‘This story offers a compelling look at the effects of war on both individuals and on an entire town. Michiel is a well-developed character, and though it is clearly his story, the activities of numerous villagers come to light and show the far-reaching consequences of their actions, both brave and thoughtless. Although the tone of the novel is straightforward and subdued, the devastating effects of the Occupation are cumulative, leaving the reader with a strong sense of the inner fortitude and courage necessary for survival when people are devastated by a brutal war.’
– Horn Book, Barbara Scotto

‘Really great book. I like the new perspective on WWII … I would love to see this in a Social Studies/History curriculum. There would be great discussions about choices and trust and the outcomes of your actions. Shoot, I wanna see this in a literature curriculum. It is a great example of memoir/historical fiction.’
– Life is Better With Books Blog

‘So what books have captured my attention? Gosh a variety. One was a Young Adult book that really did have me enthralled … ‘Winter in Wartime’ by Jan Terlouw … A really good story line that pulls together in ways I would have never guessed.”‘
– Crazed Mind

‘I loved this book! This was a first read for me as it was originally published before i was born, but that didn’t matter I read it all in one sitting! If you haven’t read ‘Winter in Wartime’ before then I recommend you give it a try, or reread it and relive the experience if you read it as a child!’ 
– Bonny Anderson at GoodReads.com

‘The vivid impressive portrayal of the cold, bleak winter weather, the constant stream of people wandering the roads in search of food to bring back to their children, and the difficulty of riding in it on a bicycle with wooden wheels could only come from experience. I was also impressed that I was surprised by the ending, which I never would have suspected.’
– The Children’s War Blog

‘Winter in Wartime by Jan Terlouw certainly deserves its status as a Dutch classic. Mr. Terlouw took a very serious subject matter and wrote a gripping, suspenseful story filled with humor and wit. While the book is geared towards the Young Adult (YA) market, it is by no means condescending or depressing, quite the opposite, part of its charm is the intelligence, warmth and positive way in which the story is laid out and tackles difficult yet appropriate subjects.’
– Manoflabook.com

‘I highly recommend it, particularly to teen readers seeking to learn about life during WWII.’
– This That and the other Thing

‘It’s horrifying that this was real … it’s an amazing story and it deserves to be read. If you’re at all interested in WWII, you won’t want to miss it.’
-Bite My Books

‘This is a fantastic novel that tells a side of WWII that hasn’t been told much before in children’s literature, what it was like to live in a land occupied by the Nazi’s and the male viewpoint provides a protagonist that boys will be able to relate to. There is danger and heartache and mystery. This is a book that I would recommend to teachers and parents alike … I would recommend this book to readers 9-14 and would highlight this as a good book for boys.’
– Books your Kids will Love