for a memorable, exciting tale.
I'll admit, as I re-read the few few chapters I did fear that it might turn out to be worse than my memory of it. It reads well, but is a little dated. However the pace and excitement are maintained beautifully, and in the final chapters I found myself honestly caught up in it again - and impressed by the sheer excitement of the story. Time dropped away, and I was ten years old again.
What more could you ask from a book?
---------
* - The Shire Book Shop in Franklin, MA; it's the largest used-book shop I know of outside of The Strand in New York city.
P.S. - if you enjoyed Snow Treasure, you might also enjoy Lars and Lisa in Sweden; it's slightly post-WWII, and is set in Sweden rather than Norway, but the tone and cultural elements are quite similar. It's very rare, though, so good luck finding it!
I read it once a year or so until I was in my late teens. Some time in my 20s I picked up a copy, but eventually it ended up in a box down in my basement; it's still there, if it hasn't disintegrated.
But I never forgot it. And when my son and I went on a shopping spree in a wonderful old used-book shop* last weekend, the title came back to my mind. So I asked if they had it. They didn't think they did, but it turned out there was a copy in good condition still on their shelves. Naturally I grabbed it!
(This, incidentally, is why Amazon.com will never replace the experience of browsing in a good used-book shop.)
My son and I are still reading Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, and he's also reading the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books on his own, so I decided to re-read Snow Treasure on my own, first.
It's the story of Norwegian children during the Nazi occupation. According to the back cover, it's a true story; I believed that when I was young. Lately I did a little research, and discovered that there's some doubt about the truth of that claim. It seems likely that many if not all of the details were from the imagination of the author, possibly based on a story from a Norwegian ship captain at the time. It's also necessary to note that the book was first published in 1942; an element of propoganda seems inevitable, under the circumstances. Which doesn't necessarily mean that the book is entirely or even substantially false, of course.
But on reflection, it doesn't matter. It's a cracking good story; some of the language is a bit old-fashioned, yes, and the story itself is on the simplistic side. So what? This is a book for children! And the story of how children in Norway help to smuggle Norway's gold away from the invading Nazis makes for a memorable, exciting tale.
I'll admit, as I re-read the few few chapters I did fear that it might turn out to be worse than my memory of it. It reads well, but is a little dated. However the pace and excitement are maintained beautifully, and in the final chapters I found myself honestly caught up in it again - and impressed by the sheer excitement of the story. Time dropped away, and I was ten years old again.
What more could you ask from a book?
---------
* - The Shire Book Shop in Franklin, MA; it's the largest used-book shop I know of outside of The Strand in New York city.
P.S. - if you enjoyed Snow Treasure, you might also enjoy Lars and Lisa in Sweden; it's slightly post-WWII, and is set in Sweden rather than Norway, but the tone and cultural elements are quite similar. It's very rare, though, so good luck finding it!
June 7, 2013
I first read this book perhaps thirty-five or forty years ago. The fact that it has stuck with me all that time is an endorsement in itself, for I had not read it for several decades at least and yet I remembered it well enough to purchase it for my son.
At the dawn of World War II, a courageous band of Norwegian villagers is faced with a dilemma: how can they move their country's gold out of reach of the Nazis? A spy ring of children, organized by a fisherman, works out a solution. They will spirit it away under the very noses of the invading army--literally. Since it is winter, the Norwegian kids go sledding every day. But these particular kids travel every sledding trip lying atop stacks of gold bricks, whizzing past Nazi sentries on their way to their secret drop-off location. Peter Lundstrom is the leader of one of the sledding teams, and things are going well--until suddenly they aren't.
This is a great adventure tale with a historical backdrop. It's appropriate for kids, and I loved getting reacquainted with it.
At the dawn of World War II, a courageous band of Norwegian villagers is faced with a dilemma: how can they move their country's gold out of reach of the Nazis? A spy ring of children, organized by a fisherman, works out a solution. They will spirit it away under the very noses of the invading army--literally. Since it is winter, the Norwegian kids go sledding every day. But these particular kids travel every sledding trip lying atop stacks of gold bricks, whizzing past Nazi sentries on their way to their secret drop-off location. Peter Lundstrom is the leader of one of the sledding teams, and things are going well--until suddenly they aren't.
