96 pages 3 hours read

Monica Hesse

Girl in the Blue Coat

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2016

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Girl in the Blue Coat by Monica Hesse follows 18-year-old Hanneke Bakker during Nazi-occupied Amsterdam in January 1943. Hanneke, still mourning her boyfriend Bas, secretly works in the black market and is asked by Mrs. Janssen to find a missing Jewish girl named Mirjam. As she searches, Hanneke becomes involved with the resistance, discovering strength and building new relationships, ultimately bringing her to reconcile with her past. This novel contains depictions of war-time atrocities and references to the Holocaust.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Girl in the Blue Coat by Monica Hesse offers a harrowing, well-researched historical fiction set in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam. Praised for its rich detail and emotional depth, the novel captivates with a strong, relatable protagonist. However, some readers find its mystery elements somewhat predictable. Overall, it's an engaging read for YA and history enthusiasts alike.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Girl in the Blue Coat?

A reader who would enjoy Girl in the Blue Coat by Monica Hesse is likely someone with an interest in historical fiction, particularly World War II narratives. Fans of The Book Thief by Markus Zusak or Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein would appreciate the compelling blend of history, mystery, and strong character development.

Recommended

Reading Age

14-18years

Lexile Level

720L

Book Details

Themes

Relationships: Friendship

Genre

Realistic Fiction

Mystery / Crime Fiction

Historical Fiction

Period

WWII / World War II

Topics

Military / War

History: World