Lois Lowry's novel Number the Stars, is the story of Annemarie Johansen and her best friend, Ellen Rosen, who live in Copenhagen, Denmark, a European city under Nazi occupation. The girls are typical: they go to school and practice running in the local athletic meet. The year is 1943; they live under the weight of Nazi soldiers marching in their town, and shortages of coffee, sugar, and butter. When German troops begin their plan to "relocate" the Jews of Denmark, Ellen moves in with the Johansen family. Annemarie is a fictional character representing the many Danish people who were part of the Resistance and helped to save the Jews during World War II. Help readers understand how to determine theme with the Book Club lesson plans and resources focusing on finding evidence to support the universal theme in the story.

Title: Number the Stars

Author: Lois Lowry

Genre: Historical Fiction

Themes: Award Winners, History

ISBN: 9780812492972

Publisher's Summary:

In 1943, during the German occupation of Denmark, ten-year-old Annemarie learns how to be brave and courageous when she helps shelter her Jewish friend from the Nazis. In Copenhagen the Germans begin their campaign to "relocate" the Jews of Denmark. So Annemarie Johansen's parents take in her best friend Ellen Rosen and pretend that she is a part of their family. "Seamless, compelling, and memorable--impossible to put down; difficult to forget."

Resources

Customer Service

About Us

Fine Print