Number the Stars by Lois Lowry Summary

1. Number the Stars by Lois Lowry depicts Danish courage during Holocaust
2. Annemarie Johansen protects Jewish best friend Ellen from Nazi soldiers
3. The Danish Resistance secretly smuggled Jews to neutral Sweden
4. Ordinary Copenhagen families risked death to save Jewish neighbors
5. Annemarie evolves from innocent child to courageous resistance helper
6. Friendship between Lutheran and Jewish girls defies Nazi persecution
7. Special handkerchief with cocaine fooled Nazi dogs searching for Jews
8. Number the Stars teaches Holocaust history through child's perspective
9. Uncle Henrik the fisherman smuggles refugees across sea to safety
10. Annemarie tears off Ellen's Star of David necklace to hide identity
11. Number the Stars won Newbery Medal for historical fiction in 1990
12. Lois Lowry shows how lies become moral when protecting innocent lives

About the Author of Number the Stars

Lois Lowry, born in 1937 in Honolulu, Hawaii, is the two-time Newbery Medal-winning author of Number the Stars and a celebrated voice in young adult historical fiction. This powerful novel explores themes of courage, friendship, and moral responsibility during the Holocaust, drawing on Lowry's experiences growing up during World War II as the daughter of a U.S. Army officer.

Before becoming an author, Lowry worked as a freelance journalist and photographer, bringing a keen eye for detail and human emotion to her storytelling. She is also renowned for The Giver, which earned her a second Newbery Medal in 1994 and has been translated into 22 languages. Her other acclaimed works include the dystopian Giver quartet and the beloved Anastasia Krupnik series.

Number the Stars won the National Jewish Book Award in 1990 and remains required reading in schools worldwide, solidifying Lowry's legacy as a master storyteller of complex historical themes.

FAQs About Number the Stars

What is Number the Stars by Lois Lowry about?

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry is a historical fiction novel set in Nazi-occupied Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1943. The story follows ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen as she helps her Jewish best friend, Ellen Rosen, escape to Sweden by pretending Ellen is her deceased sister. The novel depicts the Danish Resistance's efforts to smuggle Jews to safety and explores themes of courage, friendship, and moral responsibility during the Holocaust.

Who should read Number the Stars?

Number the Stars is ideal for middle-grade readers aged 9-12, educators teaching World War II history, and anyone seeking an accessible introduction to the Holocaust. This Newbery Medal-winning novel works well for classroom discussions about tolerance, empathy, and standing against injustice. Parents looking for age-appropriate historical fiction that addresses complex moral themes through a child's perspective will find this book valuable for young readers.

Is Number the Stars by Lois Lowry worth reading?

Number the Stars is absolutely worth reading, having won the 1990 Newbery Medal as the year's "most distinguished contribution to American literature for children". The novel offers a poignant, accessible exploration of courage and humanity during one of history's darkest periods. Lois Lowry's meticulous research, including travel to Copenhagen and personal interviews, creates an authentic narrative that resonates across generations. The book remains a classroom staple and continues engaging readers with its powerful themes.

Why did Lois Lowry write Number the Stars?

Lois Lowry wrote Number the Stars to honor the courage of the Danish people who risked their lives to save their Jewish neighbors during World War II. The author traveled to Copenhagen to conduct extensive research and interviews, ensuring historical accuracy. The novel's title references Psalm 147:4, where God numbers and names all the stars, connecting to the Star of David that Ellen Rosen wears. Lowry wanted to create an accessible way for young readers to understand Holocaust history through personal stories of bravery.

What are the main themes in Number the Stars?

Number the Stars explores several profound themes throughout its narrative. Courage emerges as the central theme, showing that bravery means acting despite fear rather than fearlessness itself. Friendship and loyalty drive Annemarie's willingness to risk her life for Ellen. The novel addresses resistance against injustice, depicting how ordinary Danes fought Nazi persecution. Additional themes include coming of age, sacrifice, and the power of compassion during humanitarian crises.

What happens at the end of Number the Stars?

Number the Stars concludes two years after the main events, with Denmark's liberation from Nazi occupation. Twelve-year-old Annemarie stands on her balcony watching the free, rejoicing people below while awaiting Ellen Rosen's return to Copenhagen. She safeguards Ellen's Star of David necklace, planning to wear it herself until her friend comes home. The ending reveals that Annemarie's family successfully helped the Rosens escape to Sweden, and the dangerous handkerchief mission saved many Jewish lives.

What is the significance of the Star of David necklace in Number the Stars?

The Star of David necklace in Number the Stars serves as a powerful symbol of Jewish identity and friendship. When Nazi soldiers search the Johansen apartment, Annemarie must tear the necklace from Ellen's neck to protect her identity. Throughout the story, Annemarie keeps the necklace hidden as a promise to return it when Ellen comes home. The necklace connects to the book's title from Psalm 147:4, where God numbers and names the stars, representing how each Jewish life matters.

How does Annemarie Johansen show courage in Number the Stars?

Annemarie Johansen demonstrates extraordinary courage throughout Number the Stars despite being only ten years old. She quick-thinkingly tears Ellen's Star of David necklace off during a Nazi raid. Her most dangerous act involves delivering a vital handkerchief to Uncle Henrik's boat, encountering Nazi soldiers and their dogs along the way. When confronted, Annemarie mimics her innocent younger sister Kirsti's behavior to throw off suspicion. She learns that "brave means not thinking about the dangers—just thinking about what you must do".

What is the handkerchief in Number the Stars and why is it important?

The handkerchief in Number the Stars contains a special scent designed to numb Nazi dogs' noses, preventing them from detecting Jewish refugees hiding on Uncle Henrik's boat. When Ellen's parents forget this crucial packet, Annemarie must deliver it herself despite the danger. The handkerchief represents Peter Neilsen and the Danish Resistance's careful planning to outwit Nazi authorities. This seemingly small object becomes the difference between life and death for the escaping Jewish families, including the Rosens.

Is Number the Stars based on a true story?

Number the Stars is historical fiction based on true events from World War II Denmark. While Annemarie Johansen and Ellen Rosen are fictional characters, the novel accurately depicts the Danish Resistance's successful efforts to smuggle approximately 7,000 Jews to neutral Sweden in 1943. Lois Lowry conducted extensive research in Copenhagen, including interviews with survivors. The character Peter Neilsen is partially based on actual Danish resistance member Kim Malthe-Bruun, blending real historical heroism with compelling fictional narrative.

What age is appropriate for reading Number the Stars?

Number the Stars is most appropriate for readers aged 9-12, though it resonates with audiences of all ages. The novel's protagonist, ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen, provides an age-appropriate perspective on Holocaust history without graphic violence. Teachers frequently use this Newbery Medal winner in upper elementary and middle school classrooms to introduce World War II and tolerance discussions. The accessible language and relatable characters make complex historical and moral themes understandable for young readers.

How does Number the Stars compare to The Diary of Anne Frank?

Number the Stars and The Diary of Anne Frank both depict young girls during the Holocaust, but differ significantly in perspective and outcome. While Anne Frank's diary is a primary source ending tragically with her death in a concentration camp, Lois Lowry's Number the Stars is historical fiction with a hopeful ending showing successful rescue. Number the Stars focuses on Danish non-Jews risking their lives to save neighbors, whereas Anne Frank's diary reveals the Jewish experience of hiding. Number the Stars is generally more appropriate for younger readers due to its less harrowing content.