Number the Stars Book Summary

Number the Stars is a captivating historical fiction novel written by Lois Lowry. The novel, aimed at young adults, depicts the harsh realities of life under Nazi occupation in Denmark during World War II. The protagonist, Annemarie Johansen, and her family undergo many challenges and difficulties as they try to survive under Nazi rule.

The novel opens with Annemarie going about her daily life in Copenhagen, unaware of the impending danger that looms over her family and her country. As the war intensifies, the Nazis begin to target Jewish families, including Annemarie’s best friend, Ellen Rosen. Her family decides to take in Ellen, posing as Annemarie’s older sister, to keep her safe.

Annemarie struggles to understand the senseless violence and cruelty of the Nazi regime, and her family faces numerous challenges as they try to keep Ellen hidden and safe from the Gestapo. With the help of their neighbors and friends, Annemarie’s family devises a plan to smuggle Ellen and her family out of the country and to safety in Sweden.

The novel explores themes of bravery, friendship, and resistance in the face of oppression. Lowry’s vivid portrayal of the struggles faced by innocent Danish citizens during the war is haunting and emotionally resonant.

The novel is particularly well-suited for young adult readers, as it introduces complex themes and historical events in a way that is accessible and engaging. Lowry’s writing style is clear and straightforward, and the story is both well-paced and emotionally impactful. The novel has become a beloved classic and is a valuable resource for those interested in learning more about World War II and its impact on Denmark.

If you’re looking for a thought-provoking and emotionally engaging historical novel, Number the Stars is an excellent choice. The book’s beautifully crafted characters and gripping storyline will keep you engrossed from beginning to end.

Character Analysis

In Number the Stars, the main character is Annemarie Johansen, a ten-year-old girl living in Copenhagen during the Nazi occupation of Denmark. Annemarie is a brave and resourceful girl who is deeply devoted to her family and friends. Her loyalty is tested when her Jewish best friend Ellen Rosen has to flee to escape the Nazis, and Annemarie must protect her from danger.

Ellen Rosen is also a key character in the story, as she represents the thousands of Jewish children who were forced to leave their homes and families to escape persecution during World War II. Ellen is a kind and gentle girl who struggles to understand why she and her family are being targeted by the Nazis.

Annemarie’s older sister, Lise, is another important character in the story, even though she dies before the book begins. Lise’s death motivates Annemarie to become more aware of the events happening around her and inspires her to take action to protect her loved ones.

Annemarie’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Johansen, are also key figures in the story. They are brave and compassionate adults who risk their own safety to protect their family, friends, and those in need. They demonstrate what it means to be a true hero during difficult times.

The German soldiers are also prominent characters in the story. They represent the oppressive force that the Danish people faced during the Nazi occupation. The soldiers are portrayed as ruthless and cruel, but also as human beings who are capable of feeling pain and suffering.

the characters in Number the Stars are complex and well-developed, and their personalities and actions drive the story forward. Lois Lowry has created a cast of characters that are both relatable and inspiring, reminding us of the power of courage and compassion in the face of adversity.

Reviews

If you’re looking for a book that will pull at your heartstrings and expand your understanding of World War II history, then you won’t want to miss Lois Lowry’s Number the Stars. Readers of all ages have been moved by the powerful story of Annemarie Johansen and her family as they risk their lives to protect their Jewish friends from the Nazis.

One reader wrote, “Number the Stars is a brilliant novel that does not disappoint. It is truly an eye-opener to the horrors of World War II, and I would recommend it to anyone interested in that time period.” Another reviewer praised the book’s ability to convey complex themes in a way that children can understand, “I read this book to my class of 4th graders, and it was amazing to hear their responses. They were able to grasp the depth of the story and its message of bravery, love and friendship.”

Number the Stars also impacted readers intellectually, prompting them to learn more about the historical events that inspired the novel. “I finished this book and immediately wanted to learn more about Denmark’s role in the Holocaust. It is such an important part of history that is often overlooked,” said one reader.

The emotional impact of Number the Stars is perhaps best summed up by this reviewer, “I’ve read this book many times and it never fails to make me cry. It’s a beautiful story of hope and resilience, and it will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page.”

If you’re looking for a book that will leave a lasting impression and inspire you to learn more about history, then Number the Stars is a must-read.

Details

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry is a remarkable work of historical fiction that highlights the courage of the Danish people during the Nazi occupation in World War II. The story is based on true events that took place in Denmark during the war, and Lowry meticulously researched the historical background in order to write a realistic account.