This is a great adventure tale with a historical backdrop. It's appropriate for kids, and I loved getting reacquainted with it.
October 5, 2018
“Snow Treasure” is set in Norway in 1940. Nazi’s have come to the Norwegian town and the Norwegian people are trying to get the gold out of their town before the Germans can find it. So they decide to sneak the gold past the soldiers. The Norwegians get the children to do it. The children put a little bit of gold on their sleds at a time and go sledding right past the Nazi’s. Then they bury the gold and build a snowman on top. In the night some of the grown ups uncover the gold and put it on a ship that is hidden. The children do this for days on end but it doesn’t seem suspicious to the soldiers because it’s a bunch of kids sledding and building snowmen.
This is definitely a great book. It is geared for elementary aged kids, but I think all ages would find this book to be enjoyable.
This is definitely a great book. It is geared for elementary aged kids, but I think all ages would find this book to be enjoyable.
July 16, 2020
https://misgrandespasiones-rosa.blogs...
La novela está ambientada en Noruega en 1940, al principio de la Segunda Guerra Mundial. Los soldados alemanes han ocupado el país y han llegado incluso al remoto pueblo de Riswyk. En este pueblo viven Peter Lundstrom y su familia, protagonistas de esta historia.
Debido a la ocupación y al miedo a que los alemanes se hagan con el oro del país, los adultos del pueblo se ponen manos a la obra y crean una estrategia para poder mover todos los lingotes del tesoro nacional hasta la costa y una vez conseguido esto, cargarlos en un barco rumbo a Estados Unidos.
Pero, ¿cómo mover una enorme cantidad de lingotes de oro bajo la mirada inquisitiva de los soldados invasores?. El tío de Peter da con la solución al ver a sus sobrinos junto con un grupo de amigos jugar con sus trineos. ¿Quién va a sospechar que los niños en sus juegos en la nieve van sentados sobre algo tan valioso?
La novela nos cuenta esta curiosa historia, basada en una noticia que leyó la escritora en el periódico y que la llevó a escribir esta historia, aunque cambiando algunos detalles, donde se relataba que el 28 de junio de 1940 el carguero Norugo Bomma llegó a las costas de Baltimore con un cargamento en lingotes de oro valorado en 9 millones de dólares. La histora salió a la luz, omitiendo detalles que pudiesen comprometer a los involucrados, ya que la ocupación y la guerra continuaban, cuando el capitán del barco solicitó escolta policial para poder descargar su valioso cargamento. El capitán relató que habían podido burlar la vigilancia de los centinelas gracias a los niños, que habían sido los encargados de llevar los lingotes hasta el barco.
Es una historia que se lee muy rápido y está muy bien escrita, de una manera muy ágil y que puede ser estupenda para lectores de 12 años en adelante (aunque eso depende siempre del nivel de lectura que cada uno tenga). Con momentos de tensión, ya que los niños se ven sometidos a mucha presión por la importancia de su cometido en esta historia y por la vigilancia a la que están sometidos, que harán que sufras por el destino de estos pequeños tan valientes, que tuvieron un coportamiento tan ejemplar y que llevaron a buen puerto tan arriesgada estratagema.
La ambientación está muy bien creada, ya que al leerlo parece como si estuviésemos rodeados de nieve, lo que me vino muy bien con el calor que está haciendo este verano 😅.
Una lectura ideal para los jóvenes y también para los mayores, que nos enseña que, a veces, la realidad supera a la ficción y en la que podremos ver cómo el ser humano en momentos difíciles es capaz de sobreponerse y conseguir dar la vuelta a situciones muy adversas. Por eso tenemos que tener presente que si en el pasado se han conseguido este tipo de gestas, incluso llevadas a cabo por niños, nosotros en la actualidad también podremos ser capaces de superar todos los obstáculos que se nos presenten.
