Number The Stars

Number The Stars.ISBN978-0-440-40327-2.By Lois Lowry.Ages 11-15

Number the Stars is told from the point of view of ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen. The story is set in the city of Copenhagen, Denmark in September 1943, the third year of the Nazi occupation of Denmark. Annemarie tell how she became part of the resistence and helped families escape from the Nazis. The reader truly understands the importence of everyones part in the resisence when Annemarie must take an important package to her uncle before they can leave. On the way to the boat, soldiers with dogs stop her. They search her basket and discover the package. But when they rip it open it contains only a handkerchief, and they let her go. Annemarie makes it to the boat in time, to Henrik's evident relief. BeAfter dinner, Uncle Henrik takes Annemarie to learn how to milk the cow. They talk about the events of the day. He explains that he hid his passengers in the bottom of the boat, and the handkerchief was essential because it kept the Germans' dogs from smelling the human cargo. Uncle Henrik praises Annemarie for her bravery and reassures her that Ellen who is Annemarie's best friend is safe and they will meet again someday.Because this story is told from a child's point of view Students will find it easier to identify with the main character.

Number the starr is an excellent historical fiction book to use when discussing the events of WWII. It is a way students can relate and get into discussions about a very difficult topic.