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In the spring of 1945, 15-year-old Anne Frank died in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. In 1947, Otto Frank published his daughter’s diary. To date, The Diary of a Young Girl has appeared in more than 50 different editions and has sold more than 20 million copies.This photo essay is an invaluable resource for readers of Anne’s diary. It offers a portrait of the Frank family, including many never-before-published photographs. And it also provides an account of the events between 1929 and 1945 that forced the Franks into hiding and resulted in their discovery and imprisonment in concentration camps. With more than 250 photographs, this book helps readers to see what Anne saw and brings the turbulent events that shaped her world into sharper focus.

Hardcover

First published June 1, 1985

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About the author

Anne Frank

232 books5,928 followers
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Annelies Marie Frank was a German-born Jewish girl who kept a diary documenting her life in hiding amid Nazi persecution during the German occupation of the Netherlands. A celebrated diarist, Frank described everyday life from her family's hiding place in an Amsterdam attic. She gained fame posthumously and became one of the most-discussed Jewish victims of the Holocaust with the 1947 publication of The Diary of a Young Girl (originally Het Achterhuis in Dutch, lit. 'the back house'; English: The Secret Annex), which documents her life in hiding from 1942 to 1944. It is one of the world's best-known books and has been the basis for several plays and films.
Frank was born in Frankfurt, Germany, in 1929. In 1934, when she was four-and-a-half, Frank and her family moved to Amsterdam in the Netherlands after Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party gained control over Germany. By May 1940, the family was trapped in Amsterdam by the German occupation of the Netherlands. Frank lost her German citizenship in 1941 and became stateless. Despite spending most of her life in the Netherlands and being a de facto Dutch national, she never officially became a Dutch citizen. As persecutions of the Jewish population increased in July 1942, the family went into hiding in concealed rooms behind a bookcase in the building where Frank's father, Otto Frank, worked. The hiding place is notably referred to as the "secret annex". Until the family's arrest by the Gestapo on 4 August 1944, Frank kept and regularly wrote in a diary she had received as a birthday present in 1942.
Following their arrest, the Franks were transported to concentration camps. On 1 November 1944, Anne Frank and her sister, Margot, were transferred from Auschwitz to Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, where they died (presumably of typhus) a few months later. They were estimated by the Red Cross to have died in March, with Dutch authorities setting 31 March as the official date. Later research has alternatively suggested that they may have died in February or early March.
Otto, the only Holocaust survivor in the Frank family, returned to Amsterdam after World War II to find that Anne's diary had been saved by his secretaries, Miep Gies and Bep Voskuijl. Moved by his daughter's repeated wishes to be an author, Otto Frank published her diary in 1947. It was translated from its original Dutch version and first published in English in 1952 as The Diary of a Young Girl, and has since been translated into over 70 languages.

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5 stars
113 (51%)
4 stars
62 (28%)
3 stars
36 (16%)
2 stars
6 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Lisa Vegan.
2,913 reviews1,316 followers
September 7, 2019
As I was sitting at my desk I looked at the bookcase to my left and happened to see this book. It’s one of so many I hadn’t added to my Goodreads shelves and it reminds me of how traumatic it will be to have to give up most of my books. I should have spent the last more than 12 years on Goodreads adding more of my owned books.

This one is a gem. It’s a must read/view for readers interested in Anne Frank and/or the Holocaust. There are so many great photos. As the book title indicates, they’re of Anne and those she knew and of the world in general, what was happening as she grew up, not quite of course given that she died at only 15 years old. The accompanying text is also great. I just looked through the book a bit so I could write something down about the book and not only rate it.

