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.

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.

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.

Mysterious / Dark / Unnerving / Melancholic

- The Upstairs Room is a Newbery Honor-winning book that was also awarded the Holocaust Book Award by the Association of Jewish Libraries.
- Johanna Reiss, the author of The Upstairs Room, based the story on her own experiences of hiding during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands.
- The book has been translated into several languages and is used in educational settings to teach children about the Holocaust and World War II history.

**Annie de Leeuw**  
The protagonist and narrator, Annie is a young girl based on Johanna Reiss herself, who initially perceives wartime dangers with naivety. Her experiences during hiding profoundly influence her development and perspective.

**Sini de Leeuw**  
Annie’s older sister who hides with her, characterized by her struggle with the isolation they face. She cares for Annie while longing for normalcy in her own life.

**Johan Oosterveld**  
A compassionate man who helps protect Annie and Sini while they are in hiding, becoming a father figure to them. He prioritizes their safety and well-being throughout challenging circumstances.

**Dientje Oosterveld**  
Johan's wife, who cares for the girls while simultaneously grappling with fear for her family’s safety. Despite her fears, she shows genuine kindness to the girls under her care.

**Opoe Oosterveld**  
Johan's elderly mother, who forms a loving bond with Annie and Sini. She adds comfort and comic relief to their tense situation.

Johanna Reiss

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Upstairs Room reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Upstairs Room | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Upstairs Room and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Upstairs Room Summary

Background

The Upstairs Room Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Introduction-Chapter 3

The Upstairs Room Introduction-Chapter 3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-6

The Upstairs Room Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-9

The Upstairs Room Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 10-Postscript

The Upstairs Room Chapter 10-Postscript Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Upstairs Room Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Upstairs Room Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Upstairs Room Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Upstairs Room Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Upstairs Room Essay Topics

The Upstairs Room

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Upstairs Room?

Reading Age

Book Details