La novela está ambientada en Noruega en 1940, al principio de la Segunda Guerra Mundial. Los soldados alemanes han ocupado el país y han llegado incluso al remoto pueblo de Riswyk. En este pueblo viven Peter Lundstrom y su familia, protagonistas de esta historia.
Debido a la ocupación y al miedo a que los alemanes se hagan con el oro del país, los adultos del pueblo se ponen manos a la obra y crean una estrategia para poder mover todos los lingotes del tesoro nacional hasta la costa y una vez conseguido esto, cargarlos en un barco rumbo a Estados Unidos.
Pero, ¿cómo mover una enorme cantidad de lingotes de oro bajo la mirada inquisitiva de los soldados invasores?. El tío de Peter da con la solución al ver a sus sobrinos junto con un grupo de amigos jugar con sus trineos. ¿Quién va a sospechar que los niños en sus juegos en la nieve van sentados sobre algo tan valioso?
La novela nos cuenta esta curiosa historia, basada en una noticia que leyó la escritora en el periódico y que la llevó a escribir esta historia, aunque cambiando algunos detalles, donde se relataba que el 28 de junio de 1940 el carguero Norugo Bomma llegó a las costas de Baltimore con un cargamento en lingotes de oro valorado en 9 millones de dólares. La histora salió a la luz, omitiendo detalles que pudiesen comprometer a los involucrados, ya que la ocupación y la guerra continuaban, cuando el capitán del barco solicitó escolta policial para poder descargar su valioso cargamento. El capitán relató que habían podido burlar la vigilancia de los centinelas gracias a los niños, que habían sido los encargados de llevar los lingotes hasta el barco.
Es una historia que se lee muy rápido y está muy bien escrita, de una manera muy ágil y que puede ser estupenda para lectores de 12 años en adelante (aunque eso depende siempre del nivel de lectura que cada uno tenga). Con momentos de tensión, ya que los niños se ven sometidos a mucha presión por la importancia de su cometido en esta historia y por la vigilancia a la que están sometidos, que harán que sufras por el destino de estos pequeños tan valientes, que tuvieron un coportamiento tan ejemplar y que llevaron a buen puerto tan arriesgada estratagema.
La ambientación está muy bien creada, ya que al leerlo parece como si estuviésemos rodeados de nieve, lo que me vino muy bien con el calor que está haciendo este verano 😅.
Una lectura ideal para los jóvenes y también para los mayores, que nos enseña que, a veces, la realidad supera a la ficción y en la que podremos ver cómo el ser humano en momentos difíciles es capaz de sobreponerse y conseguir dar la vuelta a situciones muy adversas. Por eso tenemos que tener presente que si en el pasado se han conseguido este tipo de gestas, incluso llevadas a cabo por niños, nosotros en la actualidad también podremos ser capaces de superar todos los obstáculos que se nos presenten.
February 21, 2018
This was a delightful as well as an interesting historical read. The invasion of Norway by Nazi troops is not a story well-known, at least by Americans. We found this glimpse into a lesser known facet of the Second World War to be fascinating.
Young Peter Lundstrom and his friends are not especially worried about the war coming to Norway - until Peter's uncle comes home early from fishing and begins to organize construction of air-raid shelters. More importantly to Peter, his father, a bank employee, wants Peter and his friends to help the adults with a thrilling adventure: the Norwegians must keep the country's treasury out of the hands of the Nazis! Peter and his school friends must follow to the letter the instructions given by the men, and keep their courage up in the face of the dreaded Nazi invasion. Only schoolchildren can pass under the radar of the Germans unobserved. So the children go out to sled every day - with a final total of 9 million dollars on their sleds!
But there are difficulties.
Nosy German soldiers.
Thawing April weather.
The fear of Uncle Victor being discovered and arrested, wherever he is hiding, before all of the gold can be loaded onto his boat.
The fear of one or all of the children being taken prisoner themselves.
And the children themselves - can they keep it up, under the strain of time, weight and worry?
