As a kid reading this book, I was overwhelmed. It was entertaining, dramatic. I was overcome and learned religious tolerance, compassion, and other great emotions for a child to learn. Incredible introduction to WWII/Holocaust.

This book is a great book you can picyure if you and your friends went through a very hard time and relized that it could be the end of your friendship forever it makes you picture that if you and your best friend went through that what it would feel like to know that your friend is in trouble and you and your family need to help them so that they dont get taken away and if they do get taken away you feel thet it is on your schoulders. when I read this bookicould not put it down I loved it at first I was not sure i was going to like it but then I got into it and I really enjoyed it hope you red the book and like it.

While the book is mostly fiction, it is based on historic events, and whether you like to read about this period in history, or just enjoy short stories, this is a fun book to read. It's not the most exciting book on the subject out there, but the story is easy to follow and the characters are relatively well developed.

I especially enjoyed the authors' afterword, where she explains which parts of the story were fact and fiction, as it helps the reader consider the events and historical significance of an infrequently written about area (geographically) of the war.

Though the book should not be viewed as a history book per se, it is well worth the read, even for adults. Also, the story may initiate further reading outside of school for young adults or teens interested in this period of history.

The only real "annoyance" with the book was the quality of the printing on some pages, as the letters were not always crisp and clear.

Although a novel, this book is based on true conditions during the second World War. It shows the courage of the people of Denmark in hiding and sympathizing with their Jewish friends and neighbors. It is written for 8 year olds through adult, and is a demonstration of true courage that often shows itself during times of hardship. Recommended by Jenna Bush (the schoolteacher) as a book that should be read by all students. As a grandmother, I was happy to read it also before passing it on to my grandaughter. A rather short book and the reading goes quickly. Recommended highly.

My daughter really enjoyed this book. From her description it seems to combine a compelling story with historical accuracy and give a description of how the Nazi occupation affected families, particularly children.

I remember having to read this book in my sixth grade class and since that time I have re-read it again and again. Lois Lowry paints an amazingly beautiful and accurate tale of bravery and friendship during the Nazi occupation of Denmark in World War II. The imagery and character interactions in this book made it really come to life for me. I recommend this book to people of any age. More than a decade since I first read it, it is still my favorite book of all time!

I remember having to read this book in my sixth grade class and since that time I have re-read it again and again. Lois Lowry paints an amazingly beautiful and accurate tale of bravery and friendship during the Nazi occupation of Denmark in World War II. The imagery and character interactions in this book made it really come to life for me. I recommend this book to people of any age. More than a decade since I first read it, it is still my favorite book of all time!

Every few years I read this book over and love it every time. It is a great book to introduce kids to the plight of the Jews and non-Jews of German-occupied countries during WWII. My 10 year old read it and loved it too and it brought up a lot of questions. Highly recommended.

10-year-old Annemarie Johannesen narrates this story (based on real events) set in Denmark during WWII. The Danish resistance arranged to transport many Jews to safety in Sweden after they found out that Jews were being sent to concentration camps by the Nazis.

Annemarie is not Jewish, but her best friend, Ellen, is. Annemarie's family helps smuggle Ellen and her parents, along with several other Jewish families, out of the country. Lowry manages to give the reader a sense of the horror of the Holocaust without going into graphic detail.

"Hold still," Annemarie commanded. "This will hurt." She grabbed the little gold chain[a Jewish star and a symbol of loyalty to her religion], yanked with all her strength, and broke it. As the door opened and light flooded the bedroom, she crumpled it into her hand and closed her fingers tightly. Terrified, both girls looked up at the three Nazi officers who entered the room." From start to finish, author Lois Lowry, will entrance you in her Newberry Award winning novel Number The Stars. This 140 page book is difficult to put down as you will become entwined in the lives of two young girls, bound by friendship and a kinship, which even the Nazis find difficult to penetrate. Published in Boston, Massachusetts by the Houghton Mifflin Company in 1989, Number The Stars is yet another Newberry winning novel by Lowry. Devastating and heart wrenching, this book will bring you to tears and will dry your eyes with the power of the individual against society. Such, conflict lies at the foundation and heart of Number The Stars.

