🔖 Part of The Anne Frank Diary Series
Last Updated: Nov. 9, 2025
On June 12, 1942, Anne Frank turned thirteen. A milestone birthday that would change history. Among her gifts that morning was a small red-and-white checkered diary, the very one that would later become The Diary of a Young Girl.
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| Anne Frank's red-and-white-checkered diary |
In her first entry, Anne describes waking up early from excitement, waiting until nearly seven before rushing to the dining room, where her cat Moortje greeted her. Her parents, Otto and Edith Frank, surprised her with flowers, chocolates, books, and games. But the most meaningful gift came from her father, which was this diary she would soon name “Kitty.”
Anne listed her presents in detail, including Camera Obscura, Daisy’s Mountain Holiday, Tales and Legends of the Netherlands, and even some money to buy The Myths of Greece and Rome. These small details give us a glimpse of her lively personality, her love of books, and her curiosity about the world.
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| Beautiful and sweet Anne Frank |
That same day, she went to school with her friend Lies and treated classmates to sweet biscuits during recess. A lovely, ordinary birthday moment before the world around her would soon change forever.
Her June 12 entry ends simply: “Now I must stop. Bye-bye. We’re going to be great pals!”. The first words in what would become one of the most important diaries ever written.
👉 Read Next → Part 3: How Anne Spent Her 13th Birthday
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🔗 The Anne Frank Story Series:
• Part 2: Anne Frank’s 13th Birthday – June 12, 1942
• Part 3: Anne Frank’s Birthday Party and Friends – June 15, 1942
• Part 4: “Paper Is More Patient Than Man” – June 20, 1942
• Part 5:
• Part 6:
• Part 7:
• Part 8:
• Part 9:
• Part 10:
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