The book is not a perfect literary gem, but the writing is compelling and amusing; and while easy for the younger ones to understand, still makes a great read for an adult interested in World War II.
Based on a true account told by a Norwegian captain who brought 9 million dollars in gold bullion to an American port. Since the book was actually written during the war, some facts naturally had to be altered for the safety of those involved.
Young Peter Lundstrom and his friends are not especially worried about the war coming to Norway - until Peter's uncle comes home early from fishing and begins to organize construction of air-raid shelters. More importantly to Peter, his father, a bank employee, wants Peter and his friends to help the adults with a thrilling adventure: the Norwegians must keep the country's treasury out of the hands of the Nazis! Peter and his school friends must follow to the letter the instructions given by the men, and keep their courage up in the face of the dreaded Nazi invasion. Only schoolchildren can pass under the radar of the Germans unobserved. So the children go out to sled every day - with a final total of 9 million dollars on their sleds!
But there are difficulties.
Nosy German soldiers.
Thawing April weather.
The fear of Uncle Victor being discovered and arrested, wherever he is hiding, before all of the gold can be loaded onto his boat.
The fear of one or all of the children being taken prisoner themselves.
And the children themselves - can they keep it up, under the strain of time, weight and worry?
The book is not a perfect literary gem, but the writing is compelling and amusing; and while easy for the younger ones to understand, still makes a great read for an adult interested in World War II.
Based on a true account told by a Norwegian captain who brought 9 million dollars in gold bullion to an American port. Since the book was actually written during the war, some facts naturally had to be altered for the safety of those involved.
July 27, 2021
I somehow missed rating and reviewing this one. As a kid, I read this book several times and wanted to be a brave hero like the kids who smuggled gold bars to fund the war. Under their sleds. Past the Nazi soldiers.
One of the biggest impacts this book had on my young mind was the friendship and kindness one of the young Nazi soldiers showed the children. That concept started sculpting the notion that my concepts of good vs. evil weren't quite so tidily black and white. A lot to chew on at a young age.
I'd rate this book a PG.
One of the biggest impacts this book had on my young mind was the friendship and kindness one of the young Nazi soldiers showed the children. That concept started sculpting the notion that my concepts of good vs. evil weren't quite so tidily black and white. A lot to chew on at a young age.
I'd rate this book a PG.
September 29, 2008
This is possibly the first book I ever read about World War II. It's funny and exciting, and the kids are heroes in a realistic way. My fourth grade class read it, a couple of years later, and I remember that both boys and girls really enjoyed it.
May 6, 2011
My childhood favorite! Brilliant story of children bravely resisting their Nazi occupiers in a winter wonderland.
June 29, 2017
One of my childhood favorites enjoyed anew with my son, who loved it as much as I did at his age.
March 2, 2018
This was a delightful, interesting story. I read this one with my Madison (14) who hung on each word. 🤗
January 4, 2021
Fabulous story I have read several times!
Read
May 24, 2024I've always liked this book. I remember reading it as a kid and it's still just as interesting now
November 25, 2024
Love it!!🥰
March 18, 2016
A book I had read as a child. I assigned it to my students for their Book Club...but as I met to discuss with them, I couldn't remember enough of the book to make intelligent comments and as I was grading their assignments I was clueless. So I decided I needed to re-read the book.
3.5 stars. This is a fun and engaging WWII fiction story. It is based on a true story (or a legend that is believed to be true), but the fragments of the true story were very sparse so this story is mostly created by the author's imagination. There is plenty of action, intrigue, and suspense. The story teaches kids about courage and loyalty and doing hard things. However, I felt like it was missing something to make it "great". More characterization? Better descriptions? I'm not sure what. I still really liked it and would recommend it to 4th grade and up, but not something I would read over and over again.
3.5 stars. This is a fun and engaging WWII fiction story. It is based on a true story (or a legend that is believed to be true), but the fragments of the true story were very sparse so this story is mostly created by the author's imagination. There is plenty of action, intrigue, and suspense. The story teaches kids about courage and loyalty and doing hard things. However, I felt like it was missing something to make it "great". More characterization? Better descriptions? I'm not sure what. I still really liked it and would recommend it to 4th grade and up, but not something I would read over and over again.
