The Diary of Anne Frank

(This book review is based on the Definitive Edition, edited by Otto Frank and Mirjam Pressler)

Summery:

Anne Frank is a typical Jewish 14-year-old living in Holland in 1942. When World War II breaks out, she is deeply affected by the suffering of the Jews at the hands of the Germans. When Anne's sister, Margot, receives a call-up to report for a 'labor camp,' Anne's parents decide to go into hiding, believing that the call-up is not for work but for persecution by the Nazis. Anne is instructed not to disclose where they are going, say goodbye to her friends, or bring her favorite cat along with her. Despite feeling hurt, Anne understands that her parents are trying to protect her and her sister. Anne and her family move secretly to a hidden room, with a bookcase as a door, in a business apartment. This small apartment was named the Secret Annex. They lived in these cramped quarters with four other people, making it easy to step on each other's toes and get into personal spaces. Anne's diary portrays the fear, the tension, the anger, and her thoughts of living in hiding with 8 different people.

Word of Caution:

Anne never intended her diary to be read publicly when she began writing it, consequently, there were some very personal thoughts not necessarily meant to be shared. In the Definitive Edition, Anne's sexual thoughts were included as well as her discussions with Peter (a boy living in the Secret Annex with Anne's family) about it. When Peter and Anne begin to have a romantic relationship, they begin to have sexual conversations. There are other versions of Anne Frank edited by different people, which may have edited the sexual content out.

Additionally, in this biography, there are a lot of intense fights both within and between the families that involve verbal and physical abuse.

Positive Notes:

Anne Frank's Diary provides a unique and first-person perspective of the events experienced during World War II. Being a diary written by Anne, it is written from the viewpoint of a young girl, sharing her thoughts and beliefs about the politics and suffering caused by Nazi Germany. This is a compelling true story of a child living through and grappling with the challenges of that difficult period in history. Anne Frank a popular historical figure for World War II, should be on every high schooler's reading list. For more information on Anne Frank, I recommend visiting the following website: https://www.annefrank.org/en/.

Who:

Great for girls in grade 10 and up with parental guidance because of the sexual content.