Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Reviews of Diary of a Young Girl

Diary of a Young Girl
Diary of a Young Girl
Author: Anne Frank
ISBN-13: 9780553541632
ISBN-10: 0553541633
Publication Date: 7/1993
Rating:
  • Currently 5/5 Stars.
 4

5 stars, based on 4 ratings
Publisher: Bantam Books
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

56 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

JillSparrow avatar reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 48 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 9
An all time classic. I really believe that every girl starting around 13 or 14 should read this book. So truthful and the emotions and things Anne went through just being a teenage girl still ring true. First loves, first kisses, puberty it's all there and relatable.
StacyFreeElf avatar reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on
Helpful Score: 8
My 10 yr old daughter read this book and is now obsessed! She can't stop talking about it and it's been 6 months since she read it!
scrapbooklady avatar reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 472 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 7
Although I originally read "Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl" in grade school, re-reading it as an adult was even more moving. As a young girl, I hadn't yet grasped the magnitude of the Holocaust. After re-reading it, I've realized what a wonderful classic this book is. It not only describes a young Jewish girl's life during the Holocaust but also tells about the most intimate feelings a person can feel. I highly recommend this book and hope to visit the Anne Frank museum where the family lived during this time.
reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 9 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
This is the heartbreaking story of Anne Frank, who hid in an attic with her family and another family to escape the Nazis. Otto Frank, the father, was the only one out of the family to survive the concentration camps, and he published his daughter's diary. An excellent book.
reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 270 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
I actually got to go to the secret annex in 2005 and it really brought this book to life for me. I was in awe the whole time, and when I got back home, I read the book again. The annex is just like how it was when Anne's family lived there with the exception of protection of her pictures and missing of some furniture, but the bookshelf is still there, and you aren't allowed up in the attic for safety reasons, but you can look up there. Very amazing...a must read for everyone about the holocaust.
Kairbear avatar reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on
Helpful Score: 3
I was able to visit the Anne Frank house when I was in Europe a few years ago. It was the most moving experience I've ever had. I read her diary at least twice a year. I own many copies of it and encourage people who haven't read it to read it.
AimeeM avatar reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 124 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Discovered in the attic in which she spent the last years of her life, Anne Frank's remarkable diary has since become a world classic.
In her diary Anne records the vivid impressions of her experience while in hiding in the "Secret Annexe" of an old office building.

