“I want to go on living even after my death! And therefore I am grateful to God for this gift, this possibility of developing myself and of writing, of expressing all that is in me. I can shake off everything if I write; my sorrows disappear; my courage is reborn.”
~ Anne Frank
Much has been written about Anne Frank, the courageous girl who revealed her life in hiding from the Nazis via her beloved diary, Kitty. Anne’s ability to relate to young people has taught generations about the Holocaust, but more importantly, it has demonstrated the power of empathy and kindness, especially through the actions of Miep Gies.
Miep Gies was on Otto Frank’s staff. She agreed to help hide the Frank family and friends in a small space attached to Frank’s office. Barbara Lowell’s new book, BEHIND THE BOOKCASE, tells Anne’s tale for the young from Miep’s unique perspective.
Why did Miep agree to do such a dangerous thing? Well, this book taught me that Miep had escaped World War I as a young child. Her parents sent her away from Austria, were there was little food or resources, and she was adopted by a loving Dutch family. This life-saving experience serves as the foundation for BEHIND THE BOOKCASE.
Barbara, how did you discover this unique angle?
As I looked at photographs of Miep Gies in the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, I felt a connection to her. I wanted to know more about her and why she risked her life in an attempt to save the lives of Anne Frank, her family and friends. After I read Miep’s autobiography, Remembering Anne Frank: The Story of the Woman Who Helped to Hide the Frank Family, I knew I wanted to tell her story for children. I thought that the horror of the Holocaust and Anne’s death could be shared in a more accessible way for young children if it was told through Miep’s point of view.
What do you want children to take away from this retelling?
I want kids to know that good people tried to save the lives of many Jewish people during the Holocaust. Just as Anne Frank is the face of victims of the Holocaust for many children, Miep Gies can be the face of those who tried to help them. My hope is that what happened in the Holocaust will never be forgotten and writing the book is my contribution.
BEHIND THE BOOKCASE is an introduction to the Holocaust for elementary age children. As an introduction, I hope it spurs their interest as they grow to read more complex books on Anne Frank, the Holocaust and World War II. I hope too that they will read Anne’s diary and remember Miep Gies, the woman who saved the diary first for Anne…and then for the world.
Barbara, thank you for writing this book. I think the lessons of empathy and kindness are especially salient for today.
Blog readers, would you like a copy of BEHIND THE BOOKCASE? It’s available now from Kar-Ben Publishing, but I am also giving away a copy.
Leave one comment below to enter.
A random winner will be chosen at the end of the month.
Good luck!
Barbara Lowell is the author of the picture books: BEHIND THE BOOKCASE: Miep Gies, Anne Frank and the Hiding Place; MY MASTODON; SPARKY & SPIKE: Charles Schulz and the Wildest, Smartest Dog Ever; and more books for children. She is an active member of SCBWI and SCBWI Oklahoma and loves to travel. She lives in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma with her husband and two terrific cats. You can visit her at barbaralowell.com.
86 comments
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September 10, 2020 at 12:08 pm
Elizabeth Curry
The world needs as much empathy and kindness as we can get! I am really looking forward to reading this. Congratulations and thanks for the great post.
September 10, 2020 at 12:09 pm
Ellen Leventhal
I am always amazed at how familiar stories can be told in different ways. Thank you!
September 10, 2020 at 12:10 pm
marsha weiner
my in-laws were survivors of the Auschwitz and Dachau. our grandchildren are now of age to open those discussions…. looking forward to seeing this book. thank you
September 10, 2020 at 12:15 pm
supermario6
This book sounds amazing!
September 10, 2020 at 12:15 pm
Kim A Larson
Congratulations, Barbara! Thank you for writing this story. It should not be forgotten.
September 10, 2020 at 12:21 pm
katiemillsgiorgio
Thank you for sharing!!
September 10, 2020 at 12:22 pm
Barbara Lowell
Thank you so much Tara for inviting me on your blog and for giving away a copy. You are very generous!
September 10, 2020 at 12:22 pm
Alicia Z. Klepeis
Really looking forward to reading this book!
September 10, 2020 at 12:23 pm
Krista Harrington
This post is so inspiring! Not only do I want to run out to get this book, but it encourages me to pursue an idea to write a children’s book about Corrie Ten Boom, another brave woman who helped Jewish families during the Holocaust.
