Dickens & Rumi
Cover of WHEN WE FLEW AWAY

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WHEN WE FLEW AWAY

Alice Hoffman

A fictionalized account of Anne Frank's life before her diary. (Ages 8 to 12)

Ages 12+Source checked

Why this age? The book deals with the heavy, traumatic subject matter of the Holocaust, including the systemic persecution, deportation, and death of Jewish people, which requires emotional maturity to process. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age12+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Violence3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience5/5
  • Positive messages5/5
  • Educational value4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

The tragedy of the Holocaust is central; characters face death, and the loss of life is a major, somber theme.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

The reality of the period is depicted, but it avoids gratuitous or excessively graphic physical descriptions of violence.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Language is period-appropriate and generally mild, reflecting the somber tone.

Religious themes2/5
Why this rating?

Reflects the Jewish identity of the characters and the religious persecution they face.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Contains minor, age-appropriate adolescent crushes and feelings that provide a glimpse of normalcy.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Nazi persecution, antisemitic threats, hiding, uncertainty, and the danger facing Anne's family create sustained emotional tension.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

No focus on substance use.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Includes depiction of Nazi occupation, arrests, and the threat of state-sanctioned violence against Jewish families.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience5/5
Why this rating?

Focuses on the quiet, daily bravery of those resisting occupation and staying alive.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Encourages empathy and historical inquiry through evocative storytelling.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

Focuses specifically on the experience of a Jewish family during the Nazi era.

Educational value4/5
Why this rating?

Provides a deeply moving, researched look into the experience of children during the Holocaust.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Emphasis on the small acts of kindness and human connection that persist even under oppression.

Positive messages5/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes of resilience, the importance of bearing witness, and the value of humanity in dark times.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Characters display great courage, loyalty, and dignity while facing impossible circumstances.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in WHEN WE FLEW AWAY would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in WHEN WE FLEW AWAY, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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