Apparently I read it in conjunction with an exhibit by the same name, as I have brochures from an exhibit in Marin Country, just across the Golden Gate Bridge from where I live/lived in San Francisco. Books are great for keeping memories. I'll look through this more carefully before I give it up.
Profile Image for Jon Nakapalau.
6,494 reviews1,024 followers
February 16, 2025
This book does a fine job of looking at the events that happened between 1929-1945 that resulted in the murder of Anne Frank. I was very surprised at how 'deep' this book went when looking at the 'signs' that were pointed to the mass exterminations carried out by the Nazis: by going back to 1929 you can see (more clearly) what lead to this horrific chapter in history.
Profile Image for Frances.
562 reviews6 followers
September 25, 2023
This book tells the story behind the diary. It is published by Scholastic, Inc. and is intended for older children. Filled with over 200 photographs it gives a picture history of the world events occurring at that time. It documents Germany’s Great Depression, Hitler’s rise to power, and the harsh actions taken against Jewish people. It tells the story of the Frank family and their efforts to hide and ultimate betrayal. Books like this are so valuable in presenting historical events to children as well as adults.
6 reviews
October 1, 2008
I've wanted to read about Anne Frank for a long time now. Having never read her Diary (It's still something I want to do) I found this book that contained pictures and information of Jews and the world that Anne Frank lived in. It is a fascinating book with some detailed pictures, some of which are disturbing. For instance a photo of a Jewish man kneeling before his murdered friends, just before he is executed by German soldiers. The look on his face as he knows his fate is so sad. I was wondering 'what must he be thinking?' It makes you ask 'How could this have happened?'

This book gave me an insight into what I wanted to know about WW2 and the holocaust, and about Anne's family. The sadness I felt as I read this book and viewed the photo's was strong. This history is one that should never be forgotten. I would really like to see this taught in schools more, not just about the Jewish people but the war as a whole. Sadly it isn't taught in schools and it should be as we must never forget the devastation war brings and how people suffered and continue to suffer in modern day war.

The book goes through how WW2 started and the effect it had on people. The terrible treatment of the Jews, other religious communities, homosexuals, politicians etc. How some people hid and how others were caught and sent to their deaths at the Concentration camps. We are told that Anne's Mother, Edith died on 6th January 1945 in a camp from starvation. Both Anne and her sister Margot died of Typhoid in March 1945 just weeks before their camp was liberated.

During the end of this book, it goes into modern day racism and how it has carried on into today's world. Which is pretty sad really, you'd think we'd all learn by now in our modern world.

