The Holocaust: derived from the Greek word meaning sacrifice by fire. This is a very difficult subject to both learn and teach about. During this horrific period, European Jews were rounded up, and the few who were able to disappear into hiding lived in constant fear of being given away. Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl is an amazing book that illustrates this situation as if you were in the shoes of those that it is written about. It is a very important story for students to read because it is a primary source from the time of the Holocaust, reveals the hardships of a family in hiding, and is told through the voice of a girl who is around their age. However, some readers may argue that Anne’s diary is too racy for students.
This book is a primary source from the time of the Holocaust. First of all, it was written by someone who actually lived through this time. It was really Anne Frank’s diary, so she experienced everything that was included. Because all the emotions are coming first hand, we are able to comprehend the exact feelings that were experienced much better through her
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It shows many shortcomings present in daily life within the Secret Annexe, the place where the Frank family hid. For example, Anne writes “we are always hungry,” which demonstrates the constant problem of not having enough food. The inhabitants must also remain silent while there are people in the office below, lest they be heard and someone comes to investigate. We learn about the restrictions regarding the use of the bathroom, talking, and even looking out the windows. Additionally, the reader experiences arguments between family members. Anne has disagreements with just about everyone in the annexe, not to mention that living in cramped quarters means no one can get away from each other. One constant conflict between Anne and her mother always seems to be in the air.