Growing up together Ellen Rosen and Annemarie Johansen paid little attention to their physical differences and religious affiliations. At ten years old they were more interested in their dolls and sleepovers. One afternoon on the way home from school, the girls have their first encounter with a Nazi Officer. Shaken, the girls return home to the duplex where they reside, though the presence of the Nazis seemed to follow them home.

Do you know about the devastating effects of The Holocaust? Many people in our society know very little about this historical event, led by Adolf Hitler and his Nazi party, which shook Western Europe in the mid 1900s, and was the cause of death for over 11 million innocent civilians. Lois Lowry's Number The Stars allows you to step into the lives of two families, the Rosens and the Johansens, during the occupation of Denmark in 1943 by the Nazi regime. One Catholic and one Jewish, these families come together in their attempts to survive. Set in Copenhagen, Lowry captures the essence of The Holocausts and its effects on Danish citizens. Though this book focuses on the atrocities of The Holocaust, and according to the Fry Readability Scale is at a 9th grade reading level, Number The Stars could certainly be read independently by adolescents in grades 6 and up, with little difficulty. Doing some prior research on The Holocaust may help you understand the context more fully, but the story line in easily followed by readers in the aforementioned grade ranges.

Through the eyes of these 10 year old girls you are navigated through the Nazi occupation, of once neutral, Denmark, and the Danish Resistance's efforts to save its entire 7000 person Jewish population and bring them to Sweden. Though realistic fiction, Lowry brings you into a world of heart breaking facts, unthinkable tragedies and a story, which can be said to be non-fiction for many during this period in history. Lowry presents an astounding account through the lens and interpretations of Ellen and Annemarie. It is a quick and heart felt read. It is a book which will leave you thinking about the effects of war and destruction on entire countries and its citizens.

Title: Number the Stars
Publisher: Laurel-Leaf
Author: Lois Lowry
Date: 1989
Reading Level: 4.9
Pages: 137
Genre: Historical Fiction

Number the Stars is the story of a young girl growing up in Denmark at the onset of World War II. The story follows the protagonist, Annemarie, through the Nazi occupation of Denmark and chronicle the effect the occupation had on her family and close friends. The story opens as the Nazis begin thier "relocation" of Jews in Copenhagen. Annemarie's best friend, Ellen, is Jewish, so Annemarie and her family must do what's in their power to help their dear friends. With the help of those involved in the Danish resistence movement, Annemarie's family takes Ellen and her family to the seaside fishing village, Gilleleje, in an effort to get them safely to the neutral shores of Sweden. Annemarie's is a story of courage in the face of fear, and the book addresses what it means to be truly brave.
This is an engaging and touching story, especially suitable for middle level readers, but enjoyable for people of all ages. The one drawback is that while World War II and the Holocaust comprise the backdrop for the novel, very little time is spent addressing the actual history of this time period. Much background information needs to be given to young readers beginning this book. Annemarie's family faces much tragedy at the hands of the Nazis, but the truly gruesome and horrific nature of the Holocaust is never addressed. In order for young readers to truly understand the significance of this story, the missing information must be provided.
Despite that, Number the Stars is an excellent story and an engaging read. The story is filled with secrets and surprises that will keep readers turning pages. The relationships and themes are relevant for young readers, as it explores the meanings of courage and friendship. The friendship between Annemarie and Ellen is one that readers will easily identify with. This book has been a favorite of mine since elementary school and continues to be a book I love revisiting.