A very informative book.
Profile Image for Echo.
895 reviews47 followers
February 10, 2018
There are a lot of photos of the Frank family and of Germany and the Netherlands, with a basic description of the events leading up to the fate of Anne Frank and the rest of her family. It does a good job of breaking down the events from about 1930-1945 in a surprisingly thorough manner for as short as the book is.
It's a depressingly relevant book right now (though the publication date is listed for 2001), and the author inserts some nice commentary on the importance of everyday people fighting racism in the world.
Profile Image for Jenny Lopez.
Author 1 book8 followers
May 29, 2014
Poignant photography book giving the reader a look into Anne Frank's life as well as the larger story unfolding around her through the 1930's and 1940's. Beautiful imagery, haunting imagery. Enjoyed how the authors put commentary about current hate groups etc to show us how important it is to continue with fighting social injustices. Brings the book into the larger context. Recommended for sure.
Profile Image for Erika.
33 reviews3 followers
February 3, 2008
The book has a lot of pictures from Anne's family that may not be very familiar to the public. Good information on WWII as well.
Profile Image for Elena Sotelo-McCrary.
66 reviews
December 31, 2018
I love to travel, and believe that Anne wanted us to know her, as well as her part of the world. What is amazing about this book is the cover. It has a beautiful, younger Anne smiling at us as only children can do. But, this book covers 1929 to 1945 and I always wanted to know what else happened. This books seeks to help guide me through the history of the period.
And, historical it is, as I found out so many facts about the plight of the Jewish people in Europe--which I really only knew a fraction from WWII readings. I have heard mention the question of why? Why, didn't the Jews leave when the Nazi's came to power? No one had a crystal ball. How does one get up and leave everything you know behind? The question of, "What to take with me?" In reality the world was not ready or willing to take a large amount of refugees into their home countries (fear is quite the defeatist). Even the U.S. was in denial. Within this book, published by the Anne Frank museum is history of the worst kind because it shows what happens when we fail to act. It does not glorify the haters, but shows the lengths to which they were willing to go to try and kill innocent people because of their heritage. I knew that Anne and her sister Margot died, but I did not know how. Who among us could survive in a disease ridden camp? It was heartening to read about the Danes and how they bravely (in fact the only real country to do so) refused to "fall in line and surrender their Jewish population to the horrors that would follow. I never would have believed the Dutch were so self-centered and the population (except the youth) should have stood together instead of being lambs under Nazi rule. By the end of the war they too were starving, so I wonder now how those who were children act now as adults? I learned too about others who tried and failed to stop Hitler. But, what about Raoul Wallenburg, Swedish Diplomat turned U.S. spy or double-agent who died at the hands of the Russians. Why didn't Sweden do more at the time to get him back? Again, fear seemed to make rational people lambs to the slaughter. You could say, that all of us who never spoke out (I was not born yet) were guilty in letting a community (family, upon family member perishing) of dying. And, it was not just Jewish people, but Gypsies, homosexuals, Catholics--anyone that was not the size, shape, and color wanted who perished. What about their families? And, while I am at it, the churches must take blame too. They are supposed to shelter, yet they helped the Nazi's.
As the year is ending, and we have a chance to do something, learn about your neighbors. Share a heritage pie with them. Let them know they count. Share fruit, a family story. If we really want to do good we must act, not just sit on the sidelines.
I was watching a PBS program about the settling of the West. One of the trekkers asked a Native American in they felt genocide happened when the U.S. Government sought to open the Plains to white settlers. His answer was, "Is any genocide okay?" I thought it to be a very stupid question because it is clear that the Native Americans have been treated so unfairly. The Plains used to be their homes with millions of buffalo. Then it was taken away--they were exterminated just like the Jewish people. Only few have any idea, or care because $$$ rules the world.
I think Otto Frank survived because he Aryanized his work (is it better to deal with the devil or go with God?). I believe he was redeemed because Anne's voice has traveled the world, and shows no sign of stopping. Every new generation has a chance to stand up for right.
Anne herself wrote that it would not do to complain or show downcast faces--even after a year in a secret space. There were many who hid, but still others who would willingly give up someone for some favor--the Judas trait (my words).
Still, I think it was important to read and see the pictures as if I was in the house and ask, What would I do to help people in my community? That is Anne's everlasting message of hope as we begin a New Year!
Profile Image for Charlotte.
395 reviews
May 15, 2017
Captures well the tragic story of the Frank family which occurred during the second world war. Through never before seen images and short sections of information, this book is effective in informing and encouraging the reader to research further areas which have not been detailed. The only two things I wish this book would have taken into consideration are translation and content. Whilst the translation is mostly accurate, it can take a while to stumble through due to small errors which could have been spotted before publication. Particularly when reading about the concentration camps, or other complex and disturbing topics, it was unsettling to have to stop and figure out what the wording was meant to mean. Additionally, the content could have been further balanced. It very much confused the chronology to move from the story of the Frank family to a year or so back in time to what was happening on the fighting line or in the political sphere. However that said, the information provided was well linked on a whole and I feel this little book is important to spreading Anne's word further and to prevent such horrors from ever again occurring by enabling the public to spot the signs of a dictatorship.
796 reviews
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March 13, 2024
Anne Frank in the World 1929-1945 Amsterdam, Uitgeverij Peri Bakkar, 1989 and Anne Frank Nel Mondo 1929-1945 Amsterdam, Fondazione Anne Frank, 1989

