Anne Frank was born on June 12, 1929, in Frankfurt, Germany. Her full name was Annelies Marie Frank. She was a young Jewish girl who became famous for her diary, which tells a story of hope and bravery. Anne’s parents were Otto Frank, a businessman, and Edith Frank, who took care of Anne and her older sister, Margot. Anne was a lively and cheerful girl who loved collecting photos and postcards of movie stars.
Even though Anne’s life was happy, things were changing in Germany. Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party were gaining power, and Jewish families like Anne’s felt unsafe. To find safety, the Frank family moved to the Netherlands. But their peace didn’t last long because the Nazis invaded the Netherlands in 1941. Anne had to switch from a public school to a Jewish school and wear a yellow badge to show she was Jewish. Jews faced many restrictions, like not being allowed to own businesses, work certain jobs, go to movies, or even sit on public benches.
Despite these tough times, Anne dreamed of becoming a writer. On her 13th birthday, her father gave her a special diary with a red and white checkered cover. She named it “Kitty,” after a friend. This diary became a place where Anne could write down her thoughts and feelings about her life and the world around her.
Just a month after getting her diary, the Frank family had to hide from the Nazis. They moved into a secret space behind Otto Frank’s business, called the “secret annex.” They lived there quietly, always afraid of being discovered. During the day, they had to be silent, whispering and walking barefoot. At night, when the workers left, they could relax a little, but the fear of being caught was always there.
After almost two years in hiding, the Frank family’s worst fears came true. On August 4, 1944, Nazi soldiers found their hiding place. The family was arrested and sent to concentration camps. Sadly, Anne and her sister Margot died of an illness called typhus in March 1945, just weeks before the camp was freed by Allied forces.
Otto Frank was the only member of the family to survive the Holocaust. When he returned to Amsterdam, he found Anne’s diary and decided to publish it in 1947. It was first called “The Secret Annex” and later renamed “Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl.” The diary has been translated into over 65 languages and sold more than $30 million copies worldwide. It reminds us of Anne’s extraordinary life during one of history’s darkest times.
Anne Frank’s story continues to touch people all over the world. Her diary shows us the strength of the human spirit, even in the toughest times. It teaches us about hope, courage, and the power of words to make a difference.
Diary Writing Activity: Just like Anne Frank, start your own diary! Write about your day, your thoughts, and your dreams. Think about what makes you happy or what you wish could be different. Try to write in your diary every day for a week. At the end of the week, share one entry with a family member or friend and discuss how writing made you feel.
Explore Your Family History: Anne’s story is deeply connected to her family. Ask your parents or grandparents about your family’s history. Where did they grow up? What were their favorite childhood memories? Create a small family tree with their help and draw pictures or collect photos to represent each family member.
Understanding Empathy: Anne’s diary helps us understand what it was like to be in her shoes. Think about a time when you felt scared or worried. How did you handle it? Now, imagine how Anne might have felt in the secret annex. Write a short story or draw a picture showing how you would have supported Anne if you were her friend during those times.