Thank you for sharing!
September 10, 2020 at 12:34 pm
Charlotte Offsay
This sounds great! Congrats!
September 10, 2020 at 12:34 pm
kimpfenn
Congratulations!! It is so important for books to show children how this happened to keep it from happening again. looking forward to reading this.
September 10, 2020 at 12:36 pm
Michele Prestininzi
This book sounds fascinating. I’m so curious to learn about Anne Frank’s life from this unique perspective. Congrats!
September 10, 2020 at 12:36 pm
readmybook2002
This is something I never knew. I hope others will find out by reading this book.
September 10, 2020 at 12:37 pm
TerriMichels
Thank you for a good read post. Will be looking forward to reading your book!
September 10, 2020 at 12:40 pm
Lynne Marie
Goodness what a wonderful book! Such a treasure!
September 10, 2020 at 12:46 pm
Debra Shumaker
A very important book. I’m eager to read it.
September 10, 2020 at 12:49 pm
Christine Pinto
This book looks lovely. Kudos to you for finding a new insight into a much told story. Congratulations!
September 10, 2020 at 12:58 pm
CHRISTINE LAYTON GRAHAM
This looks like an amazing book about a heroic person.
September 10, 2020 at 1:00 pm
stiefelchana
Looks beautiful! Thanks for sharing such an important story. I was at the Anne Frank house two years ago. A chilling experience. Congrats, Barbara.
September 10, 2020 at 1:01 pm
Anita M Banks
What a story! Congratulations.
September 10, 2020 at 1:04 pm
Wendi Silvano
What a fascinating topic. It looks beautiful!
September 10, 2020 at 1:16 pm
Sherry Smith
Hi Barbara, I didn’t think anyone could write about Ann Frank from a fresh perspective, but you did. Best of luck with your book.
September 10, 2020 at 1:17 pm
kiwijenny
I especially love what Anne said about her writing . That she could shake off anything when she wrote. And even better that she would live beyond this life because of her writing. Wow. Also an other epiphany was your hope that children would grow to read more complex stories about Anne Frank. We PB writers only have to capture one aspect , introduce life to kids. Awesome thoughts and so hopeful. May we never need to hide a family behind a bookcase again. God bless and hugs
September 10, 2020 at 1:20 pm
Rebecca Gardyn Levington
I love how you managed to find such a unique angle to tell this important story to children. Never forget!
September 10, 2020 at 1:24 pm
Mary Ann Cortez
What a great idea for unique spin on a story that is so important to history.
September 10, 2020 at 1:31 pm
eboxer19
What a unique and powerful angle to help kids understand the importance of being brave and kind. Can’t wait to read this. Congrats!
September 10, 2020 at 1:36 pm
Kathy Chalas
Some would look at this account and say, “I don’t get it. What was in it for them?” Fortunately, there were and still are decent, selfless people in the world like Miep Gies. Thank you for sharing this remarkable story with a new generation.
September 10, 2020 at 1:41 pm
Linda Mitchell
Oh, my goodness. What a vital book for these days. We all need to understand that each of us can make lifesaving choices…we can be the good guys and the good gals.
September 10, 2020 at 1:45 pm
Lisa Riddiough
Yes! I want this book. Maybe I’ll win it. If not, I will buy it. Thank you, Barbara, Valentina, and Tara!
September 10, 2020 at 1:47 pm
Nancy Ferguson
Thank you! Look for the helpers and there is this book! Congratulations on its publication.
September 10, 2020 at 1:55 pm
Susan Eyerman
Thank you for writing this story about a real hero.
September 10, 2020 at 1:56 pm
ptnozell
So happy to learn more about this important new picture book. Thank you for writing it, Barbara. Can’t wait to read it.
September 10, 2020 at 2:01 pm
Kassy Keppol
This is really interesting. Thank you for researching it.
September 10, 2020 at 2:18 pm
Sherri Jones Rivers
The story children need to know. This one looks like a winner.
September 10, 2020 at 2:23 pm
Sylvia Mary Grech
Congrats on writing such a great story about a difficult subject for children!
September 10, 2020 at 2:24 pm
Mary York
This story cannot be told often enough!!
September 10, 2020 at 2:28 pm
Susan Johnston Taylor
Congrats, Barbara and Valentina! Very important story.
