Anne Frank's Chestnut Tree (Step into Reading) - Hardcover

Kohuth, Jane

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0449812553 ISBN 13: 9780449812556

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers, 2013

Synopsis

Hidden away in their Secret Annex in Amsterdam during World War II, Anne Frank and her family could not breathe fresh air or see the blue sky for years. But through an attic window Anne could see the branches of a tall chestnut tree. This small glimpse of nature gave Anne hope and courage. It inspired her writing, which, in turn, inspired the whole world. Jane Kohuth explores Anne Frank's strong belief in the healing power of nature in this Step 3 leveled reader biography for newly independent readers ages 5–8.

About this title

About the Author

JANE KOHUTH has a degree in English and creative writing from Brandeis University as well as a master's degree in theological studies from Harvard Divinity School.  She is also the author of the Step into Reading title Ducks Go Vroom, a Parents Magazine Best Book of 2011,  the picture book Estie the Mensch, a PJ Library Selection, and the picture book Duck Sock Hop, A Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Book of the Year 2013, a Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Children's Books pick 2013, and one of New York Public Library's Top-Ten Picture Book Read-Alouds of 2012.

ELIZABETH SAYLES's luminous art can be seen in over twenty children's books, including The Goldfish Yawned, a Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Book; Millions of Snowflakes; and Billy Crystal's I Already Know I Love You, a New York Times #1 bestselling picture book.

Reviews

Gr 2-4–This beginning reader introduces Anne Frank as she admires the chestnut tree that stands outside the window of the Secret Annex. The next statement instantly catches readers' attention: “she had not been outside for 597 days.” Observing it helped her keep track of the passing seasons and calm her emotions. The changes wrought by the Holocaust are described in terms a child can understand: Anne cannot go swimming, is not allowed to go to movies, and must change schools. However, due to the book's controlled vocabulary, some concepts are oversimplified; for example, the term concentration camp is used but not defined, though “Anne's parents knew that when Jews were sent away, they were never heard from again.” Readers are told that “Anne did not survive the war. But her diary did.” They also learn that the chestnut tree no longer stands, but that seedlings from it have been planted all over the world. Like Anne, its legacy continues. The somber colors in Sayles's paintings contribute to the serious tone and historical feel of the story. Students in need of more more context can read Josephine Poole's Anne Frank (Knopf, 2005), which is at a higher reading level.–Jackie Partch, Multnomah County Library, Portland, ORα(c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Kohuth introduces beginning readers to Anne Frank, emphasizing her appreciation of the chestnut tree growing outside the Secret Annex, her family’s Amsterdam refuge. After briefly explaining Hitler’s rise to power, laws discriminating against Jews, and the reasons for moving above Mr. Frank’s office, the author details the difficulties of life in hiding and explains that Anne kept a diary named Kitty. Although many familiar elements of this story are omitted (Peter van Pels and his relationship with Anne are never mentioned, for example), Kohuth does recap one diary entry, “Fear,” which expresses Anne’s confidence in the healing power of nature. Of Anne’s death, Kohuth only notes she “did not survive,” focusing instead on the museum that memorializes her wartime years. Sayles’ full-color artwork exudes a dreamy quality, which should help to soften the story’s more sensitive parts. This is less comprehensive than David A. Adler’s A Picture Book of Anne Frank (1993) but will be useful for young patrons who want to learn more about Anne. Grades 1-3. --Kay Weisman

Edition details

• Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 2013
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0449812553
• ISBN 13: 9780449812556
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Sayles Elizabeth
• Number of pages: 48