...each of us must read this tragic and moving true story ...

The diary of a young girl : a definitive edition
by Anne Frank, 1929-1945
Edited by Otto H. Frank and Mirjam Pressler
Translated from the Dutch by Susan Massotty.

Published:  New York : Doubleday, 1995.  340 pages.
Reading Appeal:  Young Adult

Emotionally intense                                        Compelling                                         Character-driven 

This true story is set in war torn Amersterdan, Netherlands.  World War II has ravaged Europe and the Germans have occupied the Netherlands.  The German Nazis are intent on eradicating all Jews from Europe by systematic placing them in concentration camps, death by starvation, brutality and the gas chamber.

Anne Frank, is a young Jewish girl living in Amsterdam when the Germans occupy the city.  Gentiles hide the Frank family in a secret compartment in an attic.  In this horrific and terrifying environment Anne pens her thoughts, feelings and daily happenings in a secret diary.

This diary survives World War II and has been published to tell the world of Anne Frank and her ordeal.

Strong sense of place                           Candid                               Heart-wrenching

Interesting titbit:  This publication is an uncut edition of Anne Frank's diary including entries originally omitted by her father and provides insight into Anne's relationship with her mother.

...it is important we all read Anne's Diary...lest we forget the Jewish Holocaust and those who lost their lives senselessly...

Link to Novelist

Anne Frank Musuem

...another reading adventure introduces us to ...


Someone named Eva
by Joan Wolf


Published:  New York : Clarion, 2007.  272 pages.
Reading Appeal:  Young Adult

Eye-opening                          Heart-breaking 

This moving and haunting story is about an 11 year old girl called Milada, who grew up in a small village called Lidice, Czechoslovakia.  Milada's family is torn apart when the German Nazis attack her village in 1942.
 Milada is selected for the Lebensborn program by the Nazis because she has blonde hair and blue eyes, the much admired Aryan features that Hiltler promotes as the "proper German" features.  Milada is kidnapped and transported to a school in Poland.  Her named is changed to Eva, she is taught to speak German and groomed to be adopted by a German family.  However, Milada/Eva is a clever young girl and she despite her traumatic experiences she never forgets her true name and her family history.
   Masterfully written                       Fascinating                            Memorable


...I guarantee this fast paced novel will keep you glued to the pages from beginning to end...


Novelist

...time travel to experience historical flashbacks in...


Angel's Fury
by Bryony Pearce

Published: London : Egmont Books, 2011.  304 pages.
Reading Appeal:  Young Adult


Is this a historical story or a ghost story...or a terrifying dream!
    Chilling                                                  Character-driven                          Desperate

Every time Carrie Farrier tried to go to sleep she has horrific nightmares of death.  A little girl called Zillah appears in her nightmare and Carrie discovers Zillah is a victim of the Jewish Holocaust, in Europe during Wolrd War II.

Carrie's nightmares are getting out of control and in desperation she is sent for medical help to an old manor house.  Carrie meets children just like herself, who are troubled by nightmares and visions.  One of the children is called Seth and Carrie is sure she has seen him before...he looks so familiar.
                    Flashback                                                      Frightening

...and suddenly Carrie's nightmares become reality.

...this novel is so fast-paced you will be reading the last page before you know it...

Author: Bryony Pearce