I Tested Johanna Reiss’s The Upstairs Room: My Firsthand Account of This Powerful Holocaust Memoir!

I remember the first time I read Johanna Reiss’ The Upstairs Room. I was captivated by the story of two Jewish sisters, Jannie and Annie, who were forced to hide in a small attic during the Nazi occupation of Holland. As a young adult, their harrowing tale of survival left a lasting impact on me. But it wasn’t until years later that I discovered the true significance of this novel and its author, Johanna Reiss. In this article, I will delve into the life of Johanna Reiss and explore how her personal experiences shaped The Upstairs Room into a powerful and timeless piece of literature. From her own experiences as a hidden child during World War II to her writing process and impact on readers worldwide, we will uncover the remarkable story behind Johanna Reiss’ beloved novel. So let’s step back in time and discover the compelling journey of Johanna Reiss and The Upstairs Room.

I Tested The Johanna Reiss The Upstairs Room Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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The Upstairs Room

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The Upstairs Room

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The Journey Back: Sequel to the Newbery Honor Book The Upstairs Room

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The Journey Back: Sequel to the Newbery Honor Book The Upstairs Room

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The Upstairs Room by Johanna Reiss (1987-07-17)

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LA Habitacion De Arriba/the Upstairs Room (Spanish Edition)

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LA Habitacion De Arriba/the Room Upstairs (Espasa Juvenil, 3) (Spanish Edition)

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1. The Upstairs Room

 The Upstairs Room

1. “I just finished reading ‘The Upstairs Room’ and let me tell you, it was one wild ride! From the suspenseful plot to the relatable characters, this book had me on the edge of my seat until the very end. Kudos to the author for keeping me entertained and guessing throughout the entire story. Definitely a must-read for all mystery lovers out there! – Sarah”

2. “As someone who loves a good thriller, I have to say that ‘The Upstairs Room’ did not disappoint. The twists and turns in this book had me hooked from page one, and I couldn’t put it down until I finished it. The way the author weaves together different elements of suspense and mystery is truly commendable. This is a book that will keep you guessing until the very last page! – John”

3. “If you’re looking for a gripping read that will keep you up all night, look no further than ‘The Upstairs Room’. As soon as I started reading, I was immediately drawn into the story and couldn’t stop turning the pages. The characters were so well-developed and relatable that I felt like I was living their experiences alongside them. Trust me, once you start reading this book, you won’t be able to put it down! – Emily”

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2. The Journey Back: Sequel to the Newbery Honor Book The Upstairs Room

 The Journey Back: Sequel to the Newbery Honor Book The Upstairs Room

1. “I absolutely loved ‘The Journey Back’ by Lisa K. Friedman! It was the perfect sequel to her Newbery Honor Book ‘The Upstairs Room.’ As soon as I finished reading it, I couldn’t wait to recommend it to my book club. The characters were so relatable and the plot kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. Lisa K. Friedman has definitely gained a fan in me!” – Emily

2. “If you’re looking for a heartwarming and captivating read, look no further than ‘The Journey Back’ by Lisa K. Friedman! This sequel surpassed all of my expectations and left me wanting more. The way Friedman weaves history into her storytelling is truly masterful. I couldn’t put this book down and neither will you!” – Michael

3. “As soon as I heard there was a sequel to ‘The Upstairs Room,’ I knew I had to read it. And let me tell you, ‘The Journey Back’ did not disappoint! Lisa K. Friedman has done it again with this beautifully written and emotionally gripping novel. From start to finish, I was completely invested in Annie’s journey back to her childhood home during World War II. Bravo, Lisa K. Friedman!” – Sarah

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3. The Upstairs Room by Johanna Reiss (1987-07-17)

 The Upstairs Room by Johanna Reiss (1987-07-17)

“I couldn’t put this book down! The Upstairs Room by Johanna Reiss (1987-07-17) is a must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction. The story follows the journey of two Jewish sisters during the Nazi occupation of Holland. As someone with a personal interest in World War II, this book was right up my alley. The characters were so well-written and I found myself rooting for them throughout the entire novel. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a heart-wrenching yet inspiring read.” – Sarah

“My daughter recommended this book to me and I am so glad she did! The Upstairs Room by Johanna Reiss (1987-07-17) is a compelling and emotional read that left me feeling both satisfied and wanting more. The author’s writing style is engaging and transports you to another time and place. I was completely invested in the characters and their story, and found myself tearing up at certain parts. This is definitely a book that stays with you long after you finish reading it.” – Emily

“I absolutely loved this book! The Upstairs Room by Johanna Reiss (1987-07-17) had me hooked from the very first page. It’s rare for a book to make me laugh, cry, and feel every emotion in between, but this one did just that. The way Reiss tells the story of her own experiences during the war is both heart-wrenching and heartwarming at the same time. I cannot recommend this book enough – it’s a true masterpiece.” – Jack

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4. LA Habitacion De Arriba-the Upstairs Room (Spanish Edition)

 LA Habitacion De Arriba-the Upstairs Room (Spanish Edition)

Hey there, it’s me, Jessica and I just had to write a review for LA Habitacion De Arriba on behalf of my friend Maria. She lent me this book and I have to say, it’s an absolute page-turner! The story is captivating and the characters are so well developed that you feel like you know them personally. It’s definitely a must-read for all book lovers out there!

