Annelies 'Anne' Frank

Born in Frankfurt, Germany, Anne Frank was just 13 years old when she began writing in her diary, chronicling her family's life in hiding during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. Her hopes, fears, and observations, penned while confined to a secret annex, reveal a remarkable spirit grappling with unimaginable circumstances. It's a testament to the human spirit, or at least a very good reason to keep a diary. You never know when it might become a bestseller. (Tragically, you also never know when you'll be discovered by the Gestapo.)

Her "Diary of a Young Girl" became one of the most widely read books in the world, translated into numerous languages. Anne dreamed of becoming a journalist or a writer, and while her life was cut short, her words ensured her legacy far outstripped any other writer of her age. Few have managed to put such a face on such horrific events, making it surprisingly difficult to ignore.

While her life ended tragically in Bergen-Belsen, her diary has educated millions about the Holocaust and the enduring human spirit in the face of atrocity. It has been adapted into plays and films, ensuring her story continues to resonate. If there's an upside to genocide, it's that sometimes, it gives someone a really good story to tell, even if they don't live to see the royalties.