45 pages • 1 hour read
Johanna ReissThe Upstairs Room
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1972A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Upstairs Room by Johanna Reiss, published in 1972, is an autobiographical novel detailing her experiences as a Jewish girl in hiding in Nazi-occupied Holland. Six-year-old Annie de Leeuw's life changes dramatically as Hitler advances through Europe; her family is separated and goes into hiding to escape Nazi persecution. Annie and her sister Sini stay with two families, facing constant danger and emotional trauma.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Johanna Reiss's The Upstairs Room is widely praised for its poignant and authentic portrayal of a young Jewish girl's harrowing experiences hiding during the Holocaust. Reviewers commend the detailed narrative and emotional depth, though some critique its pacing. Overall, it is celebrated for providing a compelling, educational story that resonates with readers.
Who Should Read The Upstairs Room?
A reader who would enjoy The Upstairs Room by Johanna Reiss is likely interested in historical fiction, particularly stories about World War II from a child's perspective. Fans of The Diary of Anne Frank and Number the Stars will appreciate the heartfelt narrative of survival and resilience in hiding from the Nazis.