Behind the Bookcase: Miep Gies, Anne Frank, and the Hiding Place Paperback – Illustrated, 30 Nov. 2020

A wonderfully written and illustrated story that provides an entry to a difficult topic for children. By focusing on Miep, the story manages to show the goodness of people and provide hope. Terrific book!

Miep Gies was one of the Frank family helpers when they were in hiding for over 2 years during World War II.This quick read is written for younger readers, as such the author made the decision to use the names that are used in Anne Frank's diary, as opposed to the real names of individuals, which many of us are now familiar with.This book captures the parts of Miep's life that helped her empathize with the Frank family, and highlights the struggles, as well as bright moments. Anne Frank's ability to recognize the good, find humor, and grow beyond her years is part of what makes her story so widely read, and some of that is captured here as well.

I was disappointed in the book because I expected a book loaded with details like the Diary of Anne Frank. Instead, there were lovely pictures but very few words. I was looking forward to reading details of the experience from Miep Gies's perspective