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Daughter of Light
In the darkest days of WWII, nine-year-old Ria is determined that her mother give birth in a home filled with light. Despite the cold, harsh winter, German occupying forces have cut the supply of electricity to civilians all over the Netherlands. Now the whole population must scrounge for wood to heat their dwellings and make what light they can with the few available candles. At home in Friesland, Ria's father is in hiding. Her closest friend, Rachel, and her family have been taken away because they are Jewish. The local mayor is a Nazi sympathizer. And Ria's mother is about to have a baby and is afraid to give birth in a cold, dark house. Ria knows the risks, but she is determined to find a way to bring light into her family's home in time for the baby's arrival. Her bold plan may place others in danger, but, in carrying it out, Ria learns something that has the power to save lives.
112 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2001
About the author
Martha Attema
9 books8 followersI was born on a dairy farm in Friesland, a northern province in the Netherlands. I loved horse back riding and dressing up in a traditional Frisian costume. When I grew up I became a kindergarten teacher.
In 1981, I moved with husband, Albert, and our three children to Canada. We settled in North Bay, Ontario.
The English language was new to me. To learn this new language I went to university to obtain my B.A. and B.Ed. In 1987 I became a kindergarten teacher for the second time. I started writing in the English language and with the encouragement of my writing friends at the North Bay Writers' Club, I started submitting stories to publishers.
After many years and many rejection letters, my first novel, 'A Time to Choose' was accepted by Orca Book Publishers, and launched in the fall of 1995. It was a dream come true and the beginning of a wonderful rewarding writing career.
In 1981, I moved with husband, Albert, and our three children to Canada. We settled in North Bay, Ontario.
The English language was new to me. To learn this new language I went to university to obtain my B.A. and B.Ed. In 1987 I became a kindergarten teacher for the second time. I started writing in the English language and with the encouragement of my writing friends at the North Bay Writers' Club, I started submitting stories to publishers.
After many years and many rejection letters, my first novel, 'A Time to Choose' was accepted by Orca Book Publishers, and launched in the fall of 1995. It was a dream come true and the beginning of a wonderful rewarding writing career.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
May 3, 2014
gr 3-6 133 pgs
winter 1944, Friesland, Netherlands. 9 year old Ria wishes the Nazis would go home. Since they invaded, her best friend and her family, who are Jewish, were taken away, her father has been forced to go into hiding, and electricity in the city almost never works for anyone except the Nazis and their sympathizers. Ria is worried about her pregnant mother. The baby should come any day or night now. How can they deliver a baby in a cold, dark house? Then, Ria thinks up a crazy plan. She decides to sneak into town hall and ask the mayor, a Nazi sympathizer, for help. Will her plan work?
Based on a true story.
winter 1944, Friesland, Netherlands. 9 year old Ria wishes the Nazis would go home. Since they invaded, her best friend and her family, who are Jewish, were taken away, her father has been forced to go into hiding, and electricity in the city almost never works for anyone except the Nazis and their sympathizers. Ria is worried about her pregnant mother. The baby should come any day or night now. How can they deliver a baby in a cold, dark house? Then, Ria thinks up a crazy plan. She decides to sneak into town hall and ask the mayor, a Nazi sympathizer, for help. Will her plan work?
Based on a true story.
Displaying 1 of 1 review