December 5, 2016
I read this out loud to my kids and it was a intriguing adventure story based on a potentially true event during WW2 in Norway and the rescue of gold through the sleds of children. We all loved it and were inspired by the courage and perseverance of the children in this story.
October 12, 2022
A friend gave me a used copy of this book several years ago & told me it was one of her favorite books to read to her kids. She said I'd enjoy the story. She was right, now that I finally got around to reading it. It's based on the true story of a small village in upper Norway that smuggles gold bullion out of the country. It is accomplished by children in the village sledding gold bricks for weeks under the eyes of the German occupiers to a ship that takes it America. The story is told with a serious sense of adventure as the children work hard, knowing the consequences, & take chances to help their country. Great story & even though it was written during the war with an old-fashioned style, it's still a great read.
March 2, 2020
This has been our bedtime novel for the last few weeks and, to be honest, neither my boys or I really got into it. I mean, it wasn't bad and the premise was interesting enough for us to keep going, but the writing style felt plain and a bit dated (in terms of the style, I kept thinking about how it sort of read like a Boxcar Children book). We did enjoy that the book is based on a true story and I'm glad we learned this tidbit from WWII.
May 24, 2013
This review is also posted at The Children's War
One day they weren't there and the next day, Norway was swarming with Nazis, even up by the cold, cold Arctic Circle in the little town of Riswyk, where winter lasts for most of the year. But just before their arrival;, Peter Lundstrom, 12 almost 13, knows that something is up among the adults in Riswyk.
His father, a banker, and Uncle Victor, a fisherman, and other townsmen have devised a plan to get Norway's gold out of the country and to America so that it never falls into the hands of the Nazis. And, Peter learns, it involves not only him, his younger sister Lovisa and friends Helga Thomsen and Michael Berg, but all of Riswyk's children age 10 and up.
The plan is that every child would take four bars of gold on their sleds 12 miles to where Uncle Victor's camouflaged boat is at anchor in the nearby Fjourd. They would bury the gold in the snow and build a snowman over their gold bars. The townsmen figured no one would question sledding children. After burying their gold, the children would head over to a nearby farm where they would be given dinner and a place to sleep. And during the night, Uncle Victor would come and fetch the gold with his first mate, Rolls.
And the plan works - though not as quickly as they had planned. The weight of the gold bars is too much for the younger kids and they are forced to take less than planned each time. So the whole operation stretched out to six weeks instead of three. And of course, this gives the Nazis time to cause problems.
For one, even though the schoolteacher ls serving in the Norwegian army, the Nazi commandant decides the children should return to school. A noticed is posted, but before school even resumes, a mysterious illness breaks out among the younger children. The doctor manages to convince the commandant that the 'epidemic' is highly contagious and could easily spread to his men and that he advised the children not infected to stay outdoors as much as possible.
But one day, Helga tells Peter she has heard noises and felt like she was being watched for the last few days. Worried, Peter and his mother find Uncle Victor's boat and warn him about this Nazi spy. Sure enough, while building their snowman army over the gold shortly the next day, the Nazi soldier shows up. Luckily, Uncle Victor and Rolls were right there and capture the soldier, taking him to the hidden boat.
The soldier tells them that his name is Jan Lasek and he is from Poland, but was taken by the Nazis when they invaded his country because he can speak many languages. He was forced into a Nazi uniform, but really just wants to go with Uncle Victor to America.
But the next day, the Nazis are out looking for him and when the children refuse to answer any of their questions, the commandant gets angry and is just about to discover Lovisa's buried gold when Peter hits him in the ear with a snowball. Taken into Nazi custody and locked in a cell, Peter decides saving the gold was worth anything the Nazis can do to him.
Will Peter be able to escape the Nazis before they take any action against him? Or was moving all that gold in vain?
