Historical Fiction Review-NUMBER THE STARS

1. Bibliography

Lowry, Lois. 1989. Number the Stars. New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, Inc. ISBN 0613723198.

2. Plot Summary

Number the Stars tells the story of ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen and her best friend Ellen Rosen living in Nazi occupied Copenhagen in 1943. It unravels the progression of food shortages and harassment by Nazi soldiers to the mysterious "relocation" of Denmark's Jews. As the danger increases, it becomes apparent to Annemarie that sinister things are happening in her beloved homeland and, surprisingly there are many resistors willing to risk their lives for their Jewish neighbors, including her own parents! With this knowledge, Annemarie is thrust into a dangerous mission to save her best friend's life as well as many others by helping to smuggle them across the sea to neutral Sweden. A beautiful story of bravery, loyalty, and a commitment to human decency, the Afterword of this book summarizes the unique and remarkable actions of the people of Denmark during the Nazi occupation that led to almost the entire Jewish population escaping to Sweden and out of Hitler's clutches.

3. Critical Analysis

This book is very easy to read, written in simple language and not getting lost in too many details. The story, told from a child's perspective, brings an extremely relevant and personal aspect to the horrific events of the Holocaust. It begs the question, "What if my best friend had been Jewish?" as was the case in countless situations. It really brings to light the fact that the Jewish people of these occupied countries were active citizens that were deeply entrenched and tied to the non-Jewish citizens. It is a fact that is sometimes easy to forget when studying the detachment and segregation of the Jewish people during this time period, and in doing so underestimate the fear and pain of severed ties felt by all. Lois Lowry has told a very important story that played a part in this horrific time period. Perhaps it was a small part and not as big as some of the other events that took place during the Nazi occupation, but that makes it all the more reason for it to come to light. In a time of unthinkable injustice, brutal mistreatment, and unbearable sadness, a light in the dark came from the people of Denmark, who succeeded in protecting their Jewish friends and neighbors, but more importantly, had the courage to stand for goodness and righteousness. The Afterword summarizes the actual events in history and gives readers an overview of Denmark and it's role during World War II.

4. Review Excerpts

School Library Journal-"Readers are taken to the very heart of Annemarie's experience, and, through her eyes, come to understand the true meaning of bravery. "

Starred review-"A story of Denmark and the Danish people, whose Resistance was so effective in saving their Jews."

Kirkus Reviews-"A deftly told story that dramatizes how Danes appointed themselves bodyguards--not only for their king, who was in the habit of riding alone in Copenhagen, but for their Jews."

5. Connections

*This book could be used in conjunction with any unit on World War II and the Holocaust.

*Should spark a thoughtful conversation about discrimination, hate, and the choices we have to make in order to do the right thing in difficult circumstances.

*Could be enriched with further research of Denmark and its people.

Other books by Lois Lowry:

The Silent Boy ISBN 0440419808

Autumn Street ISBN 0440403448

Anastasia Krupnik ISBN 0440408520

Gossamer ISBN 0385734166

Messenger ISBN 0385737165

The Giver ISBN 0440237688

Gathering Blue ISBN 0385732562

The Willoughbys ISBN 0618979743