The Upstairs Room

The Upstairs Room (1972) is a novel based on the experiences of author Johanna Reiss as a Jewish girl during World War II. The novel follows protagonist Annie de Leeuw and her sister Sini as they hide from the Nazis during the German occupation of Holland. Annie’s story, which is told from her first-person perspective, celebrates human resilience and compassion while exploring themes concerning the loss of childhood innocence, the sacrifices people make during wartime, and the importance of family bonds. The book received many awards, including the Newbery Honor, the Jane Addams Peace Association Honor, and the Jewish Book Council Juvenile Book Award.

This guide refers to the 1972 Harper Trophy print edition of the text.

Content Warning: The source text and this guide contain descriptions of antisemitism, genocide, and graphic violence related to the Holocaust and World War II.

Note: The guide adheres to the author’s use of Holland, an informal and somewhat dated name for the Netherlands.

Plot Summary

The Introduction provides historical context for the rise and reign of Hitler and the Nazis. After losing World War I, Germany was coerced into a peace settlement.