"When We Flew Away: A Novel of Anne Frank Before the Diary" by Alice Hoffman (2024)

Three main questions emerged before I cracked open this fictionalized account of Anne Frank's life before going into hiding.
1) Will this book's status as historical fiction force me to stop frequently while reading to Google whether a particular detail is fact or fiction? (Answer: Yes. At least a dozen times. The fiction to truth split of my Googling was about 50-50.)
2) Will this book be able to stand alone as a compelling read for 8-11 year olds who haven't yet read "The Diary of a Young Girl?" (Answer: No, I don't think it will. More context is needed.)
3) Is it even an ethical exercise to fictionalize any part of Anne Frank's life? (Answer: Yes, to a point. There's value here for teen and adult readers familiar with her story. But I think the Franks have been recaptured so often they're overexposed. Enough already).

Hoffman writes beautifully, and renders Anne's pre-hiding life in chilling, fairytale-laced prose (evil creatures lurk in shadows and the birds all flew away in fear...the dictionary definition of foreshadowing). It is extremely well researched and includes references to much that is known by historians about Anne and her family. But, I think the book's biggest fans won't be its intended audience (middle grade readers, age 8-11). Anne Frank, for better or worse, looms large in the imaginations of many adults today who think they know something about the Holocaust because of her diary (sadly, if this is all they've read on the subject they don't know much). It's problematic that for so many people, Anne Frank and her diary are forced to stand in for all the six million who perished. But all of this makes for a big market for this book, which does add some real historical context to the lead-up to the Frank family entering the Secret Annex. Some people might not know about all the discrimination, violence, deporations and murders that preceded the family's move. They may not know that families like hers had no way to escape their fate, but they worked all possible angles and avenues. The rest is a matter of taste: I don't see any real value in giving feelings and personalities different from those in the Diary to Anne and her family members - though of course historical fiction does this all the time. I wonder if we must further indulge readers of her diary (and its many media incarnations) who can't seem to get enough of these "characters?"

This was a quick read that shed light on Anne Frank’s early life. She was as spunky, headstrong, and full of life as we all assumed from her diary, and it was an honor to read her early fictional story. Definitely written for middle school readers more than high school.

This is a wonderful, poignant read for all ages about a beloved, tragic historical figure: Anne Frank. It was bittersweet to watch her life unfold as her 13th birthday was celebrated. Totally unaware of what was to come.

The author makes the character of Anne Frank come to life, even for those who have read <I>The Diary of Anne Frank</I> and feel they already have a good grasp of what Anne was like. By focusing on the period from May 1940 when the Nazis invaded the Netherlands until the day the Frank family went into hiding in July 1942, the story centers on Anne as she comes to realize the future may never be what she hoped. Scenes explore her relationships with her family- father, mother, sister, grandmother - and how her understanding and appreciation of them shifts as she becomes a teenager. The changes in her neighborhood and the city reflect the worsening conditions for citizens and especially for the Jewish families in Amsterdam. Readers will catch glimpses of Anne's spirit, intelligence, and imagination and their hearts will break for her and all the possibilities she was never able to explore.

One of the themes of the book is the power of story. There is the obvious connection to the powerful description of the Franks and their last months of living openly in the city. But there is also the narrative that the Nazis are telling each other, the inhabitants of the territories they control, and the world. Anne's grandmother tells her, "Evil people tell themselves a story they come to believe. They tell themselves they are good, and everyone else is inhuman. They tell themselves they are doing what heaven would will them to do." When a neighbor's husband is taken away and Anne says they should have done something about it, her mother tells her they are. "We're refusing to believe the story they're telling about us."

The author's note highlights how the strong, clear voice of Anne Frank in her diary was an inspiration when she first read the book and realized that a young girl could be an author. She also points out parallels between how countries around the world refused to admit Jewish refugees fleeing from Nazi persecution back then and how often refugees from various conflicts are still turned away today. This is a powerful book that will leave readers with questions about whether the world has learned anything from the past to help find its way to a better future.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was heartbreaking and so emotional. This was difficult to read at times as we know what fate awaited the Frank family and wish Anne’s hopes and dreams would have come true. This book was well written and so moving. This book should be read by everyone.

I picked up WHEN WE FLEW AWAY by Alice Hoffman as part of my preparations for a trip to Amsterdam, and I’m so glad I did. The novel beautifully captures Anne Frank’s life before her family went into hiding, offering a vivid and poignant portrait of her world. Hoffman’s writing brought Anne to life in a way that felt both intimate and deeply moving. It’s a heartbreaking yet inspiring story that gave me a new perspective on Anne’s remarkable courage and creativity. A truly unforgettable read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

This book wrecked me in the most heart wrenching way. I am already advocating for it to be a choice novel in my school's system. What a powerful novel.

Most people have heard of Anne Frank and her famous diary. But most have not heard or read the story BEFORE she goes into hiding. This is the story I didn't know I needed to know and now that I do... I am a better person and teacher for it. I have read extensively on WWII, the Holocaust and Anne Frank. Despite being historical fiction, much of what is contained in this novel matches up with what I have read and researched to be true. While I know the conversations and some of the thoughts inside Anne's head had to be fabricated for the storytelling, it was done in a super realistic way that makes it seem as if it were really what happened. I feel like I learned a little bit more than I knew before as well.