Snow Treasure was written in 1942, after Marie McSwigan read a newspaper article about Norway's gold being smuggled out of the country. In her Forward, she describes what she believed to be true about the children who delivered the gold on their sleds to a waiting ship. However, over time this story has been questioned and it seems there is no proof that it is true. And so at the end of the book, an additional note is included to that effect.
I really wanted to like this story as much as I did the first time I read it, but now, reading it as an adult with more knowledge of WWII, the story was too slow moving and felt almost too naive for today's reader. I also thought that the writing sounded dated and it made the story of moving millions of dollars in Norwegian currency on sleds for six weeks past the Nazis not not feel very dangerous or really exciting, the more so because I didn't really connect with any of the characters.
On the other hand, on the March 15, 1942 the New York Times reviewer wrote:
It is a story of courage and wits and grim determination, and though the most tragic aspects of the invasion have no place in it, it makes plain to readers of 9 to 12 the treachery and arrogance with which the enemies of three-quarters of the world are trying to stamp out freedom.
Snow Treasure is richly illustrated with a number of black and white illustrations by Mary A. Reardon in what appears to be either pencil or charcoal. This wasn't one of the best books I have read about Norway in WWII, and while I still like the idea of the story, I just don't like the actual story as enthusiastically as I used to. However, this is one of those novels that designed to show children that no matter what they can make a difference and for that reason, I think it is worth reading. And it is an excellent example of how a community can come together to achieve a goal.
This book is recommended for readers age 9+
This book was purchased for my personal library
One day they weren't there and the next day, Norway was swarming with Nazis, even up by the cold, cold Arctic Circle in the little town of Riswyk, where winter lasts for most of the year. But just before their arrival;, Peter Lundstrom, 12 almost 13, knows that something is up among the adults in Riswyk.
His father, a banker, and Uncle Victor, a fisherman, and other townsmen have devised a plan to get Norway's gold out of the country and to America so that it never falls into the hands of the Nazis. And, Peter learns, it involves not only him, his younger sister Lovisa and friends Helga Thomsen and Michael Berg, but all of Riswyk's children age 10 and up.
The plan is that every child would take four bars of gold on their sleds 12 miles to where Uncle Victor's camouflaged boat is at anchor in the nearby Fjourd. They would bury the gold in the snow and build a snowman over their gold bars. The townsmen figured no one would question sledding children. After burying their gold, the children would head over to a nearby farm where they would be given dinner and a place to sleep. And during the night, Uncle Victor would come and fetch the gold with his first mate, Rolls.
And the plan works - though not as quickly as they had planned. The weight of the gold bars is too much for the younger kids and they are forced to take less than planned each time. So the whole operation stretched out to six weeks instead of three. And of course, this gives the Nazis time to cause problems.
For one, even though the schoolteacher ls serving in the Norwegian army, the Nazi commandant decides the children should return to school. A noticed is posted, but before school even resumes, a mysterious illness breaks out among the younger children. The doctor manages to convince the commandant that the 'epidemic' is highly contagious and could easily spread to his men and that he advised the children not infected to stay outdoors as much as possible.
But one day, Helga tells Peter she has heard noises and felt like she was being watched for the last few days. Worried, Peter and his mother find Uncle Victor's boat and warn him about this Nazi spy. Sure enough, while building their snowman army over the gold shortly the next day, the Nazi soldier shows up. Luckily, Uncle Victor and Rolls were right there and capture the soldier, taking him to the hidden boat.
The soldier tells them that his name is Jan Lasek and he is from Poland, but was taken by the Nazis when they invaded his country because he can speak many languages. He was forced into a Nazi uniform, but really just wants to go with Uncle Victor to America.
But the next day, the Nazis are out looking for him and when the children refuse to answer any of their questions, the commandant gets angry and is just about to discover Lovisa's buried gold when Peter hits him in the ear with a snowball. Taken into Nazi custody and locked in a cell, Peter decides saving the gold was worth anything the Nazis can do to him.
Will Peter be able to escape the Nazis before they take any action against him? Or was moving all that gold in vain?
