Anne Holm author page

Anne Holm biography

Anne Holm (born Else Anne Jørgensen; 10 September 1922 – 27 December 1998) was a Danish journalist and children’s author. She trained as a journalist before publishing her first novel for young readers.

Her most celebrated work is the historical novel I Am David (original Danish title David), released in 1963. The story follows a twelve-year-old boy’s escape from an unnamed Eastern European concentration camp and his journey to freedom in Denmark. The book received the 1963 Best Scandinavian Children’s Book award, was named an ALA Notable Book in 1965, and earned the Boys Club of America Junior Book Award Gold Medal. It was translated into multiple languages, published in English in 1965, and adapted into a film in 2003.

Holm’s other works include Peter (1966), a time-travel adventure set in Ancient Greece and Medieval England, The Hostage (1980), which involves the kidnapping of a Danish prime minister’s son, and The Sky Grew Red (1992), set during the Napoleonic Wars.

Her writing is noted for addressing themes of freedom, identity and moral courage. Her work often introduced young readers to complex historical and ethical issues.

Anne Holm passed away in Copenhagen in December 1998. The most recent milestone in her career was the worldwide acclaim and film adaptation of I Am David.