Bibliography
Lowry, Lois. 1989. Number the stars. New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0440403278
Plot Summary
Ten-year-old Annemarie has grown accustomed to food shortages and making do without materials such as rubber and leather. Annemarie plays with her best friend Ellen, goes to school, and tries to avoid being noticed by the Nazi soldiers on every street corner. Everything changes when the news comes that Jewish families are being “relocated”. Ellen’s parents go into hiding while Annemarie’s parents take Ellen in and pass her off as one of their daughters. Annemarie’s mother takes the children to the country to visit her brother, where Ellen is reunited with her parents. Ellen, her family, and other Jewish refugees set off on a dangerous journey to escape Nazi-controlled Denmark. A journey that is certain to end in tragedy unless Annemarie can be brave enough, smart enough, and quick enough to get past the Nazi soldiers to deliver a very important package.
Critical Analysis
Inspired by real events, this historical fiction celebrates the courage and strength of the Danish people who refused to allow the Nazi slaughter of their Jewish friends and neighbors. Written for younger readers, the story manages to portray the fear engendered by the Nazi soldiers, and the bravery required to outwit them, without going into the true horror of the Holocaust. In the first half of the book, Annemarie’s innocence and obliviousness to what is going on around her are not quite believable.
Review Excerpts
School Library Journal: “This timeless story of courage, friendship, and family, based on the actual events of the Danish Resistance to World War II, should be part of every child's introduction to the Holocaust.”
Kirkus Reviews: “…there is little violence here; like Annemarie, the reader is protected from the full implications of events--but will be caught up in the suspense and menace of several encounters with soldiers and in Annemarie's courageous run as courier on the night of the escape.”
Connections
Dallas Holocaust Museum: Center for Education and Tolerance
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