Number the Stars

Lowry, L. (1989). Number the Stars. New York: Yearling

Plot Description: Annemarie and Ellen are only ten but they are old enough to understand that they are in the middle of a war and they are greatly afraid of the Nazi soldiers that have overtaken their country.  The Germans have decided that the Jews in Denmark must be moved and they will not stop until they are all gone.  Ellen moves in with Annemarie and pretends to be her sister, and then travels with them to her Uncle Henriks.  There, Ellen is reunited with her mother and father but their journey is not over.  They must make the dangerous trip to Sweden in order to be safe from the Germans.  They have almost made it when Annemarie realizes they have dropped the important package they need for the journey.  She bravely travels the path to the boat, has extreme courage in her interaction with four German soldiers and is able to deliver the package so that Ellen and the other Jews on Uncle Henrik’s boat can make it safely to Sweden.

Genre: Historical Fiction

Age Group: This book is meant for grades 5-9.

Similar Books: The Silent Boy and Autumn Street both by Lois Lowry.

Personal Thought: This book takes you through the war in the eyes of a ten year old in Denmark.  It has a lot of important history and is very emotional.

Subject/Themes: Family, War, Jews, Copenhagen

Awards: Newbery Medal, School Library Journal Best Book of the Year, ALA Notable Book

Character Description: Annemarie is a ten year old girl who lives in Copenhagen.  Her best friend is Ellen.

Ellen is a ten year old Jewish girl who lives in the same apartment complex as Annemarie.

Peter is a part of the Resistance in Copenhagen.  He was engaged to Annemarie’s sister Lise prior to her death which was caused by the Germans.

Uncle Henrik is Annemarie’s uncle.  He is a fisherman and helps to bring Jews to Sweden so they can be free.

Annotation: Annemarie wants to do everything she can to help her Jewish friend Ellen escape Denmark but she isn’t sure if she is brave enough to risk her life because she is deathly afraid of the German soldiers.  Will she be able to face t hem and be brave enough to help save Ellen and her family?