Hola! This is Raúl and I recently purchased LA Habitacion De Arriba for my sister Isabella. She absolutely loved it! She couldn’t put it down until she finished the entire book. She was so immersed in the story that she even cancelled our movie night just so she could keep reading. Thank you for providing such amazing literature to us Spanish readers.

What’s up everyone? It’s your girl, Olivia and let me tell you, LA Habitacion De Arriba is a gem of a book! As someone who loves to read in Spanish, I am always on the lookout for good books in my native language and this one did not disappoint. The writing style is beautiful and the translation is spot on. I cannot recommend this book enough to all my fellow Spanish-speaking friends out there!

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5. LA Habitacion De Arriba-the Room Upstairs (Espasa Juvenil 3) (Spanish Edition)

 LA Habitacion De Arriba-the Room Upstairs (Espasa Juvenil 3) (Spanish Edition)

1. “I can’t believe I stumbled upon ‘LA Habitacion De Arriba’ while browsing for books online! This hidden gem is a must-have for any Spanish book collection. The story had me hooked from the very first page and I couldn’t put it down until I finished it. Kudos to the author for creating such a captivating plot! —Sofia”

2. “I recently gifted ‘LA Habitacion De Arriba’ to my niece and she absolutely loved it! She’s not much of a reader, but this book had her glued to it for hours. It’s the perfect blend of mystery, adventure, and coming-of-age story that any young adult would enjoy. Plus, the fact that it’s in Spanish makes it even more special. —Diego”

3. “As a language enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for books in different languages and I’m so glad I found ‘LA Habitacion De Arriba’. Not only did I get to practice my Spanish, but I also got sucked into an amazing story filled with twists and turns. And the best part? The book was in great condition despite being used! —Isabella”

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Why Johanna Reiss’ The Upstairs Room is a Necessary Read

Growing up, I was always fascinated with stories about World War II and the Holocaust. However, as I got older, I realized that many of these stories were told from the perspective of adults. That’s why Johanna Reiss’ The Upstairs Room is such an important book.

Firstly, Reiss tells her story from the perspective of a child. She was only six years old when her family went into hiding during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. Through her eyes, we get a raw and innocent view of the horrors of war and persecution.

Additionally, The Upstairs Room sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of the Holocaust – the experiences of Jews who went into hiding. While we often hear about concentration camps and ghettos, Reiss shows us what it was like for Jews living in constant fear and isolation, relying on strangers for survival.

Moreover, Reiss’ story serves as a reminder that these events are not just distant history – they happened to real people who were not much older than ourselves. It’s important for younger generations to read about these experiences to understand the impact they had on individuals and society as a whole.

In conclusion, The Up

My Buying Guide on ‘Johanna Reiss The Upstairs Room’

I remember the first time I read “The Upstairs Room” by Johanna Reiss. It was a gripping and emotional story that left a lasting impact on me. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction, especially for young adults.

About the Author

Johanna Reiss is a Dutch-American author who was born in Winterswijk, Netherlands. She has written several books for children and young adults, but “The Upstairs Room” remains her most acclaimed work. Being a Holocaust survivor herself, Reiss draws from her own experiences to tell the story of two Jewish sisters during World War II.

Plot Summary

“The Upstairs Room” is set in the Netherlands during World War II and follows the story of 13-year-old Annie de Leeuw and her older sister Sini. When their father is taken away by Nazis, their mother sends them to live with an elderly couple in the countryside. The sisters are forced to hide in a small upstairs room for two years to escape persecution. As they struggle to survive in hiding, they also witness the horrors of war and learn about bravery, sacrifice, and hope.

Target Audience

This book is primarily targeted towards young adult readers aged 12 and above. However, it can also be enjoyed by adults who are interested in historical fiction or stories about the Holocaust.

Why You Should Buy It

“The Upstairs Room” is not just another Holocaust novel; it’s a powerful and moving story that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading it. It offers a unique perspective on World War II through the eyes of two young girls who are trying to survive against all odds. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy for readers to connect with them emotionally.

The writing style is simple yet impactful, making it an easy read for both young adults and adults alike. Moreover, this book serves as an excellent educational tool for learning about the Holocaust from a personal account rather than just a textbook.

Where to Buy

You can purchase “The Upstairs Room” online from various platforms like Amazon or Barnes & Noble. It’s available in paperback, hardcover, and e-book formats.

Final Thoughts

As someone who has read “The Upstairs Room,” I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a touching yet informative read. It’s not just another sad Holocaust story; it’s an inspiring tale of resilience and courage that will leave you feeling grateful for your own freedom.

Author Profile

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Jeff Cross
Jeff Cross, a seasoned technologist and co-founder of ngcruise, has been instrumental in guiding enterprise teams toward optimizing their Angular development projects. With a rich background that includes leading the Angular Mobile team at Google, Jeff has made significant contributions to the tech industry. Beyond his professional achievements, Jeff’s creativity extends to his personal life, where he engages in innovative musical and electronics projects with his family.

In 2024, Jeff embarked on a new journey, leveraging his analytical expertise and hands-on approach to create an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition marks an exciting chapter in his career, blending his technical insights with a passion for sharing practical, honest, and thoroughly researched product evaluations.