A Friend Called Anne

This moving memoir, written by Jacqueline van Maarsen, offers a deeply personal account of her friendship with Anne Frank before and during the early years of World War II. It provides a unique perspective on Anne's life beyond her famous diary, detailing their shared experiences, hopes, and the devastating impact of the Holocaust on their lives and families in Amsterdam. Parents will appreciate this book for its historical significance and its gentle, yet honest, portrayal of a profound friendship amidst unimaginable adversity, making it suitable for discussing difficult historical events with middle-grade readers.