HISTORICAL FICTION - NUMBER THE STARS

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Lowry, Lois. 1989. NUMBER THE STARS. Boston, Ma: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 0395510600

2. PLOT SUMMARY
A historical fiction book that tells the story of the German resistance in Denmark during the early 1940’s from a ten year old Danish girl’s point of view. Annemarie tells the story of her family’s friendship with a Jewish family, and their bravery of helping them escape in the dark of night to the safety of Sweden.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
NUMBER THE STARS is an easy to read novel that tells of an important event (German resistance in the early 1940’s) that happened in history all through the eyes of a ten year old girl. The reader is able to quickly get into the story, and understand Annemarie and her friends quite well. They are able to feel their childhood innocence (through simple errands)and the way they are being protected from the ugliness of the situation in which they live. Annemarie grows up quickly in the story, and is able to contribute in her own special way. Lowry not only accurately portrays the significant events that happened in history, but she also inserts the bond of family, loyalty, love, and commitments in such a way that even the youngest readers will be moved.


4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Newbery Medal
ALA Best/Notable List
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “Readers are taken to the very heart of Annemarie’s experience, and through her eyes, come to understand the true meaning of bravery.”
KIRKUS starred review: “A deftly told story that that dramatizes how Danes appointed themselves bodyguards – not only for their king, ….but for their Jews.”

5. CONNECTIONS
· This book would help open up discussions about the German resistance in Denmark, as well as the Jews escaping to Sweden in 1943.
· Other recommended books:
Reuter, Bjarne B. THE BOYS FROM ST. PETRI. ISBN 0525451218
Matas, Carol. LISA’S WAR. ISBN 0684190109