A poignant glimpse into the life of Anne Frank prior to the historical turning point, this shares the life of Anne and her sister Margot, how the changes that occurred affected their family, as well as the impact it had on each family member separately. This begins, more or less, with the invasion of the Netherlands by the Nazis, and how little by little, their lives were changed in the early years.

’Let us grow up to be who we want to be,she thought. Let us go out and find everything. Let us see stars and planets and countries that are far away. Let us be women, let us be sisters, let us always celebrate.’

Most of us are aware of the life of Anne Frank, but this shares a brief period of time before her world was changed, as the family is celebrating her 13th birthday. A brief moment in time that is both lovely and heartbreaking, knowing that their lives would all drastically change. I appreciated this lovely glimpse into what her life in the ‘before’ was like.

Aimed at Middle Grade readers, this is a wonderful read for all ages.



Pub Date: 17 Sep 2024

Many thanks for the ARC provided by Scholastic l Scholastic Press

Alice Hoffman's When We Flew Away takes us on a poignant journey through Anne Frank's life before the world turned upside down. The story unfolds against the backdrop of the Nazi invasion of the Netherlands, culminating in the moment the Frank family goes into hiding in Amsterdam.

For those who have long admired Anne's courage, this novel offers a precious glimpse into her pre-annexation life. We see Anne not just as the diarist we know, but as a vivacious, curious girl navigating adolescence amidst a darkening world. The bond with her family, particularly the heartwarming gift from her father on her 13th birthday, shines through the pages.

When We Flew Away is more than just a historical account. It's a testament to the enduring power of hope and resilience in the face of impending danger. Readers will gain a deeper understanding of Anne Frank, the person, and the world she inhabited before the diary began.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

I would have liked to have given this book a higher rating, but it had a slow start for me. It eventually picks up. There's no doubt Hoffman oozes talent, but you gotta do the selling in the first chapter. It's the point where a reader will choose to keep reading or give up. I would have given up if I had not been obligated through an ARC from Netgalley. And even though I finished, and was impressed with Hoffman's writing, this most definitely will not be a favorite with the intended audience. Holocaust books are everywhere today and kids expect a greater depth of story and facts. This book is too lyrical for your typical middle grade reader.

This book is just what the title says, a look at what Anne Frank's life might have been like in the two years prior to her family going into hiding. Since the whole book is fiction, I wanted more fiction. I wanted more dialogue, more interaction, in other words, more showing. This book is a lot of telling. Instead of interpreting who Anne is by her reactions to situations, we are told outright by the author in the first chapter. She's misunderstood. She's under-apprecitiated. She's bossy. And if we're not told outright, then we're told through Anne's own thoughts, which is problematic when you see a girl thinking thoughts advanced beyond her years. You can't help but wonder if you're really reading the thoughts of a far more mature person, i.e the author.

There are glimmers of showing, like when Anne, lost in her own world, steps onto the pond where she used to skate and is immediately accosted by a Nazi guard. Or a brief encounter at a market where Anne uncharacteristically cries while seeing a women leave her baby to wail while she desperately looks for unspoiled potatoes. I felt like these moments were far too infrequent.

Bottom line: Kids want a concrete story they can relate to. They want action. They want conflict. They want details. They do not want a lot of abstract, flowery language.

When We Flew Away: A Novel of Anne Frank Before the Diary is a poignant historical fiction novel by Alice Hoffman. The story delves into the coming of age of two sisters, Anne, and Margot Frank, and how the cruel events that surrounded them shaped their lives during World War Two. The Frank family moved to Amsterdam, Netherlands after Adolph Hitler and the Nazi Party gained control of Germany and the family’s journey continues here for the remainder of the story.
Alice Hoffman weaves a beautiful tale based on volumes of research to capture the authenticity of the turbulent times surrounding the Frank family and their friends.
Alice Hoffman portrays Anne as a fanciful dreamer, a strong-willed child that is astutely observant and carefree. Her sister Margot is a rule follower and vastly different from Anne. Their relationship grows stronger throughout the story as they face the harsh realities of persecution and prejudice. It is a heartwarming story that will fill you with laughter, joy, and heartbreak as you follow Anne’s journey. It is a loving and powerful tribute to the life of Anne Frank and her family before they went into hiding. This book will leave you with a renewed sense of love and appreciation for the writings of Anne Frank and her contribution to the world.

This is the novel of what Anne Frank could have been like before her diary. I grew up reading the Diary of Anne Frank. I thought this was a good portrayal of what she and her family could have been like, leading up to when they went in hiding. I think this was well done and appropriate for the middle grade audience.

“Anne saw not only what was, but what might be…she already had one foot in the future, ready to leap into the life she wanted…She didn’t intend to stay put and live the life everyone else thought she should”. She wanted to be a writer.