Snow Treasure was written in 1942, after Marie McSwigan read a newspaper article about Norway's gold being smuggled out of the country. In her Forward, she describes what she believed to be true about the children who delivered the gold on their sleds to a waiting ship. However, over time this story has been questioned and it seems there is no proof that it is true. And so at the end of the book, an additional note is included to that effect.
I really wanted to like this story as much as I did the first time I read it, but now, reading it as an adult with more knowledge of WWII, the story was too slow moving and felt almost too naive for today's reader. I also thought that the writing sounded dated and it made the story of moving millions of dollars in Norwegian currency on sleds for six weeks past the Nazis not not feel very dangerous or really exciting, the more so because I didn't really connect with any of the characters.
On the other hand, on the March 15, 1942 the New York Times reviewer wrote:
It is a story of courage and wits and grim determination, and though the most tragic aspects of the invasion have no place in it, it makes plain to readers of 9 to 12 the treachery and arrogance with which the enemies of three-quarters of the world are trying to stamp out freedom.
Snow Treasure is richly illustrated with a number of black and white illustrations by Mary A. Reardon in what appears to be either pencil or charcoal. This wasn't one of the best books I have read about Norway in WWII, and while I still like the idea of the story, I just don't like the actual story as enthusiastically as I used to. However, this is one of those novels that designed to show children that no matter what they can make a difference and for that reason, I think it is worth reading. And it is an excellent example of how a community can come together to achieve a goal.
This book is recommended for readers age 9+
This book was purchased for my personal library
November 30, 2020
The brave (and blonde) children of Norway smuggle gold bullion on their sleds, whizzing under the noses and boots of the Nazis who have invaded their village. They are hiding the gold to be eventually loaded onto a boat to free America, where the gold can be used to fight the Nazi menace. Not exactly a true story, but contains some small kernels of truth (Norwegian gold did end up on a small freighter in America, but smuggled by children is artistic license on McSwigan's part, apparently). A rousing adventure story though! And written and published before World War II had even ended, which I found interesting to be an interesting thought while reading the book. I probably first read this in 1980 in fourth grade (possibly a teacher read it aloud); it's stood the test of time pretty well.
October 23, 2015
"Beat you to the turn!" Peter Lundstrom shot his sled down the long steep slope.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
That's how the book begins, with a small bunch of carefree schoolchildren, sledding down the snowy hills. Little do they know, but soon they will be risking their lives to do more sledding. It's World War II and the German Nazis have made a camp right outside of the little town in Norway, where all the children and their families live.
Now, in this town there is something very important that is hidden. The Nazis must not know about it. The townspeople have to devise a plan to protect the secret, before the soldiers discover it.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Uncle Victor: "Peter wants a chance to help his country, too. Don't you fellow?"
Peter nodded. He didn't trust his voice.
"So you wouldn't mind if you met an enemy--one that carried a gun?"
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
All the schoolchildren must band together and do something for their town that could be terrifying. Together they will master all their strength and courage, to protect what is theirs.
This is a delightful book to read! I've read it at least twice myself. It's a wholesome story, filled with brave little children.
Reading level: ages 9-12 and up (also great as a read-aloud for younger children)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
That's how the book begins, with a small bunch of carefree schoolchildren, sledding down the snowy hills. Little do they know, but soon they will be risking their lives to do more sledding. It's World War II and the German Nazis have made a camp right outside of the little town in Norway, where all the children and their families live.
Now, in this town there is something very important that is hidden. The Nazis must not know about it. The townspeople have to devise a plan to protect the secret, before the soldiers discover it.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Uncle Victor: "Peter wants a chance to help his country, too. Don't you fellow?"
Peter nodded. He didn't trust his voice.
"So you wouldn't mind if you met an enemy--one that carried a gun?"
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
All the schoolchildren must band together and do something for their town that could be terrifying. Together they will master all their strength and courage, to protect what is theirs.
This is a delightful book to read! I've read it at least twice myself. It's a wholesome story, filled with brave little children.
Reading level: ages 9-12 and up (also great as a read-aloud for younger children)
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