Anne is given a diary for her 13th birthday. Anne's parents decide to go into hiding from the Nazi's after call up papers arrive for her sister.

Anne finds living in the same complex in hiding with the Van Daan family harder and harder. When Mr Dussell comes to live at the complex he soon becomes the butt of all of Anne's jokes.

As Anne matures she begins to develop feelings towards Peter and flirts with him. After Otto tells her not to get too involved, Anne and Peter end up declaring their love to each other.

When Anne's family found out the Dutch government want diaries telling of war time experiences Anne is encouraged to submit hers. Determined to be a professional writer, Anne finds herself with no time to spend with Peter. As Anne is writing an entry into her diary, she and her family are suddenly awakened by the sound of intruders downstairs.