Review of NUMBER THE STARS by Lois Lowry

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lowry, Lois. NUMBER THE STARS. 1989. New York: Random House. ISBN 0440403278

2. PLOT SUMMARY

In World War II, Annemarie Johansen, a Christian, and Ellen Rosen, a Jew, are best friends in Copenhagen, Denmark. The Nazis have taken over the country, and have begun arresting and deporting Jewish residents. Annemarie’s family decide to help the Rosen family escape to neutral Sweden. Emily pretends to be the Johansen’s other daughter Lise, who died fighting for the Resistance. This was an underground group that tried to sabotage the Nazi’s takeover. The Johansens take Ellen to their Uncle Henrick’s home, hoping to smuggle the Rosens into Sweden by using fishing boats. After several very close calls with the Nazi’s, the Rosens escape to Sweden with several other Jewish families smuggled in the bottom of a fishing boat.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This book is geared toward ages ten and older. The book has many suspense filled moments that began early in book, which will keep readers immersed in the story. The cover shows the Star of David, and students might need to research the Jewish religion to completely understand the star and what it represents. Denmark and King Christian would also be some other subjects that could be researched before reading. Students should also have some knowledge of World War II and what the Nazi’s were doing to the Jews. This book handles the Nazi’s plots against the Jews without focusing on the atrocities, but creating a compelling story of hope and friendship. The excitement starts early and never ceases. There are many heart stopping moments and students will feel Annemarie’s fear through the author’s wonderful writing.

The characters struggles and issues with bravery are at the core of this novel. Students can relate to the girls’ friendship. The two families closeness. The Johansen’s decision to try and smuggle the family to Sweden. The bravery that Annemarie showed when she knew it might mean life and death for her friend. This book will lead to many good discussions in any class that chooses to read it. It is a wonderful book, about an important time, and ultimately, it relays a wonderful message about friendship and doing the right thing.

One of my favorite parts of the book is the Afterword. The author tells about things in the book that are made-up and what is true. She discusses which characters are fictional, and if so, who they are based on. She also discusses other things like the handkerchief Annemarie concealed from the Nazi’s and Kirsten’s fish shoes. Students will love this, because it explains several things in the story.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL Review: “The gripping story of a ten-year-old Danish girl and her family's courageous efforts to smuggle Jews out of their Nazi-occupied homeland to safety in Sweden. Readers are taken to the very heart of Annemarie's experience, and, through her eyes, come to understand the true meaning of bravery.”

PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY Review: “Set in Nazi-occupied Denmark in 1943, this 1990 Newbery winner tells of a 10-year-old girl who undertakes a dangerous mission to save her best friend.”

5. CONNECTIONS

Students could research life in Denmark during World War II and check the book for it’s accuracy. Students could pick one the subjects from the Afterword and do research about it and make a display or present their findings.

Read a nonfiction book about King Christian, leader of Denmark during World War II. There are several good nonfiction children’s books about him. Have students write down reasons why he might have so much respect from his people that a small boy would say, “All of Denmark is his bodyguard.”

Read a nonfiction story or memoir about another Jewish child that didn’t escape from the Nazi’s and what her life was like during that time. Show students that not all countries tried to protect the Jews from persecution. Many of them even helped the Nazis. Students could compare the two girls story’s and make a display along with a timeline to show how the two girl’s lives were different and alike. How they might have been very alike before the war and what changes the war caused for each one.

I would try and fit this in with the Social Studies Curriculum. Students would have a better understanding about the time and events, rather than reading it without some prior knowledge. They would relate more to the story with the background.