Some books entertain, and then there are rare ones that quietly shift how you view life, childhood, and resilience. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank falls into the latter category — a timeless, tender testimony of the human spirit penned by a child whose voice continues to echo across generations.

I often work with children, learning how to express their inner worlds. Anne’s diary is an extraordinary example of that expression — raw, reflective, and heartbreakingly honest. She speaks not just as a teenager hiding from the horrors of war but as a girl navigating her emotions, identity, and dreams — something every adolescent, neurotypical or neurodiverse, can resonate with.

One of the most striking aspects of Anne’s writing is her emotional intelligence. In hiding, her introspection deepens. She questions justice, freedom, relationships, fear, and hope. From an ABA perspective, her self-regulation, her reflections on daily routines, and the way she channels frustration through writing offer invaluable insights into the emotional coping strategies of children under extreme stress. It’s a poignant reminder of how vital it is to give our children — neurodiverse or not — safe spaces to express themselves.

That iconic line, “Paper has more patience than people,” left a mark on me as a reader and a mother. My son, who has ADHD, often struggles to verbalize the storm of thoughts in his mind. Anne’s diary makes me believe even more strongly in the power of journaling, storytelling, and quiet reflection as tools for self-awareness and healing.

For parents, this book is a window into the complexity of a child’s inner life. For young readers, especially girls, it is a mirror that reflects strength, curiosity, and the need to be heard. And for therapists and educators, it is a case study in resilience and emotional development under trauma.

While some readers may find the pace slow or the content repetitive at times, I believe that reflects the real-life nature of a diary. Life in hiding wasn’t dramatic every day — but that’s where the beauty lies. Anne teaches us to find meaning in the mundane.

Content-wise, this book is a gem. A delicate piece of history. A must-read for every teenager. A must-share for every parent.

Anne Frank may not have survived to tell her story out loud, but her words have survived generations. And — I am so grateful they did.