Annexed #1

For our first book club of eighth grade, I am reading Annexed by Sharon Dogar. This compelling story about the boy who loved Anne Frank definitely grabbed my attention.

So far, the author has only introduced us to one main character, Peter Van Pels, who is also the narrator of the story. As Anne says, he is a "lovesick puppy". He is heartbroken when Liese, his girlfriend, is taken away by the Nazi's. Peter is forced to stay in hiding with the Franks, whom he believes are loud and obnoxious. He sees Anne as egotistical, along with the rest of her family. Being in a cramped annex for weeks, months, or maybe years is the last thing he would want to do. We can infer from the story that he is very unhappy, but soon the relationship between the Van Pels's and the Franks will get better.

Currently in the story, Anne is not yet a significant character. She is the overly confident thirteen-year-old girl who Peter sees as annoying and dislikable. Anne is whiny and very clumsy. She is nothing compared to Peter's love, Liese. She is younger, thinner, louder, and not nearly as kind. Will he ever be able to get over her?

As I have already read The Diary of Anne Frank , I know a lot more about their secret annex than the book has told us so far. The air is stale, and there is not much space. Peter's "room" is connected to the kitchen, and basically a hallway to the attic. The windows are covered in dark fabric, and the door is disguised as a bookcase. Miep, Bep, Mr. Kugler, and Mr. Kleiman are their only source to the outside world. They buy food, newspapers, books, and anything else they need.

Peter and Anne have yet to stop arguing. How much longer will it be until they can agree on something?!