13. Number the Stars

Title: Number the Stars
Author: Lois Lowry
Publisher: Dell Publishing
Copyright Date: 1989
Number of Pages: 137
Reading Level: 9+
Genre: Historical Fiction

Summary
For three years the Nazis have occupied Denmark and they have become part of the scenery to kids like Annemarie, her little sister Kirsti and friend Ellen. There is a growing feeling of unease as shops are shut down and soldiers become more bold in their actions. One night Ellen has to come and stay with Annemarie and her family because she is a Jew and their rabbi warned them of an attempt to “relocate” all the Jews from Denmark. Some soldiers come and search the house the night that Ellen stays with the Johansens but Annemarie’s father pulls out pictures to prove that Ellen is their child. In the morning they have to leave to go and stay with Henrik, Annemarie’s uncle in Gilleleje which borders Sweden, a free country. When they arrive at Henrik’s, Annemarie notices that her mother and uncle are acting peculiar and she soon discovers part of the truth because the whole truth is too dangerous for her to know. Ellen’s parents show up with a few other people and there is a charade of a death in their family. In the night a family friend, Peter, comes to get the people and take them to Henrik’s boat. Peter entrusts Ellen’s father with a package which he has to take to Henrik. Unfortunately Ellen’s dad falls outside of the house and drops the package. Annemarie’s mother takes Ellen’s family after Peter takes the others. She comes back in the morning and is terribly hurt with a twisted ankle. Annemarie sees the package and is sent to take it to her uncle immediately. Annemarie runs into some soldiers on the way through the forest and is nearly found out, but she delivers the package and the Jews are transported to Sweden safely.

Recommendation
It takes a bit of maturity to fully grasp the Holocaust and I would recommend this to a child who is interested in historical events. I think that it is a good way to introduce the subject of the Holocaust for a history lesson.

Problems/Conflict
I felt that the climax wasn’t entirely developed. There could have been a lot more intensity but because Lowry was trying to remain so true to actual events I believe it was well told.

My Reaction
I remembered this book being scary the first time I read it and this time I felt like I missed the whole climax. I believe that this book can help small children to understand a little better the events of the Holocaust and what it involved. I think that Lowry painted a beautiful picture of the people of Denmark and their loyalty to their fellow beings.