One of the most moving personal documents to come out of World War II
reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 22 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
I had originally read this book back in grade school. I remember being moved by it then. I was at a tag sale and I picked up a copy of the book for $0.25 and figured that I would give it a read again. Reading this book as an adult, was even more moving for me. Probably because I have a better understanding of the WWII and what they had to endure. This book is a must read.
reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 6 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
This is truly something that touches you in a way that will never leave your heart.
reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on
Helpful Score: 3
I was not much of a reader....Then I had to do an essay for college, and it was about Anne Frank. I read this book, and it is awesome!! I highly recommend it. I was right with her the whole time. Thanks to Anne Frank...I now enoy reading very much!!
romeo avatar reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 334 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Discovered in the attic in which she spent the last years of her life, Anne Frank's remarkable diary has since become a world classic-a powerful reminder of the horrors of war and an eloquent testament to the human spirit. In 1942, with Nazi's occupying Holland, a 13 year old jewish girl and her family fled their home in Amsterdam and went into hiding. For the next 2 years, until their wherabouts were betrayed to the Gestapo, they and another family lived cloistered in the "Secret Annexe" of an old office building. Cut off from the outside world, they faced hunger, boredom, the constant cruelties of living in confined quarters, and the ever present threat of discovery and death. In her diary Anne Frank recorded vivid impressions of her experiences during this period. By turns thoughtful, moving ,and amusing, her account offers a fascinating commentary on human courage and frailty and a compelling self-portrait of a sensitive and spirited young woman whose promise was tragically cut short.
cdayzee avatar reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 113 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Everyone knows this is a classic. If anyone has not read it yet - I highly recommend it. Also good for a teen IMO.
mamajamma avatar reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 25 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
After growing up in Germany, Anne Frank stole my heart. This is a recommended book for any child past the fourth grade, I don't want this part of history to repeat itself. HIGHLY recommended.
suzannebooks avatar reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on
Helpful Score: 2
Such great writing from a young mind. You will feel like you have been transported back in time and get to 're-live' a part of history.. a very sad time in history but I felt like as long as I was reading this, that the Frank family was still alive. While reading, I had to look up the history on all the people involved and really got involved with this book. If you have any questions about it, feel free to pm me to discuss.
reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 9 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book is nothing less than amazing. Toward the end it gets a little bit boring, but Anne couldn't help that. I love the wit and humor that Anne brings into the dull life at the hiding place. She is really a wonderful role model for teens. Good for ages 12 to 13 and up. ( any one younger would most likely be bored. But Teens and adults can identify with Anne's hardship of growing up.)
grammyteach avatar reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 192 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I love this classic. Great teaching tool.
reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 1452 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Until 2014, I had not read Anne's diary. I pictured in my mind that it was depressing and bleak. What an awakening! It's upbeat, cheerful and full of life. Anne shares her heart, thoughts and dreams with her diary. At fourteen she is amazingly perceptive at times and at others so young and self-centered. I plan to share this one with a young teenage girl who is searching for a path through these troubled years. It's a treasure.
reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
ATTENTION: THERE IS NOW A FEDERAL REQUIREMENT THAT IN ORDER TO BE CLASSIFIED AS INTROSPECTIVE, AND SENSITIVE, A YOUNG ADULT MUST READ THIS BOOK! IF you had The Mumps, or Chicken Pox, and missed this assignment, this is not an excuse any longer. Bonus!
Bonus! Bonus! This edition contains the 64 page readers supplement, filled with background, and photos from the period and the Audrey Hepburn film. (Ms. Hepburn was Dutch, and was herself, a survivor of, the famine of '44,'45. HOME SCHOOL THIS! Be happy.
reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 157 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This really is an important book for us to read as Americans and as members of the human race. As Americans we need to be aware of how these kinds of horrors arise so that we may prevent- resist- fight against any evil like the rise of the Third Reich. As human beings we simply need reminded from time to time that other groups of humans are equally as human as we are. That is what this book does- the diary of a wonderful girl who was able to write in such a way that her diary transcended time and place to speak to all of us. I did not say she was perfect- she was human. May we all express ourselves so well!
I am faced with hard choices, however. I must decide which good books to keep and which to send off. I can't keep them all. So this is one I have posted that I strongly recommend for anyone to read, probably from the age of twelve and up.
babyjulie avatar reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 336 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is one of the best books I read as a young woman. I don't know what happened to the copy I had then but I recently got ahold of another copy and plan on keeping it forever. I'll pass it on to my daughter so she can read Frank's story. It's one that should NEVER be forgotten and I can't wait to read it again as an adult.
reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 496 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent read!
reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 48 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A good book with some tough vocabulary. You'd be amazed at what this poor girl had to go through. You'll probally have to read it eventually, so why not read it now?
GeniusJen avatar reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 5322 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Reviewed by Taylor Rector for TeensReadToo.com

This is the diary of the most courageous fourteen-year-old girl to ever live.

Anne Frank lived during the time of World War II, when you could be killed or put in a concentration camp for being Jewish -- or for not being blue-eyed and blonde. Hitler was ignorant in thinking that those with blue eyes and blonde hair were of the superior race, and anyone else should be killed.

Anne and her family went into hiding in 1942 and managed to hide for over two years.

Was Hitler finally overruled or was the family found by the Gestapo (the police that worked for Hitler)? Read this novel about a normal teenager in hiding to find out.

