Anne Frank

Written by Joe Dunn, Illustrated by Ben Dunn

Published by Magic Wagon in 2008

"I do not understand. Why am I so mistreated?" (20)

Summary: This graphic novel chronicles the life of Anne Frank from her birth in post-WWI Germany to her death in the Bergen Belsen concentration camp. Readers learn about important historical events such as The Nazi occupation, Anti-Jewish laws and the systematic deportation of Jews to labor camps. In this graphic novel biography, Anne Frank's story sheds light on a major world event through colorful and realistic images. 

Reading Level: Lexile Framework: 639 Grade Level: This book is written at a 3rd grade reading level. However, the content may be more suitable for grades 5-6. 

Suggested Delivery: Independent Read

Description: Graphic Novel, Biography, Historical Non-Fiction

Key Vocabulary (by page number): Jude (5), Treaty of Versailles (7), National Socialist German Workers Party (7), dictator (8), summoned (14), occupation (18), optimism (26), Allies (26), Normandy (26)

Teaching Suggestions:

1. Take advantage of the text features which include a table of contents, timeline, glossary, further reading, and index. Introduce these features to students before reading and encourage them to use them during and after reading.
2. Make sure students have a broader picture of World War II and The Holocaust before reading. Without background on the topics, students may find Anne's story to be shockingly unfair and confusing. Include this book as part of a social studies unit including the historical context of Anne Frank's life.
3. Display a timeline of WWII, Anne Frank's life, or both on the board while students read. Briefly explain the events included on the timeline and invite students to add any events they feel are important while reading. This will give students an opportunity to place events in context as they read. A succinct timeline of Anne Frank's life is provided at the end of this book. It may also be helpful to display a WWII-era map of Europe. 

Comprehension Strategies:

Before Reading: Write-Pair-Share. Write the word "prejudice" on the board and give students opportunities to look up the definition of the word. Then, have students create their own definition of what the word "prejudice" means to them. Encourage students to include examples they have experience, seen or heard about, how these times made them/others feel and what can be done to ease/eliminate discrimination. After writing their responses, students will find a partner and hare their ideas. 

During Reading: After all students have read chapter 4, "Fear of Discovery", ask students to stop reading. Briefly review how there were many people who helped the Frank family when they were in hiding. Divide the class into two groups; one group will be those who risked their lives to help Jews in hiding. The other group, also non-Jews, chose not to take the risk and did not help Jews. Each group must come up with at least 4 reasons defending their position. After sharing their ideas with the whole class, students may chose which hypothetical group they would belong to. 

After Reading: Unfortunately, Anne Frank did not survive the Holocaust, but there were Jews who lived to tell of their experiences. Individually or in pairs, have students research the story of a Holocaust survivor. Students should present their findings to the class, chronicling the life of the survivor before, during and after the Holocaust. To extend this activity, students may want to write a letter the the survivor. 

Writing Activity: Provide students with a writing prompt asking them to imagine they are in hiding. An example prompt may be... "Imagine you are a Jew living during WWII and, just like Anne Frank, you must go into hiding. Now, write a diary entry in which you talk about a day in hiding. Include how you are feeling (bored, scared, etc.), what your day consists of (food, entertainment, etc.), who you are with, and what you miss about your old life." Provide more or less prompt details depending on grade level of students. Encourage students to transport themselves back in time and write a thoughtful diary entry. 

Electronic Resources: 

1. Children of the Holocaust This website provides links to names of children who lived during the Holocaust. Upon clicking on each name, users will read a brief overview of the child's life before and during the Holocaust and their fate. 
2. Anne Frank's life: An Overview A student made video, this short clip provides an overview of Anne's life before, during and after hiding. It incorporates kid-friendly language and explanations with real images. 

Dunn, J. (2008). Anne Frank. Edina: Magic Wagon Publishing.