Book Review - Beneath the Canopy

There's something special for an author about seeing your book through someone else's eyes. Every review offers a unique perspective, highlighting the moments, characters, and themes that resonated most with a reader.

We love sharing reader feedback, and these reviews of Beneath the Canopy by Lynda Riggers are some we couldn't wait to spotlight. Reviews not only help other readers discover new books, but they also offer fascinating insights into what captures people's imaginations. Read on to see what these reviewers had to say about their journey through the pages of Beneath the Canopy.

Reviewed by Carmen Tenorio for Readers’ Favorite

Set in the German-occupied Netherlands in 1944, Lynda Riggers’ Beneath the Canopy follows two Dutch children who navigate survival during World War II. During an Allied air assault in Arnhem, twelve-year-old Johanna's home is destroyed, and her younger sister is badly hurt. She and her heavily pregnant mother set out on a 28-kilometer walk to reach her sister, who was moved to a hospital in Apeldoorn for surgery. In Apeldoorn, Rein Wolters scavenges what he can to survive without his family. While trying to find food for his neighbors, he runs into a Nazi officer. The officer was moved by his compassion and arranged for Rein to secretly get surplus bread to hand out. Rein and Johanna eventually meet when he warns her about the risks of going to the Nazi-run bakery to look for food. Rein gave her some bread as they introduced themselves to each other. They become close friends and support each other as they learn to understand how to overcome hardship and share not only food, but also their fears and hopes as they quietly fight back and sustain their family and community amidst the wreckage of war.

Beneath the Canopy by Lynda Riggers is a powerful and emotional look at resilience, compassion, and survival during WWII. The story weaves together two threads happening at the same time: Johanna’s attempt to reach her injured sister and Rein’s ongoing struggle to keep his community fed. At the center of it all is human decency in the middle of ruin, the unspoken bravery of children, and the stubborn sense of togetherness when things get bleak. Riggers keeps a steady, immersive pace that builds tension with bombings, military raids, and starvation. Character development is exceptional. Johanna and Rein are kids pushed beyond their limits, but they become tougher in a way that doesn’t erase their softness. They move through moral gray areas, and somehow hold onto empathy, even when it's easier to shut down. The writing is clear and easy to follow, grounded in vivid historical details and expressive prose. The past feels personal. Recommended for middle-grade readers, young adults, and anyone who enjoys historical fiction with real heart and stories about courage, hope, and community resilience.

Reviewed by Robert Collier III for Readers’ Favorite

Lynda Riggers’ Beneath the Canopy captures the heart-wrenching reality of the 1944 winter in the Nazi-occupied Netherlands through the eyes of two young children, Johanna and Rein. After the devastating battle of Arnhem destroys her world, Johanna and her mother flee on foot toward Apeldoorn. At the same time, Rein is forced to grow up quickly in Apeldoorn, navigating severe starvation and the dangerous allure of the resistance. As the Dutch famine deepens, the two children cross paths and strike up a friendship born from a simple need to survive. Their journey leaves you wondering if this fragile connection will offer them enough hope to survive in a world that’s slowly collapsing around them.

Lynda Riggers’ Beneath the Canopy is a deeply affecting work of historical fiction for young readers. What makes this historical children’s tale so moving is the author’s choice to shift the focus away from soldiers and onto the innocent perspectives of children. She explores the hard truths of the wartime famine with a quiet sensitivity, keeping the historical background easy for young minds to follow. The story really grabs your attention as it highlights the small, unexpected acts of kindness the characters encounter along the way. By anchoring the plot in themes like family loyalty, resilience, and survival, Riggers creates a story that’s both educational and heartfelt. The pacing is natural, giving young readers enough room to understand the story’s historical moments without getting lost in any complex political subplot. Ultimately, it’s a poignant tale that reminds us how compassion can still bloom in the darkest corners of history. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers’ Favorite

What would you do if your childhood disappeared almost overnight? Beneath the Canopy by Lynda Riggers takes readers to the German-occupied Netherlands during World War II through the eyes of two children. First, there’s Johanna, who lives in Arnhem. The war has turned her life upside down. She's a kid facing responsibilities and dangers she never expected. Counting distracts her from everything around her. In Apeldoorn, Rein is also struggling. His family has split up, and he’s left alone. Occasionally, his older brother comes to check on him, though. Rein survives by thinking on his feet and relying on the friends around him. Johanna and Rein live only a short distance apart, but their wartime experiences are very different. Everyday life becomes increasingly uncertain as the battles get closer. Their future looks bleak, but will they find the courage to go on? The book is based on the author's in-laws and inspired by real events. It takes a look at a part of World War II history that is not often explored.

Beneath the Canopy by Lynda Riggers was one of those books I didn't want to put down. I learned so much about what happened in the Netherlands during World War II. It wasn't easy choosing which main character I liked best. Ultimately, Johanna edged out Rein by just a hair. I admired her resilience. One example of this is seen when she continues to walk with her mother even though her feet hurt. I found her counting endearing. I’m glad she used it as a way to cope with her circumstances. Rein, on the other hand, was memorable in his own right. I appreciated that his brother kept an eye on him even if it wasn’t very often. It was sweet how he gave Johanna a book because she liked school. This would be a great addition to a classroom unit on World War II. I would use it to discuss topics like courage, resilience, and growing up during wartime. The questions at the end encourage more meaningful conversations and writing activities. Those looking for historical fiction that brings overlooked moments in history to life will want to read it. I believe this novel deserves a place in homes, classrooms, and libraries. Johanna and Rein show what it means to keep moving forward despite fear.