I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I will certainly recommend it to others. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.

What’s it about? 

This story starts with Corrie, post World War II, sharing her testimony at a church meeting in Germany. There she meets one of her former prisoner guards who has become a Christian and he asks her forgiveness. We’re left til the end of the book to find out the answer. 

In then begins with Corrie’s early childhood, her conversion and work as the first women watchmaker in the Netherlands. We are then taken to World War II and how her and her family are led to help protect Jews from the Nazis and what daily life of caring for them involved. 

It then moves to her eventual arrest, imprisonment and the experiences in prison and ultimately testifies to God’s provision and sustaining, even in such darkness, and he used this time to strengthen her faith and share it with other prisoners. 

We then learn of her release and how she sought to helps those affected by the War as well as travelling the world sharing the message of hope and forgiveness in Jesus. 

Why I love it? 
This book is well written for older children. I think it has a good amount of details, without going too deeply into things that may be more disturbing for children (e.g. her time in prison). It balances conciseness yet good explanations of events well so it is appropriate for the age group. 

I also like the fact that there are explanations of key terms that may be unfamiliar for children throughout the book (e.g. Dutch words, vocabulary related to World War II etc.) as this is a great way to help them 
understand the wider context of events that were happening at the time. 

Ultimately I love the fact it is a story about Jesus! Corrie’s love for him shines through again and again and it is remarkable to see her faith and dependence on him in truly horrific circumstances. Her trust in him to do the right thing and help others is remarkable, despite the risks for her and her family. It would be a great conversation starter about right choices, ethics and faith.  

I also enjoyed the honest. For example she’s very honest about her struggle in deciding whether to forgive the guard she later meets. I think it’s helpful that she doesn’t shy away from the fact these aren’t always easy choices to make.  

It is a remarkable story of love, providence, Hope and forgiveness and is a great introduction for older children to a truly amazing example of faith in Jesus. I wholeheartedly recommend it!

Thank you to NetGalley for this e-copy of The Story of Corrie ten Boom by Jennifer Kelley in exchange for a honest review..This is a very informative book about a heroic Christian missionary named Corrie ten Boom who during WW2 helped save over 700 Jews. Corrie and her family were watchmakers who helped house many Jews who they hid in their house until they were arrested and sent to concentration camps where her father and sister perished.After the war Corrie started spreading her message of salvation through Jesus Christ and forgiveness.This is a very inspiring read for middle schoolers and older.This book teaches a very powerful message.that is very relevant in today’s society!

This is a terrific way to raise awareness of the Dutch experience of the Holocaust, from the perspective of an ordinary citizen. This is a wonderful story of courage and hope in the face of fear and terrible odds. It is also a window into the world of Dutch civilians during World War II and Enemy occupation, Ten Boom was a true hero and her story is one which must never be forgotten.

Of course, it is problematic when we see religious beliefs and practices imposed on others and I caution anyone using this book as a study aid to consider discussing the appropriateness of a Western Christian preaching to African prisoners about her own religious beliefs, but I understand this is only part of Ten Boom’s story.

There are a few problems with the translation of the text into kindle format which the publisher may wish to consider rectifying. Paragraphs are split over pages and titles are inserted in the middle of text in some places.

The Story of Corrie ten Boom
The Watchmaker Who Forgave Her Enemies
by Jennifer T. Kelley
Part of Lives of Faith and Grace
Pub DateSep 23 2025 | Archive Date Aug 10 2025
Crossway
Children's Nonfiction| Christian| Religion & Spirituality


I am reviewing a copy of The Story of Corrie Ten Boom through Crossway and Netgalley:


I was rather impressed with this book, its a great way to familiarize younger readers and older readers alike!


Corrie ten Boom was a watchmaker, a prisoner, and a hero of World War II who helped hundreds of Jews escape persecution. But the risks she was willing to take led to her being captured and imprisoned. After her release, Corrie met the prison guard who caused her so much pain again.   Can she forgive the unforgivable based on what she's been through?  



Readers will learn about ten Boom's upbringing, her family's covert operations, and her most remarkable achievement-forgiving those who persecuted her. A witness to the world, Ten Boom's story illustrates the power of mercy and the importance of spreading God's love no matter what. Kids ages 8–13 will enjoy the illustrations, maps, timelines, bonus sidebars, and study questions in this addition to the Lives of Faith and Grace series.


I give The Story of Corrie Ten Boom five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!