Number the Stars

Title: Number the Stars
Publisher: Laurel-Leaf
Author: Lois Lowry
Date: 1989
Reading Level: 4.9
Pages: 137
Genre: Historical Fiction

Number the Stars is the story of a young girl growing up in Denmark at the onset of World War II. The story follows the protagonist, Annemarie, through the Nazi occupation of Denmark and chronicle the effect the occupation had on her family and close friends. The story opens as the Nazis begin thier "relocation" of Jews in Copenhagen. Annemarie's best friend, Ellen, is Jewish, so Annemarie and her family must do what's in their power to help their dear friends. With the help of those involved in the Danish resistence movement, Annemarie's family takes Ellen and her family to the seaside fishing village, Gilleleje, in an effort to get them safely to the neutral shores of Sweden. Annemarie's is a story of courage in the face of fear, and the book addresses what it means to be truly brave.
This is an engaging and touching story, especially suitable for middle level readers, but enjoyable for people of all ages. The one drawback is that while World War II and the Holocaust comprise the backdrop for the novel, very little time is spent addressing the actual history of this time period. Much background information needs to be given to young readers beginning this book. Annemarie's family faces much tragedy at the hands of the Nazis, but the truly gruesome and horrific nature of the Holocaust is never addressed. In order for young readers to truly understand the significance of this story, the missing information must be provided.
Despite that, Number the Stars is an excellent story and an engaging read. The story is filled with secrets and surprises that will keep readers turning pages. The relationships and themes are relevant for young readers, as it explores the meanings of courage and friendship. The friendship between Annemarie and Ellen is one that readers will easily identify with. This book has been a favorite of mine since elementary school and continues to be a book I love revisiting.

Title: Number the Stars
Publisher: Laurel-Leaf
Author: Lois Lowry
Date: 1989
Reading Level: 4.9
Pages: 137
Genre: Historical Fiction

This poignant book tells the story of Annemarie Johansen, who is 10 years old and her friend Ellen Rosen in Copenhagen in 1943 (near the beginning of World War II). The story shares the perspective of Annemarie, a young girl who is not Jewish, who begins to experience how Jews are treated in Denmark during the German occupation through Ellen's experience as a Jew. While Annemarie and all the people of Denmark are experiencing food shortages, rationing, and a pervasive soldier presence, Ellen's experience becomes vastly different. After a raid at their synagogue, Ellen's parents must leave immediately. Ellen moves in with Annemarie and her family, and pretends to be a part of their family. Things continue to become more dangerous, however, and both of the young girls are asked to be brave beyond their years.

While the book has an amazing story to tell, there are a few things about the book that might not appeal to some readers. One is that, for history buffs, there isn't a lot of information about the Holocaust, and very little about its politics. Because the book takes place in Denmark, the incredible violence and inhumanity of the Holocaust is not addressed. To some, this may be a positive aspect of the book (especially for younger readers), but it should be paired with some historical information for older readers. Keeping a computer nearby for internet searches would be a great idea.

Number the Stars was a favorite of mine through middle school, and a book I loved revisiting, I would not hesitate to recommend it to people of any age. Very little young adult fiction about World War II is written from a perspective like this, an innocent bystander rather than a direct victim. It is easy to relate to Annemarie as she wrestled with the normal problems of being a 10-year-old, an older sister, and a daughter in school and at home. In addition, Annemarie's questions and thoughts about what was happening to her friend are the same questions I have looking back. Why did this happen? What can I do? What is the right thing to do? These questions not only are a good reflection on what happened during World War II, but can also help as a guide to thinking about current issues in the world.

My favorite book is NUMBER THE STARS the author is Lois Lowry. The genre is historical fiction. The theme is there is a war going on and people are suffering. My favorite character is Kirsti. It's because of how she talks to the soldiers. She thinks their playing a game. She talks to them like their her friends. The writing style has a lot of action. Why I like this book is because just when the book is getting good there is a chapter. Plus it is suspenseful. There are too many questions you want to ask. You can't put the book down. This book is good for ages10-15.

One of my favorite books is Number the Stars by Lois Lowry. It's a realistic fiction book and full of adventure and suspense. It's about a brave girl who has to help her family lead Jewish people to freedom in Sweden. My favorite character is Peter Nielsen because he's very brave and determined. If you like suspenseful books, and are about 10 or over, read this book.

It's hard for ten-year-old Annemarie Johanssen to remember Denmark before the German soldiers occupied it. Nonetheless, she and her little sister Kirsti still manage to have a somewhat normal childhood -- until the Nazis begin rounding up and relocating Copenhagen's Jews.

Suddenly, Annemarie's best friend Ellen is in terrible danger. Putting their own selves at risk, the Johanssens help hide Ellen and her parents, eventually smuggling them across the sea to Norway.

As Annemarie watches her parents' actions - and even takes part in a bit of bravery herself - she wonders what courage really means. Is it okay to feel afraid, as long as you still help those who need it?

Though Annemarie is a fictional character, Lowry has based the story upon real situations -- so, just like life, everything cannot possibly be resolved perfectly at the end of the book. Sometimes, just knowing you did your best is all you can do.