The Diary of a Young Girl (Penguin Joint Venture Readers)
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What’s inside...
Anne Frank was 13 years old when she and her family went into hiding in a secret room in Amsterdam to escape the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands during World War II. For two years, they lived in this hidden annex, and Anne documented their experiences in her diary, which has become one of the most famous and poignant accounts of the Holocaust. 'Penguin Readers' is a series of simplified books designed to help students at all levels improve their English reading skills. The series offers a range of titles, from 'Easystarts' with a 200-word vocabulary to Level 6 (Advanced) with a 3000-word vocabulary, and includes classics, contemporary works, and originals. Each book includes exercises to aid in vocabulary building, comprehension, discussion, and writing. Some titles are available with accompanying audio cassettes or 'Penguin Readers Factsheets' to provide additional learning material.
Age
13-18
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Anne Frank
Bep Voskuijl
Miep Gies
Auguste Van Pels
Margot Frank
Edith Frank
Johannes Kleiman
Victor Kugler
Fritz Pfeffer
Peter Van Pels
Hermann Van Pels
Otto Frank
Discussion points
How do you think Anne felt while writing her diary in hiding, and what emotions do you think you might experience in a similar situation?
Why do you think Anne decided to write a diary, and what do you think it meant to her?
What can we learn from the way Anne and her family faced their challenges?
How do Anne's hopes and dreams compare with yours?
What does Anne’s story teach us about the importance of tolerance and understanding different people?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin your conversation by sharing your own thoughts on Anne’s bravery and resilience. This shows you are engaged and value the book's themes. Emphasize the historical context of Anne’s diary to help your child understand the different world she lived in, yet highlight the universal feelings and experiences she describes that are relatable today. Allow your child to express their feelings about the book openly, and relate the discussions back to their personal experiences, hopes, and fears. This can deepen their empathy and understanding. Lastly, encourage them to think about what messages they take away from Anne’s diary and how it might influence their actions or thoughts about the world.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Anne Frank's diary provides an intimate glimpse into her life during a time of extreme hardship. By sharing her fears, hopes, and dreams, Anne helps readers understand the impacts of war on individuals.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to appreciate and understand diverse perspectives and backgrounds, fostering empathy towards others in their own interactions.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Hope and Perseverance
Explanation: Despite the oppressive circumstances Anne faced, her writing often reflects hope and a belief in the goodness of people. She perseveres through her most challenging days with dignity.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to maintain hope and continue striving towards their goals, even in face of difficulties, instilling resilience.
Example Lesson: The Value of Self-Expression
Explanation: Through her diary, Anne expresses herself creatively and candidly, which serves as a critical outlet during her confinement.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to use writing or other forms of art as a healthy outlet for expressing their emotions and thoughts, enhancing their emotional intelligence and coping skills.
Example Lesson: Historical Awareness and Learning from the Past
Explanation: The personal nature of Anne's diary helps young readers understand historical events from a relatable, human perspective, highlighting the real human costs of conflict.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to learn about and from history, promoting a deeper understanding of the world and the importance of peace.
Example Lesson: The Power of Privacy
Explanation: Anne's diary was her private sanctuary. The book teaches respect for others' privacy as a fundamental aspect of human dignity.
Real-World Application: By understanding the importance of privacy, children can learn to respect personal boundaries and the confidentiality of information shared with them.