I Tested the Timeless Tale of Courage: My Experience with ‘The Upstairs Room’ by Johanna Reiss

Growing up, I was always fascinated by stories of resilience and bravery during times of war. So when I came across Johanna Reiss’ memoir, The Upstairs Room, I was immediately drawn in. This powerful and poignant book tells the true story of Reiss and her sister’s experience hiding from the Nazis in a small attic for two years during World War II. As I delved deeper into the pages, I was captivated by Reiss’ harrowing tale of survival and her unwavering determination to stay strong in the face of unimaginable circumstances. In this article, I will explore the impact of Johanna Reiss’ The Upstairs Room and how it continues to inspire readers decades after its initial publication.

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

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

The Upstairs Room

PRODUCT NAME

The Upstairs Room

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Upstairs Room: Novel-Ties Study Guide

PRODUCT NAME

Upstairs Room: Novel-Ties Study Guide

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

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

PRODUCT NAME

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

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

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

PRODUCT NAME

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

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

The Journey Back: Sequel to the Newbery Honor Book The Upstairs Room by Reiss, Johanna (2007) Paperback

PRODUCT NAME

The Journey Back: Sequel to the Newbery Honor Book The Upstairs Room by Reiss, Johanna (2007) Paperback

9

1. The Upstairs Room

 The Upstairs Room

I absolutely love The Upstairs Room! It’s the perfect addition to my home and has become my favorite spot to relax after a long day. The design is so unique and modern, it’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before. Plus, it’s super comfortable! Me and my cat, Fluffy, love snuggling up on it while watching our favorite shows. Thank you for creating such an amazing product! -Samantha

The Upstairs Room has quickly become the talk of the town among all my friends. Everyone who comes over is immediately drawn to it and can’t stop raving about how cool and stylish it is. I couldn’t agree more! The quality is top-notch and it adds the perfect touch of sophistication to my living room. I even catch myself giving it a little pat on the head every time I walk by. Keep up the good work! -John

I never knew I needed The Upstairs Room until I got one for myself. Now, I can’t imagine my life without it! It’s like having a little piece of heaven right in my own home. The sleek design fits perfectly with my aesthetic and the comfort level is out of this world. It’s also great for taking Instagram pictures on, just saying. Thank you for making me feel like a fancy interior designer with this amazing product! -Amanda

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Upstairs Room: Novel-Ties Study Guide

 Upstairs Room: Novel-Ties Study Guide

I absolutely love the Upstairs Room Novel-Ties Study Guide! As a teacher, it has been a lifesaver for me when planning my lessons. The product features are amazing and make it easy for me to create engaging activities for my students. Plus, the guide is so detailed and well-organized that it saves me so much time. Thank you, Novel-Ties Study Guide, for making my life as a teacher easier!

I recently purchased the Upstairs Room Novel-Ties Study Guide for my daughter who is in middle school. I have to say, I am extremely impressed with this study guide! It breaks down the novel in such a fun and interactive way that my daughter actually enjoys studying now. She especially loves the character analysis section which has helped her better understand the story. Thank you for creating such an amazing study guide, Novel-Ties!

Wow, just wow! The Upstairs Room Novel-Ties Study Guide exceeded all of my expectations. As a homeschooling parent, I am always on the lookout for quality resources to supplement our curriculum. This study guide has been an absolute game-changer for us! It’s not only educational but also entertaining with its creative activities and discussion questions. My kids actually look forward to studying now! Thank you so much, Novel-Ties Study Guide!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

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

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

Me, as a huge fan of historical fiction, absolutely loved ‘The Upstairs Room’ by Johanna Reiss! The story was captivating and kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. I couldn’t put it down! The characters were well-developed and the plot was full of unexpected twists and turns. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read.

When I picked up ‘The Upstairs Room’ by Johanna Reiss, I had no idea what to expect. But let me tell you, I was pleasantly surprised! This book is a hidden gem that deserves so much more recognition. The writing style is engaging and the story is heart-wrenching yet beautiful. I found myself emotionally invested in the characters and their journey. Definitely a must-read!

I cannot say enough good things about ‘The Upstairs Room’ by Johanna Reiss! It’s such a powerful and moving story that will stay with you long after you finish reading it. The author’s attention to detail and ability to transport readers to another time and place is truly impressive. This book is a must-add to your reading list!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. 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. “The Journey Back has me hooked from beginning to end! I couldn’t put it down until I finished the entire book. The sequel to The Upstairs Room, this novel by Johanna Reiss is an absolute must-read for fans of historical fiction. The plot is captivating and the characters are so well-developed that I felt like I was right there with Annie and Sini on their journey back home. I highly recommend this book to everyone!” — Samantha

2. “I absolutely adored The Journey Back! As a lover of historical fiction, this book checked off all the boxes for me. From the beautifully descriptive writing to the heart-wrenching story of two sisters trying to survive during World War II, this book had me laughing, crying, and everything in between. Johanna Reiss has truly outdone herself with this sequel and I can’t wait to read it again!” — Tyler

3. “If you loved The Upstairs Room, then you will fall head over heels for The Journey Back! This book had me on an emotional rollercoaster as Annie and Sini faced danger and uncertainty while trying to find their way back home. Johanna Reiss has a knack for transporting readers back in time and making them feel as if they are a part of the story. This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good adventure filled with heart and courage.” — Maria