The Netherlands had been a country that welcomed refugees, signaling freedom and acceptance, that is, until “a tiny seed of hatred…a few evil men....Time is a circle, and what happens in one country can begin in another…There were German soldiers in the streets of Amsterdam.” As restrictions and regulations implemented by the Dutch police, under the purview of the Germans, started to snowball, Anne internalized her feelings, but, “When you write it down, they cannot pretend it never happened.”

Anne’s greatest passion was literature, a love she shared with her father, Otto. Oh, to be able to spend unlimited time perusing the tomes in a bookshop. For her thirteenth birthday, Anne was gifted with a red plaid diary she named Kitty. A special friendship was born. “There is a day you never forget, the day the whole world changes…You were young one second, and then you were far too old…You wanted to travel, you wanted to grow up…you wanted to fall in love. You wanted so much…”.Author Alice Hoffman has written a heartfelt, captivating and informative historical novel in first person narration documenting the short life of budding writer Anne Frank, a life before going into hiding, and her diary’s future impact on the world.

Highly recommended for students 5th grade and above.

Thank you Scholastic Press and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A wonderful work of historical fiction for the younger minds. A great read to show what life was like prior to Anne and her family living in the attic.

A lovely middle grade book about the time before Anne gets her journal and the famous diary entries are made.
I was able to read a lovely book last year called My Friend, Anne Frank. Which was written so beautifully before Hanna’s death.
This well done piece of literature compliments that book so well. Endorsed by the Anne Frank house says something to me about its credibility as well.
A love of literature is a main thread throughout. Clean content. May be scary for some. I think 13+ is a perfect age for this title. Some younger readers may be able to handle it. Parents discern.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher scholastic for the chance to preview this book.

When We Flew Away: A Novel of Anne Frank Before the Diary by Alice Hoffman is a great middle-grade historical fiction that I loved.

Yes, I know that I am an adult, however I am so glad I read this for teo reasons:
1. I have always loved, and been drawn to, Anne Frank after reading her diary in 3rd grade. I cherish that novel, and love to read anything that does her justice.
2. My son is now 9 and has been reading chapter books for two years now. I am always looking for quality novels that he can enjoy (but can learn from in the process).
This book meets both of those qualifications. Adding to its positives…author Alice Hoffman is one of my true favorites, and how wonderfully depicted the Frank family is portrayed within this novel. It is beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time.

Wonderful book and a must read for all.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Scholastic | Scholastic Press for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 9/17/24.

I received a copy of "When We flew Away: A Novel of Anne Frank Before the Diary" I have read Anne Frank's diary many times since I read it for the first time when I was in middle school in the 1970s. When I saw this title I wanted to read this book. I did not realize this book is actually intended for middle grade students. I was glad to read it anyway. Alice Hoffman writes a book about Anne Frank imagining what her life was like a couple years before she ended up in hiding in the Annex. This is a book of fiction with the author imagining conversations with Anne and her family and friends. I think she did a fine job trying to imagine Anne's life up to when her family had to go into hiding. I have been interested in the Frank family since i read Anne's diary all those years ago. I think middle grade kids may like this book.

This is such a fantastic historical novel about the time period before the Diary of Anne Frank. Hoffman makes the Franks such a three dimensional and relatable family that it is even more devastating when the inevitable happens. I will be using this novel in the fall in my 5th grade writing class, to show how to take real life events and add to them in a respectful and honest way.

It is wonderful to find a new book on the life of Anne Frank before the attic, and a double-thrill that it's crafted by Alice Hoffman! The story has details, facts, and insights that should delight any middle-school reader. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
#WhenWeFlewAway
#NetGalley

I absolutely adore Alice Hoffman as a writer, so I was thrilled to see she has written a children's book about the life of Anne Frank. My daughter (age 10) also read it and loved it. She had not yet learned about Anne Frank in school and was captivated by her story, which is written with as many accurate historical details and facts as possible, but done so in a compelling and child-friendly manner. My daughter is now planning to read the diary of Anne Frank. I hope all school libraries purchase this book and believe it should become required reading in schools.

Oh how I have waited to read this! What more could I ask for? A further look into the story of a young girl whose life ended to soon, but has been a part of my world since I first read her Diary
. And what better writer to tell this story than Alice Hoffman. I am hooked from the start and most likely will be up all night reading. But before I’ve finished I know it is going to be brilliant, moving, and a celebration of an Anne’s gifts.

"Dreams are the beginning." Otto ( father) told Anne, these are the stories we tell ourselves." Such wise words and a lot of truth behind them for that's me all thenway through so I can relate to Anne too.
I am already liking this story very much. I've always wanted to know more about Anne and I believe I will!