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Number the Stars

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Number the Stars by Lois Lowry is a middle-grade historical fiction novel set in Denmark during World War II. The story follows Annemarie Johansen, a young Danish girl who, along with her family, helps her Jewish best friend, Ellen Rosen, escape the Nazis by pretending she is part of their family. Through Annemarie's perspective, readers witness themes of bravery, courage, friendship, and resistance against oppression. The book provides a glimpse into the hardships faced by Jews during the Holocaust and the Danish Resistance's efforts to protect their fellow citizens.

The narrative style of Number the Stars is engaging and emotional, offering a poignant portrayal of the Nazi occupation of Denmark and the risks taken by ordinary citizens to save lives during a time of war. The author, Lois Lowry, skillfully weaves a story that educates young readers about historical events while emphasizing the importance of bravery and standing up for what is right, even in the face of danger.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, showcasing bravery, compassion, and the complexities of friendship during a perilous time.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is accessible for children, with straightforward prose and vivid imagery that effectively conveys emotion and tension.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers around Annemarie Johansen, a Danish girl, who helps her Jewish friend Ellen during the Nazi occupation of Denmark, showcasing themes of friendship, courage, and resistance.

Setting:

The setting of Nazi-occupied Denmark provides a poignant backdrop that emphasizes the dangers faced by Jewish citizens and their allies.

Pacing:

The pacing is fast and engaging, with a sense of urgency that matches the story's themes of survival and bravery.
"We have to practice for the athletic meet on Friday—I know I'm going to win the girls' race this week. I was second last week, but I've been practicing every day. Come on, Ellen," Annemarie pleaded, ...

Notes:

The book is set in Denmark during WWII, focusing on the Nazi occupation.
Annemarie Johansen is the main character, a young girl who helps her Jewish friend Ellen Rosen.
Annemarie's family hides Ellen to protect her from being captured by the Nazis.
The story showcases the bravery of ordinary people risking their lives for their friends.
Swedish scientists created a drug-infused handkerchief that confused Nazi search dogs, known historically to have aided smuggling efforts.
The title of the book refers to the Star of David, symbolizing Jewish identity, and also to the biblical verse about counting the stars.
The Danish resistance helped evacuate nearly all 7,000 Jews in Denmark to safety in Sweden during WWII.
The author, Lois Lowry, includes an afterward explaining which parts of the story are factual and which are fictional.

From The Publisher:

Ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen and her best friend Ellen Rosen often think of life before the war. It's now 1943 and their life in Copenhagen is filled with school, food shortages, and the Nazi soldiers marching through town. When the Jews of Denmark are "relocated," Ellen moves in with the Johansens and pretends to be one of the family. Soon Annemarie is asked to go on a dangerous mission to save Ellen's life.

Ratings (63)

Incredible (10)
Loved It (23)
Liked It (20)
It Was OK (9)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (103):

Read It (70)
Want To Read (16)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (16)

1 comment(s)

Loved It
4 months

Not quite sure how I missed this one growing up, but a very solid story from Denmark during WWII and their Resistance movement.

 

About the Author:

Whether she's writing comedy, adventure, or poignant, powerful drama-from Attaboy, Sam! and Anastasia Krupnik to Number the Stars and The Giver-Lois Lowry's appeal is as broad as her subject matter and as deep as her desire to affect an eager generation of readers. An author who is…

 
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