I remember reading The Diary of Anne Frank when I was in 6th or 7th grade. I remember it being the book that started my love of reading. Knowing that the story and the feelings were real was just a really intense realization to me. It brought history and my love of historical fiction to light. I loved reading this, prequel in theory, and thinking about the story before the diary. I realize that the majority of this is fictionalized, as Hoffman made clear at the end of the book, but it brought a completeness to the story of Anne and brought her back into the world and our minds. I found myself researching her again as I did when I was younger (although it's much easier now!) and made me want to dust off my old copy and give it a reread to complete Anne's tale. Thank you for writing this!

The writing itself is extremely well written and emotionally captivating.

Hoffman has recreated the child Anne Frank with all her wit, mischief, and uncertainties. This fictionalized account of the increasingly desperate years that preceded the famous diary. I will be purchasing a copy for my middle school library!

5 plus plus (Thank you so much, Netgalley and publisher, for this arc. The first thing I did when I finished reading it and stopped sobbing was preordering my copy with Barnes and Noble. )

When I saw Alice Hoffman was the author of this project, I couldn't stop thinking about it, because Anne Frank's Diary had such an impact on my childhood as a reader.
This author is one of my favorite top women fiction/magic realism authors. I trusted she could write Anne Frank with the respect, life, kindness, joy, and strength of such an important historical character with lyric emotion. It doesn't disappoint. I read it in one sitting, I will reread it again and again..

The constant subtle lyric references to animals, nature, colors, senses, and storytelling bring it all together in the first years of WWII in Anne's life. Her relationship with her family is presented so well. Being closer to her father and grandmother, having a harder relationship with her mother and sister, finding love with a boy her age... The author filled the gaps with fictional details that worked. The author's extensive research and cooperation with Anne Frank House in Amsterdam created a novel that is appropriate for all ages and a lesson of humbleness to our present days telling us we have the responsibility to be better.

There are so many details in each chapter that could be discussed (family, coming of age, social, political, religious, the importance of books, past, myths, knowledge, stories in our understanding of humanity, evil doings, acts of kindness, fear, injustice, fairness, life, love, the realization that end is near when life is starting... So much can be analyzed, and given reflection in the classroom or among family. The short paragraph interludes are amazing extras listing what was lost or what is remembered. They are deeply emotional and sad.

It starts with chapters filled with dreams, hope, mischief, stories, the promise of a full life... of visiting America, California, shopping at Macy's, of growing up to experience all sorts of emotions, love, disappointment, joy, and marriage... as we advance from one chapter to the next we start to subtract something, starts small but it's consistent and progressive and scary, already on a path to the end.

The family is portrayed well and with such kindness and knowledge. They have many life lessons worth quoting. The author expresses well that they were so kind that they couldn't foresee that the evil doings were no storm that would pass soon. The adults try to protect Anne from the truth, but she understands more than she lets them know. And with another chapter and another, they lose more as more horrible laws are passed forbidding them to live freely, to walk, to do... The anniversary when she got the diary was when my tears started to fall and the scene with the necklace and Anne's final decision towards it made me sob.

Fear takes over dreams, and sadness takes over life. There's so much in each chapter to underline, to quote, to never forget. Never forget. (I read an arc so I can't quote, but I will after it's published).

4.5 ⭐️

This is a must read for everyone. The book takes place during War World II; a time when the Nazis were invading the Netherlands and had already overtaken Poland and Austria. Their goal was to extinguish the Jewish population. During this dreadful time, we take a glimpse into the young life of Anne Frank and her family. We watch the heartache that befalls the Jewish people as their rights are slowly ripped from them. Some families successfully went into hiding while others met unfair and unjust fates. Before Anne Frank’s life was cut short, she documented her experiences in her diary. Alice Hoffman brings Anne’s painful and eye-opening experiences to life in this historical fiction novel, When We Flew Away.

