Hunger Winter
by Rob Currie
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GENRE: MG Historical Fiction
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BLURB:
It’s the Netherlands in late 1944. Thirteen-year-old Dirk’s Papa left to fight with the Resistance. Then Mama died. When the Gestapo snatched his older sister and he learned they were coming for him next, Dirk left home in the middle of the night. He had his pockets stuffed with food, his little sister asleep in his arms, and his heart heavy with a dark secret.
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Excerpt :
BAM! BAM! BAM!
Dirk Ingelse’s eyes flew open, and he raised his head off the pillow. Who could be knocking on the front door? Gestapo? His insides turned to ice.
The pounding resumed, the sound carrying easily up the stairs into Dirk’s bedroom. It didn’t sound like the rap of knuckles—it was more like the thumping of an angry fist. Or the butt of a rifle.
It had to be the Gestapo. They had been doing more raids lately, and they often came at night. Who else would pummel the front door of the Ingelse’s farmhouse in the middle of the night and risk getting arrested?
Dirk rolled out of bed and crept to his bedroom window. Easing the curtain open a bit, he kept his face away from the window, like Papa had taught him. He couldn’t see a vehicle. But what if they hid their car? Dirk’s right hand shook.
He couldn’t hide. They would tear the place apart to find him. And he couldn’t run—they would have the place surrounded. He’d heard stories. His right hand shook harder. It had been doing that a lot ever since—
The assault on the door resumed, even louder this time. “Open up!” growled a deep voice.
Dirk turned from the window and crept down the stairs.
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Why do you write juvenile fiction? What draws you to it?
I got hooked on kids’ books from reading to my boys. One of my sons had trouble reading on his own but loved being read to. I soon discovered there are many wonderful books for kids. My sons are grown but I still read kids’ books because I enjoy them. Loving these books so much, it seems natural to write for a young audience.
Pretend your protagonist is at school and opens his/her locker – what will we see inside?
After dealing with Nazis chasing him, Dirk would have a big mirror in his locker so he would see anyone trying to sneak up on him. He’d also have a lot of food. After being nearly starved for weeks during the Dutch Hunger Winter of World War II, he’d stock up so he’d never have to worry about going hungry again.
What books were your favorite as a youth and why?
Two of my favorites were Robin Hood and Robinson Crusoe. I discovered them as a child on the shelf outside my bedroom. We weren’t allowed to come downstairs on Saturday morning before 8 a.m., in order for our parents to sleep in. If we woke up before that, we could grab a book and read.
What’s your favorite sweet treat?
The favorite sweet treat is Moose Tracks ice cream, but my favorite snacks are the salty treats. My wife and I have a wonderful relationship based on three things—commitment to each other, our faith, and keeping plenty of chips in the house.
What book is on your nightstand currently?
I’m reading Christy by Catherine Marshall. It’s a wonderful book about a woman who volunteers to teach in Appalachia in the early 20th century. It’s not the type of book I usually read but authors need to read a wide variety of books and genres. Otherwise, each book they write can sound too much like the previous one.
Hunger Games or Twilight? Why?
Neither. I love Suzanne Collins’ series, Gregor the Overlander¸ which she wrote just before Hunger Games. I love the action and the protective personality Gregor has watching over his little sister, Boots, as they search for their father.
That story influenced Hunger Winter. My story also features an older brother who protects his younger sister while they search for their father. You can’t go wrong in a kids’ story when you capitalize on the powerful yearning kids and their parents have for each other.
You’re stranded on a desert island—which characters from your book do you want with you? Why?
I want Hans Ingelse, a resourceful WWII Resistance operative. He stays calm under pressure and is a good problem solver in tough situations. I want him there for his wisdom and street smarts. I also want Els, his eighteen-year-old daughter, who through enduring Gestapo torture without spilling secrets, showed she’s probably the toughest member of the family. I want her there for her courage and determination.
Links:
Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/yaen3br8
Barnes and Noble: https://tinyurl.com/yc73xnjw
Books-A-Million https://tinyurl.com/y7ppskxn
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Life conspired to get Rob Currie to write Hunger Winter: A World War II Novel. His father is a World War II veteran and his wife is Dutch. An award-winning author, it was only a matter of time before he would focus his writing on World War II. Research for Hunger Winter included numerous books, interviews with Dutch WWII survivors, and three weeks in the Netherlands. His investigation revealed astonishing details about the Dutch experience of the war, which begged to be turned into a book.
Born and raised in the suburbs of Detroit, he graduated from Cornerstone University and went on to earn a master’s degree and doctorate in psychology from St. Louis University. He has taught psychology at Judson University since 1987. His hobbies include playing basketball, cooking, and writing poetry.
Author Web Site: http://www.robcurrieauthor.com
Buy the book:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hunger-winter-rob-currie/1132103051
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/hunger-winter
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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE
Rob Currie will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
RAFFLECOPTER:
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