Genre 5 - NUMBER THE STARS by Lois Lowry

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Lowry, Lois. 1989. NUMBER THE STARS. New York: Dell Publishing. ISBN 0440801648

2. PLOT SUMMARY
NUMBER THE STARS chronicles the compelling story of one Danish family who (like many others) put their lives on the line to secure the freedom of their Jewish friends, neighbors, and countrymen. At a time when the Nazis were in high power and beginning the “relocation” of Danish Jews, young Annemarie Johansen learns that, sometimes, life is not what it seems, and bravery is a necessary trait in the trying times of WWII. Before the end of the book, Annemarie will put her own life directly in harm’s way as she races against all odds to deliver a small package that will ensure the safe arrival of her best friend and family in the freedom of Sweden.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Lois Lowry creates a truly poignant story inspired by authentic historical events of Nazi control and Danish Resistance in Denmark during WWII. She carefully crafts the Johansen and Rosen families, whose love, faith, citizenship, and good-nature contrast the harsh brashness and inhumane actions of the Nazi soldiers. In a time where stakes are high and danger is even higher, readers see the protective nature of parents, bonds of siblings, strength of friendship, and loss of a naive and innocent view of the world. The characters are realistic, and while many readers may not be able to relate personally to the story that unfolds, Lowry does an excellent job of presenting this historical time in words and events that are easy to grasp.

Descriptive depictions of apartment-life in Copenhagen and the countryside of Gilleleje create a setting that draws the reader into the pages. Lowry’s ability to detail even the smallest elements (i.e. butter, buttons on a coat, and a loose porch stair) lends itself to a vivid portrayal of the times. Documenting much of the story’s inspirations in her afterword, readers find that truth and authenticity drive the fictional story of Annemarie.

The consistent theme of bravery is present throughout the entire book from the first encounter with Nazi soldiers on the streets of Copenhagen to the final mission that Annemarie must carry out. Readers come to love and respect the Johansens and the Danish people for their unselfish willingness to help their fellow citizens escape religious persecution.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
From SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “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.”

From PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “"The whole work is seamless, compelling, and memorable -- impossible to put down; difficult to forget."

5. CONNECTIONS
*If in the DFW metroplex, an excellent field trip to accompany the book is the Dallas Holocaust Museum. Though the book does not focus heavily on the Nazi movement and concentration camps, it is still good supplemental information for older groups of students that may mentally and emotionally grasp the contents of the museum.
*Discuss the true facts provided at the close of the book (i.e. the handkerchiefs, the Danish Resistance, and the German that gave the information to the Danish government about the “relocation” of Jews).