This chapter is an excerpt from the diary of Anne Frank, a young Jewish girl who chronicled her life while hiding from the Nazis during World War II. In her diary, Anne expresses her thoughts, fears, and aspirations as she deals with the challenges of living in confinement. The excerpt reveals Anne's introspective nature, her relationship with her family, and her struggle to understand herself and the world around her. The chapter serves as a powerful reminder of the horrors of war and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
"Amanda" by Robin Klein is a poem that portrays the inner thoughts and feelings of a young girl named Amanda. The poem alternates between Amanda's daydreams and the reprimands she receives from an adult, presumably her mother. Amanda imagines herself in various scenarios—such as a mermaid, an orphan, and Rapunzel—each representing a desire for freedom and escape from the strictures of her life. The poem highlights the conflict between a child's imagination and the pressures of societal expectations, emphasizing the need for understanding and empathy in nurturing a child's growth.
These selections from the "First Flight" book explore themes of self-reflection, freedom, and the impact of external pressures on personal identity and growth.