Frank, A. (1967). Anne Frank: diary of a young girl. New York: Doubleday division of Random House Inc.
Genre: Autobiography/biography
Grades: 6th-9th
Anne Frank: Diary of a Young Girl is a true and moving story about a young Jewish girl who experienced the Holocaust and concentration camps. On Anne’s thirteenth birthday, June 12th 1942, she received a diary that she used to write about what she was experiencing in life. At first the diary is filled with a normal young teenager’s life until Semitism really starts taking place in her life. As she starts to experience the Nazi’s and hardships related to that, her diary begins to be filled with fear, nervousness, and many other feelings. Her family was forced into hiding once the Navi’s invaded the Netherlands. Anne went through so much adversity and hard times in which she wrote about in her diary. It is easy to see how Anne matured through her writing, since her mannerisms begin to change as she gets older and more experienced. This novel shows great strength and courage despite the end of the story. As she matures, in her writing it is clear to see that she starts to come to peace with her fate. Since she is aware of her fate, as it approaches she is very courageous and calm through this devastating part of her life. The power of this book lies in the reality of the life she was living. Since Anne was a real person it is easy for the reader to identify with the fear and nervousness that she endured. This book is perfect for your classroom if you have a Holocaust unit. By reading this primary source students will be able to get a firsthand view of what the Holocaust was and how dreadful it was. Even though this is not the most upbeat book, the Holocaust is a necessary part of history to learn about and this piece of literature is perfect for that.
About the Author:
Anne Frank was a victim of Adolf Hitler’s National Socialist Party. Up until age 13 Anne thought she lived a normal life until her family went into hiding in 1942. Since the Nazi’s were looking for Jewish people to take to concentration camps, she and her family were in great danger. Her life ends, with millions of other Jews, in a concentration camp. Information was found at http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/biography/frank.html.
Sources:
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/biography/frank.html
http://www.holmdelschools.org/faculty/stetreault/Notes/Novels/8th%20Grade/Anne%20Frank/diary.jpg
http://seattlest.com/attachments/seattle_charles/anne-frank.jpg
Keats, E. (1962). The snowy day. New York, Viking Press.
From when Ezra Jack Keats was young he had always known he wanted to be an artist. As he grew up he had always been awarded with countless art honors. This pattern continued until he was an adult and a very successful Author and Illustrator. Ezra’s first children’s book that he illustrated was Jubilant for Sure by Elisabeth Hubbard Lansing in 1954. Due to the memory of being targeted of discrimination, Keats has compassion and understanding for those who suffered like hardships. Keats started working on a new series of books: “Then began an experience that turned my life around—working on a book with a black kid as hero. None of the manuscripts I’d been illustrating featured any black kids—except for token blacks in the background. My book would have him there simply because he should have been there all along. Years before I had cut from a magazine a strip of photos of a little black boy. I often put them on my studio walls before I’d begun to illustrate children’s books. I just loved looking at him. This was the child who would be the hero of my book.” Even though much of Keats’ work is dated his works still promote respectful and powerful themes that everyone should take notice of. Information was found at 
Willis, J. (1999). Susan laughs. New York: Henry Holt and Company.
Jeane Willis has not stopped writing since she was 5 years old. She has written countless books, not just picture books. She has authored series, novels, and nonfiction books. Awards she has won include the Children’s Book Award, The Sheffield Children’s Book Award and the Silver Smarties Prize. Other popular books she has written are Who’s in the Loo? and Misery Moo. Information was found at: 
Born in England, Tony Ross, attended the Liverpool School of Art. He has illustrated for many authors including Ronald Dahl. But he also writes and illustrates his own books. In 1976 he created Goldilocks and the Three Bears. There are many videos featuring his work and also some of his book have been turned into cartoons on television. Information was found at: 
Siegel, S. (2006). To dance. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.
Siena Cherson Siegel has not made many books but the memoir To Dance is certainly a great start. She teams up to make a wonderful story based on her past. Mark Siegel is a wonderful illustrator who’s most well known work is in To Dance. While she wrote this graphic novel he created great art work. His work is a graphic artwork in a feminine way coincide with the theme of the book. He uses bring colors and detailed drawings to bring the comic strips to life. Information was found from: 
Speare, E. (1958). The witch of blackbird pond. New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, Inc.
Elizabeth George Speare is an extremely successful author who is known for her many great works which have won awards. Some of her well known books include The Bronze Bow, Calico Captive, and The Witch of Blackbird Pond. Of those, The Bronze Bow and The Witch of Blackbird Pond have both received Newberry awards. Information found about Speare was found at 
Lowry, L. (1989). Number the stars. New York: Dell Publishing.
After marrying young and having 4 children, Lois Lowry went back to school to receive her degree and begun to write professionally. She is the author of many wonderful books including The Giver, A Summer to Die, and Gathering Blue. Even though each one of these books is different she says that she uses the same general theme with each one: the importance of human connections. Pick up one of her books for a deep and refreshing read! Visit her at 
Kirk, D. (1994). Miss Spider’s tea party. New York: Scholastic Inc. Callaway Edition.
David Kird learned abou bugs and painting while growing up in central Ohio. He now has been making toys and art for children for over ten years. He has made many books including the Biddle Book series and the Nova Robot series. Information about him can be found at 
Pfister, M. (1992). The Rainbow Fish. New York: North-South Books
Born in Switzerland, Marcus Pfister started out as a graphic desgner of an advertising agency. He then realized he wanted to dedicate more time to children’s books. He illustrated and wrote his first book The Sleepy Owl in 1983, his career blossomed from there. Rainbow Fish is his best piece thus far but other books he has created are Penguin Pet and Hopper. Information can be found at 
Carle, E. (1986). Papa, please get the moon for me. Natick, MA: Picture Book Studio.
Eric Carle is a very successful authr of many popular books including The Ver Busy Spider, The Foolish Tortoise, and The Very Hungry Caterpillar. He started out as a graphic designer for the New York Times and then an art director for an adverstising company. He found his niche when he was asked to illustrate a book and his career blossomed from there. He has very recognizable art that is adored by millions of readers. He always wants children to be able to learn about their world from his books. Information found about Eric Carle is from 
Scieska, J. (1989). The true story of the 3 little pigs! New York: Puffin Books.
Jon Scieska started working as an elementary and secondary teacher but soon discovered that his passion for life was creating books for children. Jon has won so many different awards and has sold over 11 million copies global. Some of his other famous books are The Frog Prince Continued, The Stinky Cheese Man and other Fairly Stupid Fairy Tales, Math Curse, and Science Verse. Visit him at 
Books that Lane Smith has either authored or illustrated have made the New York Times and Publishers Weekly best sellers list, won a Caldecott award, or some other kind of award. Lane Smith has paired up with Jon Scieska many times to create hilarious, original childrens book. Visit him at 
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