"....Resistance against discrimination is necessary from the start. Had this conviction shaped the consciousness of the voters in 1932, then the name Adolf Hitler would be totally insignificant to us today." [from the preface]
"The Nazis believe that a healthy nation should not spend money on the mentally handicapped. Consequently, thousands of mentally handicapped are quietly killed beginning in 1939. In contrast to their silence about the Jews, the churches voiced indignation and protest over the killing of the mentally handicapped. The so-called Euthanasia Project is stopped. in 1941. A total of 72,000 physically and mentally handicapped men, women and children and alcoholics are killed by injection or gas. IN the last years of the Hitler regime another 130,000 patients die of starvation of cold." p. 49
Profile Image for Gracelyn Mabry.
19 reviews
March 31, 2024
I’ve seen the movie and I enjoyed it so I thought I would pick up the book to read. It took me a while to finish this book, longer than I’ve ever taken to read a book, but that’s because you have to really read and understand what’s going on. At the end of it I feel like I enjoyed the book just as much as the movie. It’s quite interesting but also sad to see what was going through a teen girl’s mind as she was forced to hide away for safety as she would hear the bombs and guns go off and have to be super quiet so no one would find them or they would have serious consequences. Not to mention the little resources they had to live on while they were in hiding.
9 reviews
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October 22, 2019
This is a great book because it talks all about how much people in the 1900's fought for their freedom to do whatever they wanted. Jews and so many other people were killed. These people died fighting and they deserve to be honored so I recommend you read this book. It is sad to hear that some people died just 18 days before the war ended. If you like learning about history this book is totally for you.
Profile Image for Carrie Donohue.
295 reviews15 followers
June 18, 2021
well it says Anne Frank but its really about the whole Jewish experience in the general area... lots of great pictures! Fantastic book for someone who wants lots of info but is not patient enough to wade through a big book.. If mature enough to read about holocaust, I don't remember any nudity.. there is at least 1 pic of burned bodies, 2-3 of dead bodies on the street and one of a guy seconds before being shot in the head..
Profile Image for Angelo Joshua.
12 reviews5 followers
June 17, 2019
Very historic book. The book size, its being a hardcover, and rare black and white pictures are very attractive; these caught my attention to pick and buy this book from an online seller even with shipping fee! It's worth it and such a treasure to be included in my bookshelf and collection! Thank you!
Profile Image for Katie Hilton.
1,018 reviews4 followers
April 23, 2021
This book details the rise of the Nazi Party in Germany and its influence on its neighbor, the Netherlands. I read this right after reading "Dutch Girl," the story of Audrey Hepburn's life in Arnhem, because the experiences of Anne and Audrey are hauntingly similar. That was not lost on Audrey, who was devastated to read Anne's diary and declined to play her in the movie. A good read.
Profile Image for Vivian.
298 reviews
December 9, 2024
Este libro es una exposición que narra la vida de Ana Frank a través de fotos, documentos y objetos, desde su infancia hasta su muerte en el Holocausto. Destaca el impacto global de su diario y promueve la reflexión sobre la tolerancia y los derechos humanos.
Profile Image for Ketti.
806 reviews1 follower
June 28, 2020
Read this in preparation for visiting the Anne Frank Memorial in Boise Idaho. The book is very well done balancing information and photographs to tell this sad story. Heartbreaking but worth it.
4 reviews
December 7, 2015
This book talks about germany during WWII , specifically the feelings of anti-semitism and racism ,about Anne Frank and her life in the secret annex as her family hid from the nazis . In nazi germany a widespread emotion of racism was being felt , Everywhere hate crimes were committed primarily against people of jewish descent in germany , left and right. People trying to escape at any opportunity they had .
I liked that the book had pictures that help the reader understand the emotions felt. Another thing I liked was that that book goes through everything as it happened. I choose these two in specific because it helps the book transition better from page to page.
I didn’t like the fact that the book had not focus on Anne frank as much as it did. I find it disappointing because the book is called “Anne Frank in the world” so it should focus on Anne Frank . I can overlook this though , because of the better qualities .
I think people who enjoy reading about history would like this book. anyone who likes to read about the holocaust would also like this.
2 reviews1 follower
April 28, 2015
Anne Frank in the World 1929-1945 had many pictures and examples of what Jews went through during the Holocaust. The pictures have explanations of what is going on, which is helpful for those who are unfamiliar with this time period. In addition, the text had pictures of Anne,her friends, and family, where she hid in the secret annex, and many other examples.
This author decided to use pictures. I still don’t think I know more about the Holocaust than I did before I read this book, but I did learn more about Anne Frank’s life. My favorite part has to be when it showed Anne Frank’s pictures through the years before the annex. The pictures were always with a subcaption and were very interesting to see.
I did not really like this book, because it was not challenging enough for me. It would be better suited for a younger reader I would not recommend it to strong readers like me.
2 reviews1 follower
February 17, 2015
This book had many pictures and examples of what jews went through. The pictures have explanations of what is going on. It had pictures of Anne and her friends and family, where she hid, and many other examples.
This author decided to use pictures. I still don’t think I know more about the holocaust then I did before I read this book. My favorite part has to be when it showed Anne Frank’s pictures through the years before the annex. The pictures were always with a subcaption and were very interesting to see.
I did not really like this book. It was very boring and I would recommend it to strong readers like me.
16 reviews
November 23, 2010
the book was really interesting but also very sad. It old of Hitler and his plans and his followers. It told of the Jews and how they suffered because of his doing. It told of the Dutch and how Germany took over many different types of land. It was sad to see how many people died and got punished in the street and in the concentration camps. But it also told of the girl named Anne Frank. It told of her story also and about her family and some friends. She was a brave young girl and will be remembered through out History.
Profile Image for Courtney.
30 reviews17 followers
October 16, 2010
First off, why is this on the List: Worst Books of all Time?

