Anne Frank: The Anne Frank House Authorized Graphic Biography

This graphic biography compellingly depicts the life and legacy of Anne Frank. Some Frank family history, some broader historical context, Anne’s childhood leading up to World War Two, the span of her diary, and afterward are all within the scope of this book. The broader historical context of Anne’s time is chronologically interwoven in her life, which is again presented in a chronology section. The Anne Frank House Authorization of this book ensures its accuracy. Speech and thought balloons are taken directly from Anne’s diary when applicable, and also from the interviews of witnesses to the final seven months of Anne’s life. Likewise, the illustrations are occasionally translated from pictures, such as the illustration of Edith Frank holding Anne shortly after Anne was born. Other illustrations draw from their surrounding context or text where available, and do a satisfactory job of presenting how certain events probably appeared. This is no easy feat, but this graphic biography competently illustrates the horrors of the Holocaust. The graphic paneled format is well thought out, and may attract a new reading audience, some of who may struggle with reading the published diary in entirety. It may also reach a slightly younger audience than the original diary, but resists lessening the horrors in Anne’s story. Not only is the research put into this graphic biography apparent, but there is also a list of recommended further reading. This graphic biography is strongly recommended for children ages ten to thirteen. ( )

This graphic novel offers a new perspective on Anne Frank's life and legacy beginning with her parents' childhoods and marriage and concluding with the publication of her diary and the effects it has had on the world. (Grades 6-12) ( )

A biography of the famous Holocaust diarist in graphic-novel format, this book provides additional background and context on Anne Frank's family and historical events of the time. I've read a lot of Anne Frank books and I learned a lot from this one, perhaps because the authors had access to many materials at the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, which commissioned this project. The format makes this important story accessible and inviting to an audience that might not otherwise read the diary or other accounts of Frank's life. ( )

Synposis: A graphic novel beginning with Anne's parents and the births of Anne and her sister. It continues with life in the Annex and capture. The illustrations are based on photographs and are well drawn and the book has a nice flow.

Thoughts: After reading the Diary of Anne Frank last year, and have enjoyed Sid Jacobson's other books, I thought I would give this a try. I enjoyed it and thought it added to the Anne Frank memory.
Recommended ( )

Anne Frank: The Anne Frank House Authorized Graphic Biography by Sid Jacobson and Ernie Colon is an outstanding example of the power of graphic nonfiction. Beginning with the story of Anne's parents and ending with Anne's legacy, the book provides essential background information about both world history and Anne's family that provide the context for Anne's famous story. Readers of all ages will be immersed in Anne's touching and tragic story.

Middle school teachers and school librarians will be thrilled to find a new way to approach the study of Anne Frank. Pair this graphic biography with the original diary transcriptions and the museum website for a powerful learning experience.

The authors had remarkable access to photo references and other background information not found in other accounts of Frank's life making this book a unique addition to the collection of materials available. Simply outstanding! ( )