The Borrowed House — Content Guide for Parents
Themes present
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Content themes
Factual summary of themes present in this book. No opinion — just the facts.
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Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
During World War II a young German girl, who has been indoctrinated into the Hitler Youth, travels to occupied Amsterdam to rejoin her parents then comes to realize the truth about the war. New introduction by the author's son, John Tepper Marlin.
"So, you're falsifying papers?" said Janna. "You belong to the Dutch Resistance." She looked at him curiously.
The boy shrugged his shoulders. "You could call it that. I'm just helping the van Arkels rescue innocent people from certain death. They need these identification papers and food cards to keep alive. If you betray me, all these people will either starve or be forced to give themselves up to be sent to the gas chambers of a concentration camp."
"Gas chambers?" Janna looked at the boy with horror. "You mean ... they are killed?"
The book looked sternly at her. "Do you think," he said, "that Germany is sending Jews to a nice vacation spa, or to pretty villages with geraniums in the windows? That's what they told us at first, though in Holland we never believed it."
This book is based on a true story, and even though it deals with some hard issues brought about by the German occupation of Amsterdam, it provides an opportunity to discuss World War II from a unique perspective.
Frequently asked questions
Is The Borrowed House appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The narrative includes depictions of violence related to World War II, including Janna's observations of the hatred and violence in the streets, as well as her realization about the fate of Jews during the war. No scary content or themes detected in the search results.
Does The Borrowed House have violence?
The narrative includes depictions of violence related to World War II, including Janna's observations of the hatred and violence in the streets, as well as her realization about the fate of Jews during the war.
Does The Borrowed House have scary content?
No scary content or themes detected in the search results.
Does The Borrowed House have religious themes?
The book discusses the importance of faith and hope during difficult times, particularly in a context where characters face moral dilemmas. It reflects on how religion plays a role in maintaining humanity amidst adversity, suggesting a positive framing of faith.
Does The Borrowed House have racial/cultural content?
The book addresses themes of racial and political beliefs through the protagonist's experiences as she confronts the Dutch hatred for Germans during the war. It explores her reexamination of these beliefs, indicating a critical approach to indoctrination.
Does The Borrowed House have profanity?
No profanity detected in the search results.
Does The Borrowed House have climate change?
No climate themes detected in the search results.
Does The Borrowed House have sexual identity?
No sexual content detected in the search results.
Does The Borrowed House have gender roles?
No specific gender roles or themes detected in the search results.
Does The Borrowed House have lgbtq+ themes?
No LGBTQ+ themes or characters detected in the search results for 'The Borrowed House'.
