“From Anna” by Jean Little

From Anna

by Jean Little

Synopsis: 

Nine-year-old Anna has always been the clumsy one in the family - somehow she can never do anything right. She bumps into tables, and she can't read the chalkboard at school. Her perfect brothers and sisters call her "Awkward Anna." 

When Papa announces that the family is moving from Germany to Canada - he's worried about what the Nazis' rise to power will bring - Anna's heart sinks. How can she learn English when she can't even read German properly? 

But when the Soldens arrive in Canada, Anna learns that there is a reason for her clumsiness. And suddenly, wonderfully, her whole world begins to change, especially when new friends at her special school help her stand up to bullies who call her names. 

A truly heartwarming story, From Anna will resonate with any child who has ever felt left out.

My Review:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ & ❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎

5 stars & 5/10 hearts. I really love this book. Somehow I relate to Anna in many ways. I also got glasses at a young age, and I still remember that feeling of wonder and miraculousness. I also have a younger sister who is handicapped and, like Anna, is the “odd one.” Anna also appeals to me for all the times I feel/have felt “the odd one out.” She hasn’t a very good attitude towards her family, but one can hardly blame her very much—it’s more her family’s fault than her own. The last chapter made me tear up. We all need to realize that we need to take the time to stop and listen to people.

A Favourite Quote: “She was still concerned about the food, although really she did know she had more than enough. Yet Dr. Schumacher might be a terribly hungry man!
“She looked down and caught Anna waiting for her to listen properly. Oh, she must find time for Anna. From now on, she must always try to find time.”
A Favourite Beautiful Quote: “The excitement which had been blossoming inside [Anna] closed up as tightly as a flower when darkness nears.”

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