Carolyn B. reviewed The Greatest Skating Race: A World War II Story from the Netherlands on + 14 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This is a unique format for a children's book. The pictures really help tell the story. The story is told without being wordy, but somehow, you FEEL the same things the young man in the story must be experiencing. Good for as a read aloud or for middle/upper elementary readers. I loved that it explains some of the history and culture of Holland without being tedious.
The Greatest Skating Race successfully juxtaposes heartfelt illustrations and melodic text against relatable characters who contend with the tensions of WWII German occupation. The author's creative and authentic use of a skating story as the story's backbone manages to send warm sentiments and icy shivers up readers' spines. Niki Daly's illustrations perfectly convey each word's mood.
