Beneath The Canopy
Historical Fiction
Not the story of war, but of the children who lived through it.
Inspired by the true experiences of two Dutch families during World War II, Beneath the Canopy brings to life a lesser-known chapter of the war in the Netherlands. Through the eyes of two children, it explores the resilience of ordinary families caught in extraordinary circumstances. Rich in historical detail, it is a story of hope, survival, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
“Riggers has produced an evocative narrative that illuminates the realities of WWII in the Netherlands, and not just for middle-grade readers. Well-written, character-driven, and historically insightful, Beneath the Canopy deserves a broad audience.” — The Book Review Directory
“Riggers’ meticulous prose and riveting storytelling bring the traumatic era of the failed Operation Market-Garden and the devastating ‘Hunger Winter’ to life.” — The US Review of Books, RECOMMENDED
"I believe this novel deserves a place in homes, classrooms, and libraries." ~Jennifer Senick, 5-star review, Readers' Favorite
"This is an important book, and I hope it gets into the hands of many, many young people." ~D. Snowball, ARC reviewer of the WWII generation
For Educators
Bring Beneath the Canopy into the classroom
The free Grades 5–8 Educator Companion Guide includes historical context, guided discussion questions, classroom activities, and an intergenerational oral-history activity designed to help young readers explore the real history behind Johanna and Rein’s story.