Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

Summary: 

As the German troops begin their campaign to “relocate” all the Jews of Denmark, Annemarie Johansen’s family takes in Annemarie’s best friend, Ellen Rosen, and conceals her as part of the family.Through the eyes of ten-year-old Annemarie, we watch as the Danish Resistance smuggles almost the entire Jewish population of Denmark, nearly seven thousand people, across the sea to Sweden. The heroism of an entire nation reminds us that there was pride and human decency in the world even during a time of terror and war.

Genre: Historical Fiction
All information is accurate and does not condone the Holocaust. All characters are well developed and the plot is based on authentic facts.

Activities: 

Fact or Fiction?
After reading Number the Stars, have students research factual accounts of the German Occupation in Denmark. Students may use encyclopedias, a history books, the Internet, or the library as resources. Ask students to write a paper comparing their factual research to the Number the Stars book. For deeper thinking, have students discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each type of fiction and non-fiction writing.


Class Debate
After reading Number the Stars, class debates whether the country of Sweden should have stayed neutral during World War II. Teacher moderates discussion as students share their thoughts on whether it was best that Sweden remained neutral, or if Sweden should have opposed the German Occupation and actively joined in the resistance movement. Debate concludes with students writing a brief paper with their vote and supporting points.



About the Author: 
Lois Lowry is known for her versatility and invention as a writer. She was born in Hawaii and grew up in New York, Pennsylvania, and Japan. After several years at Brown University, she turned to her family and to writing. She is the author of more than thirty books for young adults, including the popular Anastasia Krupnik series.

Personal Response: 
I am a big fan of this book. I felt that it was historically accurate while having a good fictional story line. 

Citation: 
Lowry, L. (2011). Number the stars. New York: Sandpiper.