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Book details

A Friend Called Anne: One girl's story of War, Peace and a unique friendship withAnne Frank

A Friend Called Anne: One girl's story of War, Peace and a unique friendship withAnne Frank

Published in
2004
4.17
on Goodreads (274)

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. Although the anti-Jewish laws meant that there were few activities open to them, the girls still had a lot of fun together. They made a pact: that if one of them had to go away, then they would write the other a letter of farewell. Then, suddenly, Anne disappeared. Shortly after, Jacqueline's own life changed dramatically. Her father was Jewish, but her mother was not, and Mrs van Maarsen was able to persuade the authorities that they were not really Jewish - and so Jacqueline was able to take off the yellow star which all Jews had to wear. Jacqueline van Maarsen gives a fascinating and moving account of her friendship with Anne and the effect of her sudden disappearance. She vividly describes how she and her own family lived through the Nazi occupation and how, at the end of the war, she was finally able to read the promised farewell letter from her very best friend, Anne Frank. Written by Jacqueline van Maarsen and adapted for children by Carol Ann Lee, this will appeal to all the millions of fans of The Diary of Anne Frank.
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.