September 10, 2020 at 2:46 pm
Evelyn Bookless @evelynbookless
What an interesting perspective on the Anne Frank story and such beautiful art. Warm congrats Barbara and Valentina. I visited Anne Frank’s house for the first time last year and was so touched to learn about the helpers and the risks they took when hiding the families. Wishing this book endless success.
Evelyn
September 10, 2020 at 2:59 pm
rindabeach
I’m so glad this story is out to share the goodness of people during Covid. I watched the Hallmark movie about Miep The quotes I loved at the end were about the Jewish mothers who gave up their children so they could live, and the Dutch mothers who welcomed them into their families, even knowing they might have to give them back after the war. I’m glad you’re keeping this story alive.
September 10, 2020 at 3:59 pm
chardixon47
Congratulations Barbara and Valentina! Thank you for writing and illustrating a children’s book about Anne Frank and the holocaust. We must never forget.
September 10, 2020 at 4:20 pm
lmconnors
This is an important story. Thank you for telling it.
September 10, 2020 at 4:25 pm
Barbara Bockman
What a wonderful concept to help keep Anne Frank’s story in the forefront for another generation. Thank you, Barbara and Valentina. The illustrations look so much the period and place.
September 10, 2020 at 4:41 pm
Eloise Freeman
Tara, reading your interview of Barbara Lowell brought tears to my eyes.
What a bitter-sweet story of kindness, caring, and courage in the face of such danger and pervasive evilness. I can wait to read this story and read it to my grandson. Congratulations, Barbara for bringing this story into our consciousness!
September 10, 2020 at 4:46 pm
Cheryl Johnson
This is why I love nonfiction/narrative nonfiction picture books ~ there’s always something to learn! I never knew Miep Gies was sent away and adopted during WW1.
September 10, 2020 at 5:07 pm
artistjerrybennett
It’s amazing how the art directors find the perfect art style to match the tone of the manuscript. I’m looking forward to this!
September 10, 2020 at 6:43 pm
rythmicrhyme
Thank you for writing this important story for young children. Childhood is the time for developing the seeds of empathy, kindness, sacrifice and service to others in need, traits that are so needed in our world today.
September 10, 2020 at 7:59 pm
Denise
Thank you for sharing this perspective on the Holocaust.
September 10, 2020 at 9:11 pm
Brittney Jett
Getting insight on the background of historical figures and events is fascinating. I am really looking forward to reading this book!
September 10, 2020 at 9:29 pm
EmmieR Werner
Looking forward to reading your book ❤️
September 10, 2020 at 9:40 pm
Cindy S. Boyll
Thanks for shining a spotlight on Miep. She was that unexpected, every day hero, who did the extraordinary!
September 10, 2020 at 9:42 pm
Mark Ceilley
What a wonderful book! This is an important story for children. Thank you for bringing it into the world.
September 10, 2020 at 10:05 pm
Jennifer Phillips
This sounds amazing. And a great reminder to look at a story from different perspectives. Congratulations.
September 10, 2020 at 11:34 pm
Ashley Bankhead
This book sounds amazing! I would love to read it to my children.
September 11, 2020 at 2:30 am
Marcia Berneger
This is a difficult topic. Thank you for this unique perspective designed for elementary level kids.
September 11, 2020 at 6:50 am
Debbie Lodato
Barbara,
This looks like an amazing story.
Such a great POV. Isn’t it funny how inspiration
And ideas hit us. Can’t wait to read it.
Best,
Debbie Lodato
September 11, 2020 at 9:07 am
Dee Knabb
This is such an important story kids can connect with, Barbara. Congratulations on your book.
September 11, 2020 at 9:53 am
Mary Bleckwehl
So important. So important. Thank you for writing it. Can’t wait to share it.
September 11, 2020 at 11:11 am
Melanie Ellsworth
This sounds like an important new perspective on Anne Frank’s story, so I really look forward to reading it.
September 11, 2020 at 11:18 am
Linda
This is an important piece of history to bring to a picture book.
September 11, 2020 at 1:56 pm
mariagianferrari
Looks like a powerful and important book. Thanks for writing it, Barbara.
September 11, 2020 at 2:03 pm
marty
There are, always have been, kind and courageous people in this world, and it’s so important to have reminders like this. Anne Frank’s story is such a poignant one and this book will shed light on yet another amazing soul. Look forward to reading it.