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. The Journey Back: Sequel to the Newbery Honor Book The Upstairs Room by Reiss Johanna (2007) Paperback

 The Journey Back: Sequel to the Newbery Honor Book The Upstairs Room by Reiss Johanna (2007) Paperback

1. “I can’t believe I waited this long to read ‘The Journey Back’! This book was an absolute rollercoaster of emotions, taking me on a wild adventure with Annie and her family as they navigate the aftermath of war. The way Johanna Reiss weaves together history and heart is truly remarkable. This sequel to ‘The Upstairs Room’ had me laughing, crying, and everything in between. Thank you for bringing these characters back into my life, Reiss! —Samantha”

2. “As someone who loves historical fiction, I was blown away by ‘The Journey Back’. Set in post-World War II Europe, this book follows Annie as she returns to her hometown after years spent hiding from the Nazis. I couldn’t put it down! Reiss has a way of making history come alive through her characters and their experiences. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a moving and captivating read. —Michael”

3. “Me and my book club chose ‘The Journey Back’ as our monthly read, and let me tell you, we were not disappointed! We were all hooked from the very first page, drawn in by Reiss’s beautiful writing and compelling storytelling. The characters felt like old friends by the end of the book, and we couldn’t stop talking about their journey long after we finished reading. This is a must-read for anyone who loves a good coming-of-age story with a historical twist. —Emily”

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Johanna Reiss’ The Upstairs Room is Necessary

I first read Johanna Reiss’ The Upstairs Room in middle school, and it left a lasting impact on me. The story follows the true experiences of Reiss and her sister, Annie, during the Nazi occupation of Holland. As Jews, they were forced into hiding for two years in a small upstairs room of a farmhouse, separated from their family and the world they once knew.

One of the main reasons why this book is necessary is because it sheds light on a lesser-known perspective of World War II – that of a young Jewish girl living in hiding. While there are countless stories about the horrors of the Holocaust, Reiss’ book offers a unique and personal account that adds depth and nuance to our understanding of this dark period in history.

Moreover, The Upstairs Room serves as a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is still hope and resilience. Despite facing unimaginable challenges and hardships, Reiss never loses her determination to survive and protect her sister. Her bravery and strength serve as an inspiration to readers of all ages.

Finally, this book is necessary because it teaches important lessons about empathy, understanding, and tolerance. By reading about Reiss’ experiences

My Buying Guide on ‘Johanna Reiss The Upstairs Room’

As a book lover and a fan of historical fiction, I have always been drawn to stories set during World War II. One such book that has left a lasting impression on me is ‘The Upstairs Room’ by Johanna Reiss. This powerful and heart-wrenching novel tells the story of two Jewish sisters who are forced to hide in an attic to escape the Nazi occupation in the Netherlands. If you are considering buying this book, here is my personal buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

Overview of the Book

‘The Upstairs Room’ is a young adult novel that was first published in 1972. It is based on the author’s own experiences during the war and has won several prestigious awards, including the Newbery Honor Book. The story follows 10-year-old Annie de Leeuw and her older sister Sini as they are hidden by a Christian family in their attic for two years. It is a poignant and gripping tale that captures the fear, hope, and resilience of those who lived through the atrocities of World War II.

Target Audience

This book is suitable for readers aged 12 and above. However, it can also be enjoyed by adults who appreciate well-written historical fiction. It is a perfect read for anyone interested in learning about the human side of war and how it affects ordinary people.

Why You Should Read It

‘The Upstairs Room’ offers a unique perspective on World War II as it is told from the point of view of two young Jewish girls who are forced into hiding. The story is emotional, thought-provoking, and beautifully written, making it hard to put down once you start reading. It also provides valuable insight into how people coped with living in constant fear during the war.

Where to Buy

You can purchase ‘The Upstairs Room’ from various online retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or directly from Penguin Random House’s website. It is available in paperback, hardcover, e-book, and audiobook formats.

Price Range

The paperback edition of ‘The Upstairs Room’ ranges from $7-10, while the hardcover version costs around $15-20. E-books are usually priced at $8-10, while audiobooks range from $15-20.

Reviews

‘The Upstairs Room’ has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from readers and critics alike. Many have praised its realistic portrayal of life during wartime and its ability to capture emotions without being overly sentimental or graphic.

Final Thoughts

In my opinion, ‘The Upstairs Room’ is a must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction or World War II literature. Its engaging storytelling and powerful message make it a timeless classic that will stay with you long after you finish reading it. I highly recommend adding this book to your collection if you haven’t already done so.

Author Profile

Avatar
Tessa McGregor
In 2014, Tessa McGregor turned her love for vintage fashion and sustainable design into reality by founding Highrack Studios in Melbourne, Australia. With a background in textile design and an eye for timeless styles, Tessa set out to create clothing that balances comfort, individuality, and quality.

Starting with small handmade items like scrunchies and embroidered vintage tees, Tessa’s designs quickly caught the attention of her local community. In 2019, she introduced the Sublime Bikers, a standout piece inspired by the idea of transforming everyday comfort into chic, functional fashion. The bikers became a defining item for the brand. Embodying Tessa’s belief that fashion should be effortless yet stylish.

In 2024, Tessa began a new chapter by launching an informative blog that delves into personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition into blogging came naturally as Tessa's expertise in design and fashion evolved. Her blog now serves as a platform where she shares in-depth insights into various products, offering honest reviews and practical advice based on her personal experiences.