Anne Frank is a young 10 years old when the story begins. She is a dreamer with a wild imagination. Unlike anyone she knows, she stands out to those around her as being a bit eccentric. Like many children her age, she can’t wait to be an adult and can’t wait until she turns 13 years old. She believes 13 is her lucky number and life will dramatically change on her 13th birthday. As the Nazis continue to advance and inflict their antisemitic prejudices, Anne begins to question whether good can triumph over evil. As she navigates a world seemingly overcome by evil, we begin to see a realist side to Anne as she has no choice but to grow up fast.

Alice Hoffman masterfully combines historical facts with fictional details in this novel. Based on what we know from “The Diary of a Young Girl,” I believe the author does an amazing job of substituting scenarios that are pretty plausible given what we know about the “real” Anne Frank. This book pulled at my heartstrings and transported me to a time when I couldn’t help but experience the evils of antisemitism through the eyes of a young girl. “When We Flew Away” is an amazing piece of literature that forces the reader to acknowledge the devastation and evil that came to so many Jewish people at the hands of unjust prejudices. And I hope that we never forget the impact that hate has had and that we (the world) continue to learn from past mistakes so that we can be better.

Obviously the minute I see Alice Hoffman's name, I'M IN. But her beautiful, magical prose combined with the harsh reality of a young girl dealing with the normal realities of puberty and adolescence while also dealing with the stark reality of the beginning of the Holocaust was a juxtaposition that I didn't know I needed. This should be required reading. We all know the story of Anne Frank, but do we know Anne Frank? Hoffman's insights into the mind of a 13 year old girl's perception of what is happening in front of her, and to her, during this time in history puts a very sharp point on the experience of a very wise but young, hopeful and misunderstood story. The Jewish mysticism which she infuses into the narrative is stunning. I will be thinking about this book for a long time.

When the Frank family relocated from Germany to the Netherlands in 1934 they truly believed it would save them. The country remained independent and neutral on all political and religious matters. But as Europe succumbed to the atrocities brought by Hitler and the Nazi’s there was no longer a safe place to be found. When We Flew Away reimagines Anne’s life prior to 1942, before they were forced into hiding. Before she wrote a diary that changed the way we see the world. Anne and her sister led a simple life with all the normal urgencies of a young girl trying to figure out what she likes and who she wants be. This outspoken young girl was often reprimanded in school for being a chatterbox, while she idolized and was jealous of her older sister, the model student. As the family watched their freedoms slowly disappear they clung to each other and a few friends that would help them organize the infamous attic where they would be concealed for two years. Appreciating the birds and the flowers and the feel of sunshine on your face, Anne describes the simple joys we take granted every day. I simply love author Alice Hoffman but I must admit this is a very YA book and although I often enjoy them this one did not capture my heart. It was a little repetitive and told by a narrator when as the reader I would’ve liked to imagine her thoughts first person. Maybe because I have been reading about the life of Anne Frank for my entire life, nothing will ever compare to her diary and actual words.

A fascinating fictional look into what The Franks lives were like before going into hiding. I thoroughly enjoyed this book (as much as you can “enjoy” a story that is devastating and heart breaking) and couldn’t put this down. I know that none of this is anything we know actually happened. But based on accounts and diaries and such, it is a pretty good guess. So sad and eye opening. Definitely something we need to stand up for. Evil is always among us, sometimes undetected until it is too late.

***Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary copy of WHEN WE FLEW AWAY: A NOVEL OF ANNE FRANK BEFORE THE DIARY by Alice Hoffman in exchange for my honest review.***

In this historical fiction novel, Alice Hoffman uses real people, places and facts to imagine the two years before Anne Frank and her family went into hiding.

Hoffman is a beautiful storyteller. Taking on a task of Anne’s story before the diary is an arduous task. Though Anne is the age of middle grade readers, I think only small percentage of tween readers will enjoy WHEN WE FLEW away. I first read Anne’s diary in middle school, but most of the context went over my head. I think adults appreciate the brilliance of her diary more than young people. WHEN WE FLEW AWAY is written more simplistically than the diary, which complicates whether adults will enjoy the book. As someone well versed on Anne Frank’s life, I didn’t particularly enjoy the story or the reading experience.

