Book details
A Friend Called Anne: One girl's story of War, Peace and a unique friendship withAnne Frank
Description
This is the true story of two best friends, one of whom was Anne Frank. Since their first meeting at school in Amsterdam in September 1941, Jacqueline van Maarsen and Anne Frank were inseparable. The anti-Jewish laws limited their activities, but they still had fun together and made a pact to write farewell letters if one had to leave. Anne suddenly disappeared, and Jacqueline's life changed when her mother convinced the authorities they were not Jewish, allowing Jacqueline to remove her yellow star. Jacqueline van Maarsen recounts her friendship with Anne, the impact of her disappearance, her family's survival during the Nazi occupation, and finally reading Anne's farewell letter after the war. The book is written by Jacqueline van Maarsen and adapted for children by Carol Ann Lee.
Age
8-12
Text complexity
advanced
Length
144 pages
Why to read
- Historical Insight: The book provides a deeply personal and unique perspective on the Holocaust, offering readers a chance to learn about this significant period in history through the eyes of someone who experienced it alongside Anne Frank.
- Unique Friendship: It explores the special bond between the author and Anne Frank, giving an intimate look at Anne's life and personality, which goes beyond her famous diary and adds depth to our understanding of her as a person.
- Inspiration and Resilience: The story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. It serves as an inspiration to readers, showing how friendship and hope can persist even in the darkest of times.
- Educational Value: Reading this book can educate people of all ages about the importance of tolerance, the dangers of discrimination, and the impact of war on individuals and society, making it a valuable resource for both personal growth and academic study.