Miep and the Most Famous Diary: The Woman Who Rescued Anne Frank's Diary

by Meeg Pincus, Jordi Solano (Illustrator)

Overview

Winner - Best of 2019 Kids Books - Most Inspiring Category

The story of Anne Frank and her diary is one of the world's most important and well-known, but less is known about the woman who sheltered Anne and her family for years and, ultimately, rescued Anne's diary from Nazi clutches. Miep Gies was a woman who rose to bravery when humanity needed it and risked everything for her neighbors. It is because of Miep we know Anne Frank—and now, this is Miep's story.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781534110250
Publisher:	Sleeping Bear Press
Publication date:	08/15/2019
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	418,379
Product dimensions:	9.20(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.20(d)
Lexile:	860L (what's this?)
Age Range:	7 - 8 Years

Editorial Reviews

08/02/2019

Gr 1–4-This picture book begins with the arrest of the Frank family, shining a light on the experience of Miep Gies, the friend and ally who sequestered the family and cared for them. Pincus highlights the woman's quiet courage and tenacity, as well as the luck that played a part in keeping her alive. With clear, simple language and quiet, affecting illustration, the book evokes the fear and sadness linked to the time of the Nazi regime. The story is meant for those who have some knowledge of Anne Frank and her diary, and is aimed at older elementary and middle school students. Some may find the subject matter inappropriate for toddlers or early elementary audiences. Regardless, this title is an admirable addition to the Anne Frank canon. End notes include an author's note, a page of additional information, and a time line. VERDICT This book somberly and beautifully depicts what life was like for the Franks and others who fell inside the Nazi sphere of influence during World War II. A truly valuable resource.-Sheri Reda, Wilmette Public Library, IL

School Library Journal

★ 2019-06-16
When the Nazis came for Anne Frank's family and the other Jewish friends who had been hidden in the secret annex, Anne left behind the diary that would be read and cherished around the world.

It was Miep Gies, with help from her husband and a few others, who hid and cared for them for two years, all risking their own lives. Anne wrote in her diary constantly, chronicling her loneliness and fears as well as the events and relationships she observed. Miep knew the Nazis would be back to steal the belongings, but she knew she could not let them find that diary. She locked it away to await Anne's return. But Otto Frank was the only one who survived. Anne's mother died of starvation, and Anne and her sister both died of typhus. Miep gave Otto the diary but never read it until long after it had been published. Anne wanted to be a writer, to be remembered, and her beloved diary achieved that for her. Pincus narrates the terrible facts accurately, not understating them but not allowing the horrors to overwhelm the intensely heroic accomplishment of this kind, courageous woman, employing quotes from Miep's own writing. Solano's full- and double-page spreads are done in shades of brown and sepia that perfectly capture the somber mood. Endpapers copy the original cover design of Anne's diary.

A beautifully realized homage. (author's note, biographical note, timeline) (Informational picture book. 8-10)

Kirkus Reviews