Middle school classes would probably use WHEN WE FLEW AWAY more than literature or English classes.

I hope WHEN WE FLEW AWAY finds a market.

When We Flew Away is historical fiction at its best. We get a glimpse into the minds and times of Anne Frank and her family during the years before they went into hiding, as their world changed in ways that seemed inconceivable to them, even after what happened the Germany they fled. I identified with the main character, Anne's, typical struggles of an adolescent, but seeing these conflicts play out against a backdrop of the changes wrought in The Netherlands, a country that had once been known as a place of tolerance, by those who viewed some people as "less than" was powerful enough to keep me reading the whole story in one sitting. Watching Anne and those she loved slowly being stripped of being able to do the things that make us human while the rest of the world was slow or unwilling to intervene or offer refuge, this book is a reminder of the importance of standing up and being heard before those changes that once seemed inconceivable, little by little, become all too real once again.

Thank you to the author and publisher for providing me with a digital ARC of this title via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

To be honest, I have not read Anne Frank's diary, but I of course now the story. I was mostly interested in this title due to the author. I am a big fan. This young adult read was enjoyable and interesting. You can tell it is well researched, but also full of emotions and beautiful writing that made me feel so connected to the characters. I completely want to read The Diary of a Young Girl now.

Thought this was a great read! The historical aspects and characters were really great. I liked the writing style and felt like it was a good easy read.

Alice Hoffman is one of my favorite authors. Her book, The Dovekeepers, is phenomenal! Writing about Anne Frank's life before she went into hiding is a brilliant concept. I truly hope this book is a great success.

I appreciate the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a review.

read The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank for the first time a couple of months ago. That book is such a beautifully tragic piece of literature. I am grateful I read it before When We Flew Away because it helped me truly FEEL the story Alice Hoffman created for Anne. This fictional life "before" the Frank's went into hiding was touching, devastating, hopeful, and it felt so accurate. I have been deeply affected by Anne's diary and now this beautiful story from Hoffman. I know this book is considered Middle Grade, but everyone should read it.
**Thank you to NetGalley and Scholastic Publishing for the eARC.

I doubt that there's any young woman who hasn't read or at least heard of the book "Anne Frank: Diary of a Young Girl", and certainly all are familiar with her story and place in history.
Until reading Alice Hoffman's recent book "When We Flew Away", I've rarely considered what her life, plans and hopes had been prior to the tragic events written of in her famous diary.
I never miss a novel by Alice Hoffman, and though this one was listed as middle grade fiction, I couldn't wait to dive right in!
The narrative voice telling the story is calm and simple, catering to young readers, and yet compelling enough to thoroughly draw us in to the story.
From the time Anne's family moves to the Netherlands to escape Nazi activity, they believe they are safe there and become involved in the community. As a couple of years go by, we begin to see that safety net unravel, bringing a sense of urgency to the tale.
The relationship between Anne and her sister Margot, is wonderfully portrayed, even though not always amicable and dear. Anne's love of books and writing, as well as her desire to become grown up, and her hopes and dreams for her future, are depicted in such a way that make her a believable and likable young girl. This is a tender and unforgettable novel for young readers.
Thanks to NetGalley and Scholastic for the chance to be an early reader of this book.

Reading Hoffman’s lyrical writing is always such a wonderful experience and this is no exception. The story of Anne Frank and her relationships with her family prior to her years in hiding evokes the anxiety, disappointment and deep sadness of those times. As well as the everyday ups and downs of a typical 12 year old. It’s a bit of a warning about letting hatred and us/them mentality creep into your society and how quickly it can spread. Is this a middle reader? I’m not sold on that. If you didn’t already know the story of Anne Frank would it have the same effect? I don’t think so. This is one you would probably want to read along with your child… lots a great discussion could come of that.

