New Releases by Johanna Reiss

For years, Johanna Reiss’ American husband, Jim, encouraged her to return to Holland to chronicle the two years, seven months, and one day she had spent hiding from the Nazis in rural Usselo, Holland. In 1969, she finally made the trip. Accompanied by Jim and their two young children, Reiss intended to spend seven weeks researching the book that would eventually become The Upstairs Room, her Newbery Honor–winning account of her time hiding in the attic of a farmhouse in which for a time a contingent of Nazi soldiers was billeted. But unknown to the millions of people who went on to read her beloved classic, behind the dark and painful story of the book was a still darker tale: Reiss’ husband returned to America early and committed suicide at age thirty-seven, leaving no note. For Reiss, an ongoing reckoning with universal tragedy becomes particular: she is forced to reckon, too, with Jim’s death—and explain it to her children. Subtle and disturbing, the book is a powerful consideration of memory, violence, and loss, told in a stunning and sparse narrative style.

Eine Kindheit im besetzten Holland Herbst 1941: Als die Deutschen die Niederlande besetzen, geraten die neunjährige Annie und ihre Schwester in große Gefahr – weil sie Juden sind. Hilfreiche Bauern verstecken die beiden Schwestern in einer kleinen Kammer auf dem Dachboden. Fast drei Jahre leben sie dort in drangvoller Enge und sehnen sich nach frischer Luft und Bewegung, nach einem normalen Kinderleben und fürchten sich vor dem Entdecktwerden bei den häufigen Hausdurchsuchungen. Mit einem aktuellen Interview mit der Autorin und weiterem Zusatzmaterial.

In this sequel to the beloved Newbery Honor-winning book "The Upstairs Room," Annie, a young Jewish girl, continues her dangerous journey in the aftermath of war. A true story. Holland, 1945. World War II has finally ended. After almost three years of hiding from the Nazis, thirteen-year-old Annie has survived the war against all odds. But can she save her family from being torn apart when she returns to her war-ravaged town? In this fascinating autobiographical account, Johanna Reiss shows us that courage isn''t reserved just for the battlefield. Her story demonstrates the power of hope and the human spirit to survive despite the chaos, tragedy, and horror of war. Now includes photos and an interview with the author.

This Newbery Honor-winning book shows us that in the steady courage of a young girl lies a profound strength that can transcend the horrors of war. This is the true story of a girl''s extraordinary survival during the German occupation of Holland of World War II. Annie was only ten years old, but because she was Jewish, she was forced to leave her family, her home, and everything she knew. Annie was taken in, far from home, by complete strangers who risked everything to help her. They showed Annie where she had to stay - the cramped upstairs room of their farmhouse. She would remain there while Nazis, who were ever vigilant, patrolled the streets outside. If Annie made even a sound from upstairs, or if a nosy neighbor caught sight of her in the window, it would surely mean a death sentence for her and the family that took her in. Elie Wiesel writes, “This admirable account is as important in every aspect as the one bequeathed to us by Anne Frank." A Newbery Medal Honor Book, ALA Notable Book, and winner of the Jewish Book Council Children’s Book Award. Be sure to read the moving sequel "The Journey Back" by Johanna Reiss.

Separated from their parents, Annie and her sister are taken in by a Dutch farmer and hidden in an upstairs room of a farmhouse during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands.

After spending three years hiding from the Nazis, a Jewish family is reunitedand begins the job of rebuilding their country and family.

A Life in Hiding When the German army occupied Holland, Annie de Leeuw was eight years old. Because she was Jewish, the occupation put her in grave danger-she knew that to stay alive she would have to hide. Fortunately, a Gentile family, the Oostervelds, offered to help. For two years they hid Annie and her sister, Sini, in the cramped upstairs room of their farmhouse. Most people thought the war wouldn''t last long. But for Annie and Sini -- separated from their family and confined to one tiny room -- the war seemed to go on forever. In the part of the marketplace where flowers had been sold twice a week-tulips in the spring, roses in the summer-stood German tanks and German soldiers. Annie de Leeuw was eight years old in 1940 when the Germans attacked Holland and marched into the town of Winterswijk where she lived. Annie was ten when, because she was Jewish and in great danger of being cap-tured by the invaders, she and her sister Sini had to leave their father, mother, and older sister Rachel to go into hiding in the upstairs room of a remote farmhouse. Johanna de Leeuw Reiss has written a remarkably fresh and moving account of her own experiences as a young girl during World War II. Like many adults she was innocent of the German plans for Jews, and she might have gone to a labor camp as scores of families did. "It won''t be for long and the Germans have told us we''ll be treated well," those families said. "What can happen?" They did not know, and they could not imagine.... But millions of Jews found out. Mrs. Reiss''s picture of the Oosterveld family with whom she lived, and of Annie and Sini, reflects a deep spirit of optimism, a faith in the ingenuity, backbone, and even humor with which ordinary human beings meet extraordinary challenges. In the steady, matter-of-fact, day-by-day courage they all showed lies a profound strength that transcends the horrors of the long and frightening war. Here is a memorable book, one that will be read and reread for years to come.

Een jong gezin op Schouwen moet in 1953 vluchten voor de watersnoodramp.

Ervaringen van een dertienjarig Joods meisje tijdens het eerste jaar na de Tweede Wereldoorlog toen zij na haar onderduikperiode in het herenigd gezin en in het zich van de onderdrukking herstellend Nederland haar weg moest vinden.