I couldn't find any book on Anne Frank more helpful than this one. Surprisingly I used to be scared of this book, I recieved it as a birthday present when I was 8. The graphic pictures really scared me, like the mentally disabled girl being euthanized. However now I am older and wiser and can pull this book off the shelf and look back into a time that we all hope will never repeat itself
Profile Image for Evie Pebworth.
5 reviews
December 13, 2012
This book reminds us, more with images than words, that we are not there yet. That we should not forget the past, as it will allow us to understand our present, and maybe, change our future. The book is a series of pictures about WWII and how it affected the Frank family and thousands of other people involved in this war. It is an interesting read, as it shows with images, the harsh reality of those times. A must, for anyone interested in this topic.
Profile Image for Lisa Salo.
5 reviews
February 20, 2013
Very sad. I have read many things about Anne since I was a girl. It hits me much harder now as I am a mom and see how Hitler just creeped in... It should show that we should be vigilant to fight against racism or any hatred towards others. RIP Anne. Your words live on.
Profile Image for Traci Curtis.
13 reviews
February 10, 2015
After reading Anne Frank's diary I was very pleased to get a more personal glimpse into her life and what was going on outside the annex. I am slightly obsessed with all things WWII and I plan on reading each version of her diary.
Profile Image for Jill.
227 reviews
December 12, 2012
It was good, though it was very sad. I suggest that if you are not a mature reader do not read this book. it was good, but it was very sad i don't know why hitler did what he did.
Profile Image for Max Shenk.
Author 24 books13 followers
July 7, 2014
Nice photo book which puts Anne Frank's story in the context of the Europe in which she lived (and died).
Profile Image for Wendy.
1,478 reviews6 followers
March 2, 2015
An informative book with pictures and details not only on Anne Frank's life, but also of Hitler's rise to power.
315 reviews6 followers
January 17, 2016
A photographic peek into Anne Frank's life and those tumultuous times.
Profile Image for Nancy.
1,032 reviews17 followers
April 9, 2017
Interesting pictures and easy-to-follow progression of the events in the world of Anne leading up to the war, etc. So depressing in light of current events. Did we learn nothing?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

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