You can read some reactions to Don’t Betray Me on this page.
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Full of life and soul – with beautiful illustrations – Pieter de R., July 2025
I’ve read “Don’t Betray Me.” Using your father’s memories, you’ve beautifully and movingly captured a delicate and important issue—how do the consequences of war and intolerance relate to conscientious and humanitarian action in difficult times? Your writing style is captivating, written in clear and descriptive language, and even without the beautiful illustrations (my compliments to Cecile Reijnders!!) it’s already full of life and soul, but I completely understand your enthusiasm for how the drawings bring the story to life even more.
The experiences of 8-year-old Peter and Felice are not only beautifully expressed but also very moving; I was moved to tears. Truly beautifully done; it’s clear that you possess a great writing talent.
The young adolescent generation has gained a wonderful book. “Don’t Betray Me” offers reading pleasure, is educational, and teaches you to do the right thing—an author couldn’t ask for more or better than this, knowing how to address your readership in such a threefold way.
*Beautiful writing style
I picked up your book at the store on Friday, and yesterday, I finished reading it. What an impressive story you have written, a beautiful writing style, and a wonderful publication! I wholeheartedly commend you for it.
On your website, I just read the background of your ‘radio performance.’ On that day, I turned on the radio and found myself right in the middle of your story. I instantly recognized your voice—‘That must be Melinda!’ When you started talking about your book, there was no doubt anymore. It’s remarkable now to also read the background to it.
When I ordered your book at the Bruna bookstore, I did some advertising for you. I hope they followed up on it; the person who helped me showed interest in placing your book in the store. I just haven’t seen it yet—perhaps around the 4th or 5th of May? I’ll also share it with a teacher I work closely with within the parish. The book deserves to be read, and the story deserves to be shared. And I’ll certainly let my youngest daughter read it too, of course.
I heard that the book presentation was so special. How proud your father—how proud your parents—must be that his memories of a horrible time are now passed on in such a beautiful, respectful, and also informative way (woven throughout). Without being moralizing, it carries a call that cannot be misinterpreted in these times.
Congratulations on all your efforts resulting in a book—and what a book. You inspire me… I’m still in the ‘effort phase.’ 😉
May a lot of happiness come from the publication of this book—for you, for many readers, and for ‘the world.’
Warm regards, Annemieke
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*Beautiful – Barbera, March 2025 – Rating: 9
Melinda Braaksma has written a stunning debut youth book. Through the eyes of 8-year-old Pieter, we read about the Jewish neighbourhood in Amsterdam during the Second World War.
To which audience would you recommend this book?
– Ages 8–10
– Ages 11–13
– Ages 13 and older
– Adults
*With a smile and a tear – Shir, March 2025 – Rating: 9
I read the book with a smile and a tear. The smile is due to the innocent perspective of a young boy on the horrors of war. The mystery he experiences and the undercurrent he senses are very poignantly described. The tear stayed near the surface throughout the book, and in the end, it finally fell. The tragedy is so palpable, yet described in such a way that younger readers can still digest it. My youngest son, who is 15 years old and normally hates reading, is now reading it for his list after getting approval from his teacher. And he’s positively surprised. A wonderfully readable book, with an important purpose: to preserve the lessons from this dark period for future generations. Bravo!
To which audience would you recommend this book?
– Ages 11–13
– Ages 13 and older
– Adults
*Impressive – Sander, March 2025
I have now finished reading your book! I am impressed and have great admiration for what you’ve accomplished. Truly remarkable!
It was an easy read, and I was deeply immersed in the story. The ending was sad but also special! My compliments; my mother is now going to read it.
To which audience would you recommend this book?
I think it’s good for children aged 10–12. It certainly has an impact.
*Realistic – Dinie, March 2025 – Rating: 10
I read it in one go. It was all so realistic, especially if you’ve also lived through the Hunger Winter yourself. I’m amazed at how Melinda managed to put everything into words so beautifully, and it’s wonderful that these are her father’s experiences. It’s a great book for youth to read, to understand that life isn’t always peaceful and easy-going and to know that if it happens to you, you can muster the strength to endure. Young people have been so spoiled in recent years; it’s also good to read that things can be much harder.
I also think it’s important to read about the war. It’s history that we mustn’t forget. And of course, it’s significant that it was published before May 5th.
I was also at the presentation at the school where her father used to attend. It was all so amazing, and it gives you a very special feeling to have been there. I’m still a bit speechless.
To which audience would you recommend this book?
– Ages 8–10
– Ages 11–13
– Ages 13 and older
– Adults