The Upstairs Room.

Joanna Reiss’s The Upstairs Room (1972) is a poignant autobiographical novel that recounts the author’s experiences as a Jewish child hiding in Nazi-occupied Holland during World War II. Written from the perspective of Annie de Leeuw, a fictionalized version of the author, the narrative explores themes of fear, resilience, and the loss of innocence as Annie and her sister Sini take refuge in the upstairs room of a Dutch farmhouse. The novel vividly portrays the psychological and emotional toll of hiding, as well as the courage and humanity of the Oosterveld family, the non-Jewish farmers who risked their lives to shelter the girls. Through its simple yet powerful prose, The Upstairs Room provides a child's-eye view of the Holocaust, emphasizing the personal and familial dimensions of survival during a period of immense historical trauma. Awarded the Newbery Honor, the book is both a compelling historical account and a testament to the enduring spirit of compassion and hope amidst adversity. It serves as a valuable resource for understanding the Holocaust through a young person's perspective.