Annie's Promise

Journey to America #3

by Sonia Levitin

Annie's Promises is Sonia Levitin's unforgettable work of historical fiction.

As a young refugee from Nazi Germany, Annie Platt seizes the opportunity to attend Quaker Pines, a camp for people of many different backgrounds. The conclusion to Levitin's series about the Platt family, German Jewish refugees, is a "solidly crafted novel." ( Publisher's Weekly )

Genres: Historical Fiction, Jewish, World War II, Middle Grade, Childrens, Young Adult

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

Sonia Levitin is a German-American novelist, artist, producer, Holocaust Survivor, and author of over forty novels and picture books for young adults and children, as well as several theatrical plays and published essays on various topics for adults. Her book Incident at Loring Groves won an Edgar Allan Poe Award.

Reviews

[Julia M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although this book has not gotten the best critical reviews, I personally think that it would be a great piece of literature to use in a classroom lit circle. As a teacher, I look for books that foster good discussion and contain positive representations of diverse characters; in my opinion, Annie's Promise does just that.

The story is actually the third book in a three-part historical fiction series about a Jewish family and their experiences during World War II. Over the course of the three books, they escape from Nazi Germany and begin a new life in California. Annie is the youngest daughter in the family and this third book is focused mainly on her. It documents her desire to fit in, her worries about the war, and her experiences as a first-timer at summer camp. While at camp, Annie meets a young African-American girl named Tally and quickly befriends her. Ironically, Annie's parents do not approve of this friendship, in spite of their own struggles with prejudice. The book subsequently deals with Annie's frustrations over her parents views and her somewhat misguided attempts to rectify the situation.

I really enjoyed reading this book, and I would love to share it with my older students. I think that it would be a great discussion piece! Since there are a few instances in the book that may be innappropriate for young readers, I would probably use it with 5th grade and up.

[Austin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think that the book was decent. It held my attention. Some chapters were boring, but some held my attention very much. I'd recommend it to someone who likes wars and drama. I think that many other people would like it more than me, it just wasn't my type of book.

[Miss Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

gr 5-8

1945, California. 13 year old Annie wants to have an adventure of her own, but her parents want her to stay close to home and find plenty of chores to keep her busy. When Annie is invited to attend a Quaker camp for a few weeks, Annie sees it as a perfect opportunity to be on her own. Now, she just has to convince her family.

I liked the first book, but didn't enjoy this one as much. I think only readers who had read the first two books would be interested in reading this final book in the trilogy.

[Siv · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to read this book for a school project.... so yah!

[Maeve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book, I have read it 3 times(2008,2010,2013)