Wunschkind

Anne Frank meet Liesel Appel. When Anne Frank went into hiding, Liesel Appel was in the first year of her life. Anne's words were publishd in Kinterstern; Liesel's words were published in Wunschkind. Both girls had difficult and distant relationships with their mothers; both girls had very close and affectionate relationships with their fathers. Both of their stories reflect the immense loss the world suffered because of the Holocaust. Both of the stories are told by ordinary girls--one at the time of persecution and one looking back upon the time of persecution. Liesel Appel was born as a gift to Hitler. Anne Frank died at the hands of Hitler. Young readers coming of age will find in this book experiences they will likely never forget.

What a very delightful piece of writing. I was moved by her account and felt after reading it that I understood the German experience following World War II better than ever. Thanks so much!

I don't think anything like this book exists, and it is so important. Liesel Appel is very brave to tell her story, and I am especially grateful that she wrote it for kids. I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting.

Liesel Appel has written a story of courage, replete with universal themes of love, betrayal, disappointment and friendship. These will resonate deeply for older children. She captures, with exacting details, the mind and spirit of tween and adolescent girls--their insecurities and their passions, set against the background of humanity's darkest time in history with the most profound and difficult ethical challenges.