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The Diary of a Young Girl

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | YA | Published in 1947

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Book Brief

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Anne Frank

The Diary of a Young Girl

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | YA | Published in 1947
Book Details
Pages

283

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Amsterdam, the Netherlands • 1940s

Publication Year

1947

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank is a collection of journal entries by a thirteen-year-old Jewish girl who, along with her family and others, hides in an annex in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam for two years. Anne documents her experiences, relationships, and reflections during this time until their eventual arrest in 1944. The book covers topics including the Holocaust, historical trauma, and persecution.

Melancholic

Inspirational

Hopeful

Contemplative

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.3

3,853,519 ratings

79%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Anne Frank's The Diary of a Young Girl offers an intimate and poignant glimpse into the life of a Jewish teenager during WWII. Praised for its raw honesty and emotional depth, it humanizes historical tragedy. Some readers, however, find its episodic nature challenging. This timeless work remains essential for its powerful and personal portrayal of resilience.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Diary of a Young Girl?

A reader who would enjoy The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank is typically interested in World War II history, personal narratives, and coming-of-age stories. Similar to readers of The Book Thief by Markus Zusak and Night by Elie Wiesel, they appreciate poignant, firsthand accounts that explore the human spirit under adversity.

4.3

3,853,519 ratings

79%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Anne Frank

A young Jewish girl who goes into hiding with her family in Amsterdam during the Nazi occupation, chronicling her thoughts and experiences in a diary.

Anne's father, known for his calm and reserved demeanor, who becomes the only surviving member of the Secret Annex group after the war.

Anne's mother, whose relationship with Anne is strained, though she shares a closer bond with her other daughter, Margot.

Anne's elder sister, who is more reserved and thoughtful, sharing a closer bond with their mother.

The adolescent boy in the Secret Annex, known for his quiet nature, with whom Anne shares a close friendship.

Peter van Daan's mother, initially disliked by Anne, but later noted for her hardworking and cheerful nature.

Peter van Daan's father, whose family joins the Secret Annex due to his business connection with Otto Frank.

The last person to join the Secret Annex, who struggles to get along with the other residents.

A loyal employee of Otto Frank who assists the residents of the Secret Annex by providing supplies and preserving Anne’s diary after their arrest.

An employee of Otto Frank who helps the Secret Annex residents by providing support and supplies during their time in hiding.

Bep’s father, who assists the Secret Annex residents by constructing the bookcase that conceals their hiding place.

An employee of Otto Frank who provides help to the Secret Annex residents and faces arrest for his involvement.

Another helper of the Secret Annex residents, who is arrested for his assistance but later released due to health reasons.

Book Details
Pages

283

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Amsterdam, the Netherlands • 1940s

Publication Year

1947

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12+ years

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