Historical Fiction

The Borrowed House

By: Hilda Van Stockum

Publisher: Bethlehem Books

Copyright date: First in 1975, again in 2000

Pages: 221

Genre: Historical Fiction

Grade Level: 7th-10th

Summary: A young girl named Janna moves from Germany to Nazi occupied Amsterdam with her parents. Both of her parents are actors so Janna often finds herself alone in the big house. As a former Hitler youth, Janna is confused by all the violence in the streets and shocked by the hatred the Dutch have for the Germans. She has so many questions and wandering around the house all day, Janna starts to find the answers. 

Classroom use: This would be a great book to have students read when learning about the Holocaust. Instead of having the students read through the text book, you could give them a couple options of books about the Holocaust to choose from and read. This book, along with the Winged Watchman and a few others you may find can be given as options. Giving the students options is a great way to help them find one that they will enjoy reading more. Students can then give book reports, highlighting facts about the Holocaust that were in their book. I would have the students give more creative/interactive book reports instead of writing a paper. Ideas include; a book in a bag, drawing a new book cover, and building a diorama. 

Rating: 

	***	**	*	-	Comments
Plot	Plot is well developed with a sequence of events. The events are in good logical order. There is a clear conflict and resolution.	Plot contains a sequence of events. The events are in order but the conflict is not clear or does not contain a clear resolution.	There are events but they are not in good chronological order. The climax and resolution are lacking or not present.	Not addressed	*** The plot is well developed with a clear sequence of events. There is a clear conflict and resolution.
Characters	Characters are well developed with clear roles and contribute to the story. Reader is able to personally connect with the character(s).	Characters have clear roles within the story. Reader is not able to connect with the character(s).	Character(s) are present but do not have clear roles. Reader is not able to connect with character(s).	No characters developed	*** The characters are well developed and each has a clear role that contributes to the story.
Style and Language	Book contains precise vocabulary, figurative language, and or dialogue. When dialogue is used it is effective and not distracting.	Book contains precise vocabulary and/or figurative language. When dialogue is used it is distracting.	Book contains very little precise vocabulary and no figurative language or dialogue.	Book contains no precise vocabulary or figurative language. No dialogue is used.	*** This book contains precise vocabulary and when dialogue is used it is very important and contributes to the story.
Theme	There is a clear theme and it is easily identifiable by the story.	There is a theme but it is a little more difficult to identify.	The theme is almost impossible to identify.	There is no theme.	*** There is a clear theme in the story and it is “Things are not always as they seem”.