Anne Frank's Chestnut Tree

One sentence in Anne Frank's diary reads: "I firmly believe that nature can bring comfort to all who suffer." Nature, as represented by a chestnut tree outside an attic window in the Secret Annex, serves as a continuing image for this beginning chapter book. Here, Anne's story begins with her in hiding, then flashes back to her early childhood, the Nazi takeover of Holland, the persecution of the Jews, the Franks' decision to disappear, their daily routine in the Annex, and their eventual capture. The presence of the tree throughout Anne's life in hiding not only gives her a sense of peace but also provides young readers a respite from her ordeal. Her death is described gently: "Anne did not survive the war." Illustrations are dark and somber except those depicting Anne's pre-war life or Annex visits from helpers bringing food and books. When she flees to the attic for a glimpse of her chestnut tree, a bright yellow light creates a path to the soothing power of nature, while the moon's white light shines through the window. Anne's story comes full circle when, after the chestnut tree is blown down in a storm in 2010, its fruit is used to plant other trees, "inspiring people to see the world as Anne did." Signaling a change in the narrative, a photograph of the Anne Frank House introduces an author's note. More sophisticated recommended readings (on the copyright page) and a website (AnneFrank.org) complete this abbreviated biography. betty carter