Anne Frank's Story

Rating

The life story of Anne Frank, from her early happy childhood in Frankfurt, growing up in Amsterdam, her two years in hiding and the last few months of her life in the concentration camps. Narrated in six clearly written chapters, this biography for children answers the many detailed questions about Anne that readers of the Diary often have, and includes interesting anecdotes from friends who survived her. There is an Historical Note at the beginning of the book and a map of Europe, so that children will be able to understand the situation at the time, and there will be an Introduction by Michael Rosen (tbc).

About the Author

Carol Ann Lee collected Anne Frank memorabilia, including first editions of the Diary in any language, from an early age. Although not Jewish, she developed an interest in the Holocaust and identified with Anne Frank. She studied history of art and design at university and then followed her early interest and interviewed Holocaust survivors and worked in the Manchester Jewish Museum. She has worked for the Anne Frank Trust and on its touring exhibitions. Carol Ann now lives in Amsterdam.

Reviews

Gr 4-6-This well-researched work explores the girl's life before, during, and after her time in hiding from the Nazis. Lee is obviously taken with her subject but does not fall prey to hero worship. In a clear, engaging style, she shares details of Anne's life, including a letter to an American pen pal. Dialogue is carefully footnoted, as is any mention of feelings or opinions. Black-and-white photographs of the Frank family and the Annex are included. The book offers speculation about who might have betrayed the Franks and ends with a discussion of memorials to Anne around the world. Sandor Katz's Anne Frank (Chelsea, 1996; o.p.) does not have as much information about Anne's life before hiding; Johanna Hurwitz's Anne Frank (JPS, 1988) does not have photographs. This solid biography will supplement classroom study and is a good choice for reports or leisure reading.-Martha Link, Louisville Free Public Library, KY Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.