In particular, Lowry was inspired by the incredible work of the Danish resistance, who worked tirelessly to transport Jewish people out of Denmark and to safety in Sweden. The main character, Annemarie Johansen, is based on a real girl named Annelise Platt, who was one of the many Danish children who helped transport Jewish people across the sea to Sweden.

Lowry also drew on her own experiences growing up during the war in order to write the novel. She was born in 1937, and her father was a dentist who treated Jewish patients. Although Lowry was very young at the time, she has vivid memories of the war and the sense of danger and uncertainty that prevailed.

One of the key themes of the novel is the idea of resistance and bravery in the face of danger. The characters in the novel are ordinary people who find themselves in extraordinary circumstances, and they are forced to make difficult choices in order to protect their friends and neighbors. Through the character of Annemarie, Lowry explores the idea of heroism and what it means to be brave.

Beyond the specific historical events that inspired the novel, Number the Stars also offers a fascinating glimpse into the culture and traditions of Denmark. Lowry devotes considerable attention to details of daily life in Denmark during the war, including aspects of Danish cuisine, clothing, and customs.

In sum, Number the Stars is a remarkable work of fiction that offers important insights into the history and culture of Denmark during World War II. By exploring the theme of resistance and bravery, Lowry creates a compelling story that continues to resonate with readers of all ages.

News

If you’re a fan of Number the Stars, you’ll be pleased to know that there are upcoming adaptations of the book in the works. In particular, it was announced in 2020 that Apple TV+ will be producing an adaptation of the book, which is set to be directed by Danish filmmaker Susanne Bier.

Furthermore, there are always events happening in the literary world that relate to Number the Stars. From book clubs to readings and discussions, there are plenty of ways to engage with this beloved classic and connect with others who appreciate its themes and messages.

One great way to stay informed of upcoming events and news related to Number the Stars is to join online communities such as GoodReads and BookBrowse, where you can connect with other fans and stay updated on the latest developments.

If you’re interested in attending events in person, keep an eye out for local bookstores and libraries that may be hosting readings or discussions related to the book. You can also check popular literary events such as BookCon and BookExpo America to see if any panels or workshops are being offered related to Number the Stars.

As always, it’s important to stay current with news and developments related to your favorite works of literature. By staying up-to-date with the latest news and events related to Number the Stars, you can deepen your appreciation for the book and connect with others who share your passion for this powerful story.

Ratings

Number the Stars is widely considered to be one of the greatest books for young adults, and its numerous awards and ratings are a testament to its literary excellence. The book has received several accolades, including the 1990 Newbery Medal and the 1990 Boston Globe-Horn Book Award.

The New York Times Book Review has called Number the Stars “a book that will remain memorable for years to come.” the book has received strong reviews from other literary publications such as School Library Journal and Kirkus Reviews.

Number the Stars has also been popular among readers, earning a 4.5 out of 5-star rating on Amazon and consistently ranking high on lists of must-read young adult books. The book’s themes of courage, friendship, and standing up against injustice continue to resonate with readers of all ages.

Beyond its impressive literary credentials, Number the Stars has also been recognized for its historical significance in raising awareness about the Holocaust and World War II. The book has been praised for its ability to sensitively portray the experiences of Danish Jews during the Nazi occupation of Denmark, and it has been referenced as a valuable teaching tool in schools across the world.

Number the Stars has received widespread critical acclaim and remained a beloved classic since its publication over 30 years ago. The book’s excellent ratings and numerous awards speak to its literary prowess and enduring impact on readers worldwide.

Book Notes

If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of Number the Stars by Lois Lowry, you may find it helpful to access book notes that summarize the key themes, symbols, and motifs in the story. These notes can assist you in navigating difficult concepts and gaining a deeper appreciation for the novel.

One of the key themes of Number the Stars is bravery in the face of danger. The book notes highlight how Annemarie Johansen, the protagonist of the story, must summon her courage and devise a plan to save her Jewish friend Ellen Rosen from being captured by the Nazis during the occupation of Denmark.

Symbolism is also an important element in the novel. For example, the Star of David, a symbol of Judaism, is prominently featured throughout the story. The book notes will explain the significance of this symbol and explore other important symbols in the story.

Furthermore, motifs like friendship, loyalty, and sacrifice are woven throughout the narrative. The notes can provide a roadmap for understanding how these motifs interact with the themes and symbols in the story.

Whether you’re a student or an avid reader, book notes can be an invaluable resource for enhancing your reading experience. So if you’re looking to deepen your appreciation for Number the Stars, consider checking out the book notes available and delve deeper into the captivating world of Annemarie Johansen and her family during the Nazi occupation of Denmark.