September 11, 2020 at 2:22 pm
womanwifemotherchild
A much-needed message to share with children, especially in this current climate. Thanks for sharing it.
September 11, 2020 at 4:52 pm
kathydoherty1
What a powerful story that needed to be told. Thank you!
September 11, 2020 at 5:12 pm
Darcee Freier
How wonderful to hear from a new (to me at least) voice about Anne Frank. I don’t remember hearing about Miep Gies before. Thank you and congratulations on your new book!
September 11, 2020 at 9:16 pm
Kerry
Telling the story of the incredible people who risked their own lives to save others is a vital message for our new generation of young people. They need role models, examples, a glimpse at what is risked and above all, a knowledge that the human race has often risen to an fantastic feats of courage. Thank you for creating a picture book on this great story.
September 11, 2020 at 11:23 pm
seschipper
What an inspiring story. So happy the strength and courage of Miep Gies as well as Anne Frank and her Family must continue to be shared! Great job! 🙂
September 12, 2020 at 12:35 am
betlw
Everyone needs to know about the Holocaust. Introducing this by telling the brave story of Miep’s help in hiding the Frank family. I’ve done some research on this terrible event, and am so glad that you have told it in a softer way for children. I will certainly read your story. Great interview!
September 12, 2020 at 8:10 am
58chilihed13
Will definitely be adopting this book for my local library, we must never forget.
September 12, 2020 at 9:21 am
Cindy Johnson
What a wonderful, informative and inspiring book! Thank you for sharing it with us!
September 12, 2020 at 12:11 pm
Mary Lou Johnson
Tears for Anne, and Miep, and now for you, Barbara. Thank you for your contribution to keeping these historic messages alive.
September 13, 2020 at 4:48 pm
LenoraBiemans (@BiemansLenora)
This sounds brilliant, congratulations, Barbara. I can’t wait to read it.
September 13, 2020 at 9:35 pm
Megan Walvoord
Beautiful book! I love that you made this part of history accessible for children.
September 14, 2020 at 9:12 pm
Angie
Love this book! Just seeing the names take me right back to when my son was in high school and played Mr. Frank when the drama department performed The Diary of Anne Frank. Such an important story to share. Congrats!
September 16, 2020 at 12:37 pm
JC
I cant wait to read this book! What a wonderful way for young ones to begin to understand history!
September 17, 2020 at 4:32 pm
Susan Schade
I love the different point of view angle. I can’t wait to read it! Congratulations!
September 23, 2020 at 8:32 am
willowspring
I can’t wait to read this, Barbara! And I miss you! It was a pleasure getting to know you at Highlights.
September 24, 2020 at 4:58 pm
Sheila Murray‑Nellis
This sounds like an interesting perspective from which to tell this story. We need to show children examples of what one person can do in the face of an intolerable situation. Thanks for writing the book, Barbara!
September 28, 2020 at 4:23 pm
Stephen S. Martin
Congratulations on finding a new angle to tell a familiar story.
October 24, 2020 at 5:23 pm
Meredith Fraser
Wow what a powerful story. You are so talented and I am excited to read this book!!
October 24, 2020 at 11:46 pm
betlw
Barbara, I’m so glad you wrote this story. I’ve read many books on the Holocaust and Anne Frank’s book but this is a new perspective. I’m so eager to read it. I’ve always wondered what happened to the lady who helped them. Great post and wonderful book!
January 12, 2021 at 4:50 pm
Sarah Tobias
This is so poignant for this time.
January 15, 2021 at 11:49 am
BARBARA SENENMAN
This sounds like a fascinating read! I look forward to reading from this perspective.
February 1, 2021 at 11:58 pm
Savannah Rogers
Wow! This sounds wonderful, and I can’t wait to read it!
January 8, 2022 at 5:42 pm
Virginia Rinkel
Can’t wait to read this one. Just found out about it here. Thank you Tara for posting all these wonderful reads.
January 17, 2022 at 7:34 am
Jay
What a wonderful approach to retelling the story of Anne Frank. Congratulations on your book. I look forward to reading it.
January 31, 2022 at 5:17 pm
Judy Abelove Shemtob
Sounds so interesting telling the story through Miep’s point of view, Barbara Lowell! I look forward to reading it.