The Greatest Skating Race by Louise Borden, illustrated by Niki Daly

The Greatest Skating Race
A World War II Story from the Netherlands
by Louise Borden

It is the winter of 1941. World War II is raging in Europe. Piet and his family of skatemakers live in Holland (the Netherlands) which has been conquered by the German army. On nights when the sounds of German boots on the cobblestones ring in his ears, Piet's mother reminds the family, "This is what it means to be Dutch. Not only to love skating on our canals but also to be brave in our hearts."

But, how can you be brave when so much has been taken from you and you are surrounded by soldiers and rifles? The Germans have seized shelves and shelves of their best skates for the war effort. Father is serving with the Allied forces in England. And, now, the Germans have come to take their neighbor and friend, Mr. Winkleman, for having a hidden radio that sent messages to England. There is great fear that the soldiers will come to take the Winkleman children next.

How will Piet's hero, Pim Mulier, one of Holland's bravest and strongest skaters be able to inspire Piet to find the courage to do what he must do to save the lives of the children?

Research Links for
The Greatest Skating Race

Louise Borden, Author
The National World War II Memorial
Map of Europe, 1930-1939
Timeline of World War II
World War II Radio Broadcasts
German Invasion of Poland
The German Decision to Invade Denmark
The History of World War II
Dad's War: Finding & Telling Your Father's World War II Story

World War II Literary Connections:
Weedflower
Full Length Novel, by Cynthia Kadohata, Kids Wings Unit in The Ripple Effect
Mercedes and the Chocolate Pilot
Picture Book by Margot Theis Raven, Kids Wings Unit in Treasure Trackers
The Yellow Star, The Legend of King Christian X of Denmark
Picture Book by Carmen Agra Deedy, Kids Wings Unit in Defeating Giants
The Attack on Pearl Harbor
Picture Book by Shelly Tanaka , Kids Wings Unit in Defeating Giants

Other Books by Louise Borden:
Sea Clocks , Kids Wings Unit in Defeating Giants
Good Luck, Mrs. K , Kids Wings Unit in Roots and Wings

The Great Skating Race by Louise Borden

A 12-Page Unit for The Great Skating Race is a part of a collection of 40 units in The Ripple Effect.

The Unit Contains:
2 Sets of Ripple Discussion Cards
Crossword Puzzle
Readers’ Theater
Multiple Choice Comprehension Pages
Maze
Map Activity
Book Comparisons

and MORE!

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World War II was difficult for thousands of families in the United States, too. In 1944, Suzy, Tom, and their Mom wait by the radio for news of Daddy who was stationed on the U.S.S. Lexington. In November, 1945, Daddy was killed in a kamikaze attack on the carrier.

With special thanks to Rose McKinney for allowing us to use , "We are Champions" from Rose's Patriotic Page as the creative musical background on this page

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