This is a really good book to read if you want to learn more about World War II, or simply about being courageous and living a life in hiding. Also, not only is this novel about the war but also about how Anne grows up and discovers life and writing.
reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 9 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
one of my favorites. The included photographs and handwritten excerpts are really interesting, too.
reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book is an endearing tale of the human spirit...
reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 81 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Moving. Remarkable. Should be a must read for teenage girls and anyone interested in the holocaust. A world classic - next to the bible more copies of this book sold round the world than any other.
reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 44 more book reviews
I became interested in this book after seeing it referenced in another book I was reading (Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing). I no sooner finished Newjack and I came across a copy of The Diary of Anne Frank on audio cassette.

I have to begin by saying that I can not say enough about Susan Adams narrating this book. A girlish quality in her voice really allowed me get lost in this audio book and make me feel like I really was listening to Anne Frank. Ms. Adams was easy to understand and was an excellent reader.

As strange as it may sound to some people, even though I am highly educated, I had never heard of this book prior to seeing it referenced in another book I was reading. I did some brief research on the book and it seemed like it would be a great and highly unique account of World War 2.

The story is about Anne Frank, a young Jewish girl who was living in Amsterdam during Nazi Germany occupation. The story begins at the age of 13, when she is still free to go about her life. She offers some excellent insight on what restrictions the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands had on Jewish people. She then goes on outlining a plan her family has for going into hiding to avoid persecution. Finally comes the day her family goes into hiding. The rest of the book is a vivid description of what life is like constricted to an area that seemed to be about the size of a small town house. Anne Frank gives colorful descriptions of having to live in close quarters with 7 other people, in constant fear of being found, dealing with food shortages, and having to worry about fires, bombs, and other atrocities of war. During all this, Anne is able to go through many of the same things a young teen would go through today, a struggle to find their own identity, love, rebellion against parents, etc.

I have to say the writing in the book is quite astounding. The book works on many levels. It offers a unique historical perspective on what it was like to be of the Jewish faith, hiding from the Nazis. I thought it offers a great psychological perspective on a persons thoughts and actions when under stress a persons will to survive.

The story has a timeless essence to it and will be as meaningful 200 years from now as it is today. The thoughtfulness, eloquence, and meaningfulness of the writing is astounding, especially considering the source was a teenage girl.

I have read enough in my life to know a fine piece of work when I see it. This story is definitely a fine piece of work. However, I have to admit I did not particularly like the story. I did not know what to expect when I began this book, and I have to say I was slightly disappointed. While a great piece of work, this just is not the type of story I would usually read.

If you are interested in a unique perspective on war, this is definitely a book for you. I would also highly recommend this to anyone who has a bomb shelter or might find themselves in a confined area for a long period of time with other people; this book is very insightful and talks about problems and issues I never would have thought of. All in all, this was a great story, it just was not for me.

