Number the Stars by Lois Lowry Summary

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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".

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.

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.

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.

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.