Number the Stars (original 1989; edition 1998)

Review:
This book is about the holocaust and it is presented so the child will come away with some knowledge. This book shows how a little girl shows bravery and courage. The little girl was only ten years old, and she made a difference.

Personal Reaction:

I like this book because it shows an example of real life. It also shows how some children have to grow up and deal with life and death situations. This book can help encourage young people with their bravery and courage.

Classroom Extension:

1. Have children name their favorite character

2. Ask children how would they show their bravery

I absolutely loved this book. I remember reading it in elementary school, and I am glad that I took the time to read it again. The greatest thing about it is that the author gives the young reader a heavy, but important subject matter, which some might think should avoided in elementary school. I believe that this book gives children the respect they deserve as responsible readers. The subject of the holocaust is presented in such a way that a child will come away with some knowledge, but also questions and concerns, which is just as important. I also loved the characters in this story. They felt like authentic, real people, who weren't simply constructed for the sake of creating drama and tension. Ellen and Annemarie have the kind of relationship that I had with my good friends as a child, and I feel as though so many children can to relate to that relationship. The author notes at the end that all of the characters were based on real people that she learned of through her own readings. Using real figures as a foundation for imaginary ones is a great way to create validity in such an important story. The message of this book is that sacrifices are worth while when we are doing it for the sake of human decency. ( )

Number the Stars is told from the point of view of ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen who lives in Copenhagen Denmark during the third year of the Nazi resistance. Her best friend, Ellen, is Jewish and Annemarie and her family help Ellen and her family hide from Nazi’s and smuggle then into Sweden where they will be safe. The story shows the bravery and courage of a ten year old girl who acts in ways beyond her years, for a cause that she knows little about. We see her courage become the reason that Ellen’s family is able to escape and become inspired by the difference that a little girl can make by the choices that are made. ( )

When introducing students to the topic of WWII and the holocaust, books such as this can be a strong tool. This allows students to make a connection to history instead of simply reading facts from a textbook. The main character gives interesting perspective into the events of the time, and the story is well paced and engaging.

Reading Level: 5.1 ( )

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

Summary:
This book is about a girl named Annemarie. She is a ten-year old living in Denmark during World War II. Her best friend, Ellen, is Jewish. Her family has to hide Ellen from the Nazis to keep her safe. Throughout the book, Annemarie faces some tough and challenging decisions, in which she is very brave.

Personal Reaction:
This is one of my all time favorite books. I loved reading it as a child. Everything to do with World War II is so interesting to me. I think this would be a great book to introduce the things that happened during the war.

Classroom Extension Ideas:
1. Make paper dolls like the little girls in the book.
2. Create a timeline.