A wonderfully written historical fiction of the life of Anne Frank before her diary. Alice Hoffman does a terrific job of depicting Anne's personality and family life.leading up to the time they are forced to hide. A novel well suited for young adult readers and a great book to add to a classroom curriculum.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for an advanced copy of this novel by one of my favorite authors.

Heavily fictionalized, but this is clearly explained at the beginning.
It was a bit of a slow start, I'd even say boring if you already have read a lot about Anne Frank, as it contained lotta historical background .
But once thru that part it is touching and lyrical.
Would be a good introduction to Anne Frank for teen readers
I received an ARC from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

"When you write it down, they cannot pretend it never happened."
- When We Flew Away: A Novel of Anne Frank Before the Diary

This enchanting novel by Alice Hoffman, my first by this author but certainly not my last, brought Anne Frank to life in a way that transcends the confines of her famous diary. We meet a vibrant young girl, brimming with curiosity and a fierce spirit, long before the Secret Annex became her world.

Hoffman's poignant storytelling humanizes Anne in a way that resonates deeply. Witnessing her bond with her beloved Oma, the blossoming friendships, and the simple joys of childhood creates a powerful contrast to the darkness that looms. The celebration of birthdays, the carefree walks, the youthful skating adventures - these seemingly ordinary moments become achingly precious as we witness their gradual erosion.

This book isn't just about the looming threat; it's about Anne's full personality. We see her love for learning, the sting of prejudice, the tentative steps towards romance, and the complex relationship with her sister that evolves throughout the story. Hoffman masterfully weaves historical details into the narrative, painting a chilling picture of a nation slowly succumbing to Nazi control.

The evolving dynamic between Anne and her mother adds another layer of depth. We witness the initial friction, the yearning for connection, and the gradual transformation as Anne finds her voice. This thread of their relationship adds a poignant dimension to the story.

Whether you've read Anne's diary or not, "When We Flew Away" tugs at your heartstrings. It allows you to appreciate the full spectrum of Anne's life, from the vibrant "before" to the courage she would soon demonstrate in hiding. This is a powerful reminder of the importance of cherishing the simple joys of life and the enduring power of the human spirit.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC copy of this lovely read!

I have always been curious about Anne Frank. Pretty much since I read her diary a little over 10 years ago. I think that's a pretty common experience. I hear a lot of people say similar things when mentioning Anne Frank.

After her diary, I ended up reading a lot more about her and other children with similar stories. I still find myself gravitated to books surrounding the tragedy of World War II. That's how I ended up reading this book.

It did take me a little while to get through this story because it had a slower start than I was expecting. The writing is also really lyrical which I enjoyed. Difficult subject matter and lyrical writing often go hand in hand. It really helped create clear images and details. Though, I think I would have really enjoyed this as an audiobook and I would recommend it as an audiobook to the middle grade audience.

One of my favorite parts was how the relationship of Anne and her sister was portrayed. It seems very accurate to how their relationship is always shown in her diary and other books/shows/movies.

This is a work of historical fiction. So obviously it isn't a book for education necessarily. But it does do a good job of showing children Anne's personality and giving her a life that's more relatable for them. Which could help introduce Anne and the horrors of World War II to children in a more manageable way and help set them up to read other books in the future.

Thank you Netgalley for an advanced e-book copy of "When We Flew Away" by Alice Hoffman

It was interesting to hear about Anne before the diary!
The story does the gravity and despair of the situation justice.
It makes the reader feel how horrible the circumstances were.
In the past, when I've read books about this topic I felt a little more hopeful in the "never again" aspect of knowing these stories, but these days it seemed harder to read with that hopeful lens.
These days it feels as though we really need to be paying attention and being sure to stand up and speak out.
The book felt heavy to me, but still enjoyable to read.
It is definitely well written with layers and numerous quotable passages and meaningful lines.
(and... there's always the chance it felt heavier to me because of my own mindset).

Read this with tissues nearby. Alice Hoffman paints the story of a younger Anne Frank with grace and respect. It brings once again her heartbreaking story to life.