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96 pages 3 hours read

Girl in the Blue Coat

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2016

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Book Brief

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Monica Hesse

Girl in the Blue Coat

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2016
Book Details
Pages

321

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Amsterdam, Netherlands • 1940s

Publication Year

2016

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

720L

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Super Short Summary

Girl in the Blue Coat by Monica Hesse follows 18-year-old Hanneke Bakker during Nazi-occupied Amsterdam in January 1943. Hanneke, still mourning her boyfriend Bas, secretly works in the black market and is asked by Mrs. Janssen to find a missing Jewish girl named Mirjam. As she searches, Hanneke becomes involved with the resistance, discovering strength and building new relationships, ultimately bringing her to reconcile with her past. This novel contains depictions of war-time atrocities and references to the Holocaust.

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Melancholic

Challenging

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.2

45,492 ratings

78%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Girl in the Blue Coat by Monica Hesse offers a harrowing, well-researched historical fiction set in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam. Praised for its rich detail and emotional depth, the novel captivates with a strong, relatable protagonist. However, some readers find its mystery elements somewhat predictable. Overall, it's an engaging read for YA and history enthusiasts alike.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Girl in the Blue Coat?

A reader who would enjoy Girl in the Blue Coat by Monica Hesse is likely someone with an interest in historical fiction, particularly World War II narratives. Fans of The Book Thief by Markus Zusak or Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein would appreciate the compelling blend of history, mystery, and strong character development.

4.2

45,492 ratings

78%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Character List

Hanneke Bakker

A blonde-haired, green-eyed girl working as a receptionist in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam while secretly procuring black market goods. She is mourning her first boyfriend, Bas, and becomes involved in the resistance after being asked to find a missing Jewish girl, Mirjam.

The red-haired brother of Hanneke’s deceased boyfriend, Bas; a university student involved in the resistance. He enlists Hanneke's help in their efforts and is in love with his roommate, Willem, while secretly fighting against the Nazis.

A shortsighted widow whose husband was killed by the Nazis. She feels an emotional tie to the missing Mirjam Roodveldt and asks Hanneke to find her, believing Mirjam to be alone in the world like herself.

A 15-year-old Jewish girl in hiding with curly black hair and pale skin, who fled after her family was killed by Nazis. She is connected to Amalia through exchanged identity papers and was last believed to be heading to Den Haag.

Mirjam’s best friend with curly black hair and a birthmark on her chin. Jealously and a misguided decision lead her to inform on Mirjam's family. After a paper exchange with Mirjam, she remains in hiding and eventually faces deportation.

A 15-year-old Jewish girl who is dynamic and positive. She works at a nursery for Jewish children, aiding in their protection, and documents the war’s impact through photography. She is also part of the resistance network connected to Hanneke.

Hanneke’s deceased first boyfriend, remembered for his idealism and humor. He joined the Navy to fight the Nazis despite his fears. His memory impacts Hanneke deeply throughout the story.

Mirjam and Amalia’s classmate and first love to Mirjam. He works for Mrs. Janssen and attempts to help Amalia but struggles with guilt when he learns of her role in Mirjam's family's death.

The wealthy wife of a magazine publisher, appearing brusque and arrogant while secretly hiding Jewish neighbors and assisting Hanneke. She deceptively acts as a Nazi sympathizer to maintain her cover.

Book Details
Pages

321

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Amsterdam, Netherlands • 1940s

Publication Year

2016

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

720L

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