Snow Treasure

I have been doing lots of book reviews lately, but one of the reasons I taught was I loved children's literature and introducing great books to kids. Snow Treasurewas a book that was handed down to me by my older brother. He originally got it for $.50 from a Scholastic Book Club order. The book has been in and out of print over the years. I have bought it new when I could for presents and given used copies when that was the only option available.

When I read it the story was printed as a factual story of children in Norway helping the adults remove gold from Norway's banks to boats for shipment before the Nazi's could seize it. Later research could not confirm the student's participation. The story was then labeled historical fiction. Either way it is an interesting read for children about facing challenges in a hostile environment. Children who have read more modern realistic fiction might wonder why the author is not more explicit about the physical and emotional challenges faced by the children, but I still find that a plus about the book. Those who understand the history of the time do realize the risks the children and their families are taking. Children with less exposure to the history of the time can enjoy an adventure story.

The story takes place as the Norwegians are preparing to move their gold out of the reach of Nazi Germany during the invasion of Norway. The Nazi's clearly have arrived quicker than the Norwegians had feared and now the plans must be altered. Here is where the children are employed. Adults would clearly be noticed and potentially treated as spies or saboteurs. Children out sledding could perhaps pull off a daring feat and transport gold bars to an area where the gold can be loaded on to a ship. Adults and children find clever uses for snowmen and must find ways to keep the children out of school long enough to finish the gold transport before the Nazi's discover the purpose of all this outdoor activity. Still one of my favorite WWII adventure books for kids.