Books Like...
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.
If you liked Number the Stars, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne is a short book that talks about World War II from the perspective of two children, one German and the other Jewish. The story revolves around a friendship that forms between these two boys, one living near Auschwitz and the other inside the concentration camp. The narrative is told through the eyes of a child, contributing to a haunting conclusion that left many readers emotional and affected by the heartbreaking events that unfold.
One afternoon, when Bruno came home from school, he was surprised to find Maria, the family’s maid – who always kept her head bowed and never looked up from the carpet – standing in his bedroom, pulli... - #2
Save:The Devil's Arithmetic follows the story of Hannah, a modern Jewish girl who is transported back in time to the Holocaust era, becoming Chaya, a young Jewish girl in 1942 Poland. Through this experience, Hannah learns about her family's past, the horrors of concentration camps, and the importance of remembering history. The book delves into themes of sacrifice, empathy, and the significance of cultural heritage, all narrated in a gripping and poignant style that captivates readers of all ages.
“Look,” she said quickly to Aaron to shut him up, “it doesn’t matter if you make a mistake, Ron-ron, but if you do, I’ll be right there next to you. I’ll whisper it into your ear just like they do in ... - #3
Save:'When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit' by Judith Kerr is a heartwarming YA novel based on the author's own experiences fleeing Germany before the rise of Hitler. The story follows Anna and her family as they escape from Berlin and navigate through Switzerland, France, and finally settling in England. The book beautifully captures the journey of a young girl facing financial struggles, anti-Semitism, and the challenges of adapting to new languages and customs while on the run from political persecution.
The narrative, told from the perspective of nine-year-old Anna, provides a poignant insight into the family's journey during the politically tense 1930s in Germany and Europe. While the book portrays a mix of adventure, family warmth, and achievements, it also delves into the darker themes of Nazi influence spreading across Europe and the unsettling realities faced by Jewish refugees during that time.
Anna was walking home from school with Elsbeth, a girl in her class. A lot of snow had fallen in Berlin that winter. It did not melt, so the street cleaners had swept it to the edge of the pavement, a... "The Hiding Place: The Triumphant True Story of Corrie Ten Boom" is a WWII memoir about a family who hides Jews and ends up in Auschwitz, yet it is not as traumatizing as other books about concentration camps. The story follows Corrie Ten Boom, a Jewish Christian who bravely helped hide Jews from the gestapo and was later sent to a concentration camp. Despite having a strong religious focus, the book portrays a tremendous story of resilience and faith under immense pressure during World War II.
I jumped out of bed that morning with one question in my mind—sun or fog? Usually it was fog in January in Holland, dank, chill, and gray. But occasionally—on a rare and magic day—a white winter sun b...- #5The War That Saved My LifeBook 1 in the series:The War That Saved My Life
Save:'The War That Saved My Life' is a heartwarming story set during World War II in England, focusing on a young girl named Ada who escapes her abusive mother with her brother Jamie. They find refuge with Susan Smith in the countryside, where Ada learns to trust, love, and grow into a strong young woman. The book explores themes of rebirth, overcoming obstacles, and the power of love and kindness in the midst of darkness.
This story I’m telling starts out four years ago, at the beginning of the summer of 1939. England stood on the edge of another Great War then, the war we’re in the middle of now. Most people were afra... - #6
Save:"The Tattooist of Auschwitz" by Heather Morris is a powerful and emotional tale set in the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. It follows the story of Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew who becomes the camp's tattooist and meets and falls in love with a fellow prisoner named Gita. Despite the horrors of the Holocaust, the book portrays themes of love, hope, survival, and humanity amidst unimaginable circumstances. The writing style is described as modern and easy to read, effectively painting a vivid picture of the atrocities of the Holocaust while showcasing the resilience of the human spirit.
LALE RATTLES ACROSS THE COUNTRYSIDE, KEEPING HIS HEAD up and himself to himself. The twenty-five-year-old sees no point in getting to know the man beside him, who occasionally nods off against his sho... - #7
Save:'Schindler's List' by Thomas Keneally is a gripping and haunting novel that tells the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist who risked his life to save over 1,000 Jews during the Holocaust. The book portrays Schindler's transformation from a selfish businessman to a selfless hero, showcasing moments of extreme heroism and courage juxtaposed with the depths of human cruelty.
The writing style of 'Schindler's List' is described as dispassionate yet able to convey the brutality and horror of the Holocaust era. The narrative weaves together short stories to provide a weight of detailed testimony, creating a sombre and nuanced portrait of Oskar Schindler that does not shy away from his less heroic qualities.
GENERAL SIGMUND LIST’S armored divisions, driving north from the Sudetenland, had taken the sweet south Polish jewel of Cracow from both flanks on September 6, 1939. And it was in their wake that Oska... - #8
Save:The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank is a poignant memoir that captures the essence of being a young Jewish girl during the Holocaust. Anne Frank shares her personal experiences and emotions while in hiding, providing a unique perspective on the atrocities committed by the Nazis during World War II. Through her diary, Anne portrays the challenges of isolation, fear, and the struggle to maintain hope in the face of unimaginable circumstances.
The book offers a detailed account of Anne Frank's life in hiding, her interactions with her family and friends, and her reflections on the world around her. Written in a diary format, the narrative provides an intimate look into Anne's thoughts and feelings as she navigates the complexities of adolescence amidst the horrors of war. Anne's writing style is both engaging and insightful, offering readers a glimpse into her resilience, bravery, and unwavering spirit in the midst of adversity.
I haven’t written for a few days, because I wanted first of all to think about my diary. It’s an odd idea for someone like me to keep a diary, not only because I have never done so before, but because... Survival in Auschwitz by Primo Levi is a harrowing memoir that recounts the author's experiences as a Jewish prisoner in the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. Levi vividly portrays the struggles faced by inmates, the daily fight for survival, and the dehumanizing conditions they endured. The writing style is described as clear, factual, and literary, with references to Dante's Divina Commedia, creating a chilling and memorable account of the Holocaust.
Levi's narrative delves into the physical punishment, mental torture, and the intricate dynamics within the camp, highlighting the resilience and ingenuity displayed by those who managed to survive. The book provides a profound insight into the atrocities of the Holocaust, emphasizing the enduring spirit of humanity in the face of unimaginable horrors. Through Levi's meticulous observations and stark prose, readers are transported into the heart of Auschwitz, where survival becomes a test of both physical endurance and moral integrity.
- #10
Save:'Night' by Elie Wiesel is a chilling memoir detailing the author's personal experiences in Nazi concentration camps during World War II. Through the eyes of a young Jewish boy, readers witness the horrors of the Holocaust, the loss of family, innocence, and faith. The narrative is raw, honest, and impactful, shedding light on the inhumane treatment endured by prisoners and the struggle to find hope and humanity amidst unimaginable darkness.
THEY CALLED HIM MOISHE THE BEADLE, as if his entire life he had never had a surname. He was the jack-of-all-trades in a Hasidic house of prayer, a shtibl. The Jews of Sighet—the little town in Transyl...