110% highly recommend this novel to everyone.

I had sworn off reading any more Holocaust stories, but I made an exception for this one because of the author. I should have stuck with Plan A. I don't want to take anything away from Alice Hoffman's talented writing (I love her books) but I just can't seem to get any enjoyment from reading this subject matter. Even though it's an important part of history, its awfully heavy and depressing for a middle school level audience. My thanks to Scholastic Press for providing a review copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I have really enjoyed all the books I have read by Alice Hoffman. When I was younger, I read The Diary of Anne Frank, and it impacted me so much as a young girl. I loved reading Alice Hoffman's imaging of the years that led up to the family going into hiding. It was really well done, and I was entranced. I finished it in one day. This is a beautiful and heart wrenching story. This is considered young adult book, but I would recommend it to anyone.

This was okay. I'm not exactly sure what I was expecting from a middle grade about Anne Frank before she went into hiding, but I was a bit underwhelmed. It was realistic in the sense that it was easy to imagine that that's what her life was like before her infamous diary, but again, I was just underwhelmed. I guess it's not fair to say that a real girl's imagined life doesn't live up to expectations, but I think I mean more of the storytelling than her actual life. The writing kind of made everything forgettable so I don't think I'll think about this one again.

A beautiful, poignant story. While the novel is fictional, it's based on facts, and it's interesting to see a glimpse into what Anne's life could have been like before the diary.

I read the Diary of Anne Frank when I was 11. Ever since I read anything associated with her.
This book depicts the story of Ann before the family was forced to disappear into hiding in 1942.
It’s simple enough for children but thorough enough for adult readers.
The one aspect that I didn’t care for was the mystical elements. I didn’t think they added much to the story.

What a fascinating new story about an amazing character in history. I really loved this new addition to the historical plot. This author is such a great historical fiction writer, and this was a great exaple.

When I saw this book pop up, I knew I had to read it! I have read the Diary of Anne Frank, and visited where her family hid in Amsterdam, so I was curious to see a fiction book based on a historical person before she wrote the book that made her famous.

This was so interesting! I know it's fiction, but Hoffman does such a great job of bringing this story to life. It really adds to the depth of that time in history, and further highlights how the Frank family, like so many others, were just going about their normal lives before being thrust into a terrible reality.

I definitely recommend this book.

Yes, this is a fictional account of a historical figure and event. But Hoffman did an amazing job with making it seem more non-fiction than fiction. She pulled all the threads of a well-known historical figure and wove a story that was real, plausible and heartfelt.

I think that any book that attempts to honor and teach about the history of Anne Frank or any part of Jewish WWII history is worthwhile. I like that the history behind this book and the fact that it was written in conjunction with the Anne Frank House is notable in that it accurately portrays a story that we sort of knew, but now have an opportunity to know even more. I love that. The writing is fresh and the story is about as good as any story out there. Must read.

When We Flew Away: A Novel of Anne Frank Before the Diary is a beautifully crafted and poignant story that captures the essence of Anne Frank’s life before her family was forced into hiding. This fictionalized account vividly brings young Anne to life, offering a heart-wrenching glimpse into her world and her dreams before they were overshadowed by the horrors of war. Although fictional, the story resonates deeply with the challenges and injustices we continue to see today. I was both moved and saddened, feeling the weight of the injustices that Anne and her family faced. The author captures Anne’s remarkable strength, resilience, and spirit in a way that makes her loss even more heartbreaking. It’s a hauntingly beautiful story that honors Anne’s legacy.

A beautiful and heart-rending tale of the fictional life “before” the Frank family goes into hiding. Devastating, hopeful, and eye-opening. Don't let the fact that this is YA keep you from reading it. Sometimes the greatest stories are told through simple language, but the impact is felt all the same.

I am a fan of Alice Hoffman's writing, a really enjoy many of her books. With that, I was eager to request a copy of When We Flew Away, but I find that I'm not able to put aside my trepitidition about the novelization of a murdered teen's diary and life story, even by a gifted author. One day I might be ready, but I'm not yet. Too soon, still, for me.

Published in partnership with the Anne Frank House, this poignant middle-grade novel tells the story of Anne and her family before their years spent in hiding during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands.

Many around the world have come to know Anne through her diary. But this novel does something profound by focusing on the discrimination that led her family to seek refuge, reminding us how quickly hate can turn from a flicker into a flame.

We see Anne affected by the changes around her, including early curfews, stars sewn to coats, and restrictions on when and where Jews can shop, with the timeline taking readers up to the Frank family’s first day behind the bookcase.

In addition to these real-world events, Alice Hoffman explores the growing resentment against the Jewish people through Anne’s imagination, with wolves, dark moths, and looming shadows appearing as metaphors for discrimination. To me, this was a powerful depiction of how children perceive prejudice and I think it will resonate with younger readers.

If Anne’s beautiful words of hope and courage have ever touched your heart, I think this lyrical book will do the same. While fictional, it’s rooted in truth, well-researched, and timely. I’m so grateful to Alice Hoffman for providing this window into Anne’s world, reminding us how necessary it is to remember and honor the past.