If you are largely unfamiliar with the story of Anne Frank, I would recommend doing some quick research on her before beginning the book. I was a bit lost in the beginning, but after I spent 15 minutes doing a little research on the history of Anne Frank, things made a lot more sense to me.
dreambeliever avatar reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 56 more book reviews
IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THIS, READ IT!!
reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on
wonderful, poignant diary. this young girl wrote so eloquently it is as if you are right there.
reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on
This was an excellent book.
reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 6 more book reviews
there is nothing I can say about this book but wow.
reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 46 more book reviews
Fascinating diary entries of a young Jewish girl in hiding with her family during WWII, 1942. A classic.
reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 10 more book reviews
I first read this book years ago, yet I could read it all over again and it will still hit me hard. It is touching, moving, and painful all at the same time knowing that this happened in real no fictional story is just amazing!
reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on
Share with young people
reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on
At first it was hard to get in to, and then I found myself wanting to know what was gonna happen each day.
itsct avatar reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 3 more book reviews
I forget how funny Anne is depsite her situation. I loved every word of this book it was great. The way she struggles with trying to figure out what kind of person she wants to be and dealing with the thought that they could be found at any moment is astounding. It doesn't sound like a fifteen year old girl is writing.
reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 5 more book reviews
if you haven't you must
reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 26 more book reviews
A book every young man or young lady should read for firsthand insight into the era of the holocaust
DaisyKulta avatar reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 7 more book reviews
If you are a fan of Anne Frank or books about her, then you will love this book. :)
reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 9 more book reviews
A classic, a great book.
reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 21 more book reviews
A must read.
moosesue avatar reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 28 more book reviews
This was a summer reading book for my daughter's school. She really liked the book,it was so sad.
MustardSeed avatar reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 3 more book reviews
Interesting, to say the most. Maybe I'm too old for it? I don't know. I couldn't even finish it. I was very very very bored. Good for someone who is interested in that era. I just couldn't get into it. I usually try to force myself to finish, but I just couldn't do it.
emmaausten7 avatar reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 54 more book reviews
What else can be said? Classic. MUST-READ.
reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 48 more book reviews
Very Good Book!
Lissa avatar reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 224 more book reviews
classic - WOW
nccorthu avatar reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 569 more book reviews
A book that ought to be read by anyone interested in mankind
kickerdad avatar reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 123 more book reviews
Of the books that have had any impact on my life, "Anne Frank The Diary of a Young Girl" has had the deepest and most lasting. Written by 12-15 year old Jew-in-hiding Anne Frank during the German occupation of Holland during WWII. It is her diary - her personal thoughts, recollections, musings; her hopes, her dreams, her fears. The context of history provides a foreshadowing that holds a readers attention more than the writings of any other teenage girl.

First published in 1952, and as a play in 1955, I had the privilege 25 years later, in 1980, to perform in this play as a high school junior. I recall reflections at the time that the things we were acting were actually experienced by someone only several years younger than ourselves. It made for strong emotions and powerful storytelling. I had never read the book until now. Many fond memories that had faded came flooding forward while reading a phase or sentence that sounded familiar and caused me to reflect.

Now, an additional 38 years later, I feel the power of Anne's words no less poignantly than I did then. Touching, thought provoking, sincere truths -

"Its really a wonder that I haven't dropped all my ideals, because they seem so absurd and impossible to carry out. Yet I keep them because in spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart."
reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 2 more book reviews
Classic- reading this and The Annex help anyone understand the true lives of those who hid and survived the holocaust.
reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 7 more book reviews
This is a great read. I read this book when I was younger, but I liked it even more now. It should be on everyone's must-read list.
Princess101 avatar reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 29 more book reviews
I definately recommend this book!
Anne is living in a hiding place (or secret annex)and this is her story of the years she was there, how she coped and what she did to keep the boredom down.
I loved the romance she had with Peter. It was so sweet!
I would really suggest and recommend reading the book and watching the movei! enjoy!
ladymcfadey avatar reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 85 more book reviews
a classic!
SouthernChelz avatar reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 216 more book reviews
Excellent book for a wwll unit study
reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 552 more book reviews
Annotation
The journal of a Jewish girl in her early teens describes both the joys and torments of daily life, as well as typical adolescent thoughts, throughout two years spent in hiding with her family during the Nazi occupation of Holland.

From the Publisher
For almost fifty years, Anne Frank's diary has moved millions with its testament to the human spirit's indestructibility, but readers have never seen the full text of this beloved bookâuntil now. This new translation, performed by Winona Ryder, restores nearly one third of Anne's entries, excised by her father in previous editions, revealing her burgeoning sexuality, her stormy relationship with her mother, and more.
hellolexi avatar reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 12 more book reviews
Boring boring book. Not at all interesting.
reviewed Diary of a Young Girl on + 277 more book reviews
After reading this book in school, I felt as though I was being fed propaganda. Her story is compelling, but as time proved parts were left out. I do not deny the holocaust for a moment, but it was not all Jews. Many Chrisitians died as well.