Anne Frank's Tales from the Secret Annex

Gr 6 Up—Kathe Mazur enchants listeners with her skillful narration of some of the lesser-known writings by Anne Frank, author of the now world-famous diary in which she recorded her thoughts, fears, and joys while in hiding from the Nazis during the Second World War. The precocious and talented 13-year-old also penned a variety of short stories, fables, personal reminiscences, and reflections—all of which provide additional insight into her life and character and testify to the depth of her writing abilities. This collection (Bantam, pap. 1994) also includes her unfinished novel, Cady's Life. Many of the selections detail the personalities of the others trapped in hiding with Anne, including Mr. and Mrs. van Daan and their son Peter, Mr. Dussel, and Anne's parents and sister Margot. In clear and humorous prose, Anne manages to capture and make interesting even the smallest moments of her life "in the attic." Mazur's voice portrays a young girl on the verge of womanhood, by turns both wistful and willful, and struggling against great odds to live a life as normal as possible. This would make a wonderful companion piece for students reading the diary for the first time as well as a listening treat for devotees of the better known work.—Cindy Lombardo, Cleveland Public Library, OH