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My favorite multicultural book is The Diary of Anne Frank. I first read this book in Hebrew school when I was in 5th grade. Ironically, we had been studying the Holocaust in Hebrew school and elementary school. The book is a journal of a Jewish girl in her teens that describes her firsthand experience living through the Holocaust. Anne's accounts are of the two years she spent with her family in hiding during the Nazi occupation of Holland. I cannot say that this book is a favorite because I enjoyed the story, but it provided me with a better understanding of what the Jews experienced during that time period. Reading this book, I felt an emotional connection with Anne. Anne's writing is filled with drama, power and tension. Her narrative is truly a remarkable account of her years in the annex. As a pre-teen girl, I was able to relate to many of the issues Anne had dealt with growing up. Insecurity, first loves and conflicts with family. Throughout the book, the reader sees Anne's thoughts grow and mature, but we are forever reminded of Anne's humanity and innocence when she says, "basically I believe most people are good." I think every child should read this story to preserve Anne's memory and others whose lives were cut short in this tragic war. |
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