For the child seeking powerful true stories of courage, this memoir explores how one girl found resilience and adaptability while navigating the challenges of wartime.
A parent might reach for this book when their mature reader is ready to grapple with the realities of war from a personal, non-European perspective. It is for the child questioning their own identity or needing a powerful example of resilience. This true story follows Rita, a Dutch girl in the occupied Dutch East Indies, who must disguise herself as an Indonesian to survive WWII. The memoir explores themes of fear, bravery, cultural identity, and the extraordinary adaptability required in times of crisis. Appropriate for ages 10-15, this book provides a vital historical perspective and models incredible perseverance, opening conversations about prejudice, survival, and finding strength within oneself.
Deaths due to war, starvation, and illness are described directly but not graphically.
ViolenceModerate
Depicts the realities of a military occupation, including threats and some acts of violence.
Sensitive Topics
Deals directly with war, starvation, death of friends and family, racism, and the psychological toll of living in fear. The approach is direct and unflinching, grounded in the author's lived experience. The resolution is realistic and hopeful; she survives, but the trauma and losses are not minimized. It is a secular account of historical events.
Ideal Reader
A mature 11 to 14-year-old who is interested in history, particularly untold stories from WWII. Also for a child grappling with a biracial or multicultural identity, who may feel like they have to "disguise" parts of themselves to fit in. This reader is ready for a non-fiction account that does not shy away from the harsh realities of its subject.
Parent Prep
Parents should be prepared to discuss the historical context of the Dutch East Indies and the Japanese occupation. The book details starvation, illness, and the constant threat of violence. Chapter 13, "A Trap," and Chapter 21, "The End of the War," contain particularly intense scenes of peril and loss that may be worth previewing. The epilogue is crucial for understanding Rita's life after the war. The child asks a deep question about WWII beyond the European front, like "What happened in other parts of the world?" or expresses feelings of being caught between two cultures, saying something like, "I don't feel like I fully belong anywhere."
Age Experience
A younger reader (10-11) will likely focus on the adventure and survival aspects: the disguise, the close calls, and the day-to-day challenges. An older reader (12-15) will grasp the deeper themes of cultural identity, the psychological trauma of war, the moral ambiguities of survival, and the political complexities of colonialism and occupation.
What Makes It Special
Unlike most WWII narratives for this age group that focus on the European or American experience (like Anne Frank or "The Book Thief"), this memoir offers a rare and vital perspective on the Pacific Theater, specifically the occupation of Indonesia. It also centers on the unique challenges of a mixed-race protagonist, making it a powerful story about cultural identity as much as it is about war.
Read plot summary
A memoir detailing the author's childhood in the Dutch East Indies during the Japanese occupation of WWII. Rita, of mixed Dutch and Indonesian heritage, and her mother disguise themselves as Indonesians to avoid being sent to brutal internment camps. The narrative covers their daily struggles for food, safety, and the constant fear of discovery, as well as the complex social dynamics and prejudices they navigate.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Rita and her mother decide to disguise themselves as Indonesians. What specific risks did this choice carry, and what were the potential benefits? Do you think you would have made the same choice?
2
On page 158, Rita reflects on her changing identity, feeling neither truly Dutch nor Indonesian. How did the war and her disguise affect her sense of self? Have you ever felt caught between two different worlds or identities?
3
Throughout the book, Rita and her mother receive help from unexpected people, but also face betrayal. Discuss a moment of kindness that stood out to you and a moment of betrayal. Why do you think people act so differently in times of crisis?
4
The epilogue describes Rita's life after the war. How did her wartime experiences shape the adult she became? Why was it important for the author to include this section?
