I love Anna

Author: Heltrin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-08-01
Features: This is a work that reflects on the issue of childhood love. Ten-year-old Benjamin falls in love with a new immigrant girl, Anna, in his class, and is deeply agitated and confused by this tender, love-like affection that goes beyond ordinary friendship. The language is fresh and simple, the brushwork delicate, vividly depicting the emotions of young children in a specific period; at the same time, it provides a lively answer for parents and teachers on how to properly guide children. In Germany, many young readers have written to the author, confessing their inner secrets and troubles. Many children have also imitated the tone of the book, writing various kinds of developments and endings for the two young protagonists' separation.
Adults often tell children, "You can't possibly understand what love is—only when you grow up will you understand this." This is not true. Children understand love, and not just the love within their families. This is the case for the male protagonist, Benjamin. He falls in love with a new immigrant girl named Anna in his class. Anna also loved Benjamin for a while. It was beautiful but also heavy. There was passion, frustration, jealousy, and arguments with friends. There was also the fear of being mocked.
The story also narrates how Benjamin's parents and teachers understand this matter, perhaps this is where the correct attitude of teachers and parents lies regarding such issues.