Diary of Anne Frank

                                           A Biography 

I remember reading Diary of Anne Frank multiple times throughout my education.  I was first exposed to it in the fourth grade while learning about World War II and the Nazis. I read it again in high school for a project on World Ware II and again during my undergrad for a literature course.  I think this book is used often in schools and colleges because it exposes the atrocities of The Holocaust through the eyes of a child.  Children are often more perceptive and sensitive to their environment than adults.  I think Anne Frank's age (thirteen years old) during the time she wrote her diary influenced the feel, tone, and accuracy of the book. 

Anne's feelings and attitudes are typical of most girls her age during the time and even now.  Anne expresses her longing for approval and acceptance by her peers and her feelings towards the opposite sex (she has a "crush" on her teacher). Middle and high school readers can highly relate to Anne, which makes her Diary so much more powerful than if it were written by an adult. Student's will begin to understand the magnitude of tragedy and realism contained in the book. Many might think, "Anne is so much like me or someone I would be friends with. I can't believe something this tragic happened to her." The relationship the reader develops with Anne causes the impact of The Holocaust to "hit closer to home." 

Anne's Diary was found and published years after her death. The most eerie segment of the book is the ending when Anne and her family are found during "hiding." The reader is left with the knowledge that Anne was found but her experience after is not discussed, which causes the reader to feel deep sadness as well as wonder. A note at the end in the book reveals that Anne died in a concentration camp. Readers will most likely wonder about the pain and suffering she endured after studying the Nazis and concentration camps during World War II. It is important for teachers to discuss this book with their students to help them better understand hate, discrimination, genocide, and the power of brainwashing all associated with the Nazi party during The Holocaust. 

Teachers can also use this website to plan lessons and support class discussion: http://www.annefrank.org/