Title: Number the Stars
Publisher: Laurel-Leaf
Author: Lois Lowry
Date: 1989
Reading Level: 4.9
Pages: 137
Genre: Historical Fiction

This poignant book tells the story of Annemarie Johansen, who is 10 years old and her friend Ellen Rosen in Copenhagen in 1943 (near the beginning of World War II). The story shares the perspective of Annemarie, a young girl who is not Jewish, who begins to experience how Jews are treated in Denmark during the German occupation through Ellen's experience as a Jew. While Annemarie and all the people of Denmark are experiencing food shortages, rationing, and a pervasive soldier presence, Ellen's experience becomes vastly different. After a raid at their synagogue, Ellen's parents must leave immediately. Ellen moves in with Annemarie and her family, and pretends to be a part of their family. Things continue to become more dangerous, however, and both of the young girls are asked to be brave beyond their years.

While the book has an amazing story to tell, there are a few things about the book that might not appeal to some readers. One is that, for history buffs, there isn't a lot of information about the Holocaust, and very little about its politics. Because the book takes place in Denmark, the incredible violence and inhumanity of the Holocaust is not addressed. To some, this may be a positive aspect of the book (especially for younger readers), but it should be paired with some historical information for older readers. Keeping a computer nearby for internet searches would be a great idea.

Number the Stars was a favorite of mine through middle school, and a book I loved revisiting, I would not hesitate to recommend it to people of any age. Very little young adult fiction about World War II is written from a perspective like this, an innocent bystander rather than a direct victim. It is easy to relate to Annemarie as she wrestled with the normal problems of being a 10-year-old, an older sister, and a daughter in school and at home. In addition, Annemarie's questions and thoughts about what was happening to her friend are the same questions I have looking back. Why did this happen? What can I do? What is the right thing to do? These questions not only are a good reflection on what happened during World War II, but can also help as a guide to thinking about current issues in the world.

It's hard for ten-year-old Annemarie Johanssen to remember Denmark before the German soldiers occupied it. Nonetheless, she and her little sister Kirsti still manage to have a somewhat normal childhood -- until the Nazis begin rounding up and relocating Copenhagen's Jews.

Suddenly, Annemarie's best friend Ellen is in terrible danger. Putting their own selves at risk, the Johanssens help hide Ellen and her parents, eventually smuggling them across the sea to Norway.

As Annemarie watches her parents' actions - and even takes part in a bit of bravery herself - she wonders what courage really means. Is it okay to feel afraid, as long as you still help those who need it?

Though Annemarie is a fictional character, Lowry has based the story upon real situations -- so, just like life, everything cannot possibly be resolved perfectly at the end of the book. Sometimes, just knowing you did your best is all you can do.

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry was an enthralling book. The book takes place in Denmark in 1943, which was during World War II. The main character was a ten-year-old girl named Annemarie Johansen. This book is about Annemarie's best friend named Ellen who's Jewish. This is extremely bad because Nazis are patrolling their town and will torture and kill any Jewish people. So the quest is for Annemarie is to save her friend. This book teaches that you shouldn't treat others differently just because they come from a different culture. Lois Lowry writes a lot of books that are breathtaking and can make an incredible image in your head. I can imagine what it would look like throughout the book. I loved this book so much, and I think you should read it too. Trust me, you won't regret it.

This book soured me on Lois Lowry for years. It won the Newberry Medal, but in this case, that doesn't mean all that much.

The characters are dull and lifeless; the book is so very clearly Holocaust-for-kids, and even then, not very bright kids. There are none of the subtleties that can and should be applied to such a big topic, none of the painting of the great nobility of spirit possessed by the Danish Resistance--it mentions King Christian and the yellow star he wore symbolically, but there is no passion or pride evoked by this noble gesture made by a man who exemplified his country during its occupation--no mention of how Denmark burned its ships rather than let the Germans have them--no, the only active Resistance member is Annemarie's dead older sister.

The book is dull and boring, and the topic is anything but. It's probably popular in schools because there is no objectionable conduct, except by the German soldiers, but neither is there any feeling, any call to the human spirit to attack the injustice. Really, the problem is a lack of characterization and a very watered-down plot.

I highly recommend in its place Carol Matas's Lisa's War, which deals with the same topic and a girl not much older than Annemarie and yet is much more powerful and compelling.

i'm quite unable to put exactly into words how this story provoked me. in the back of my mind, i knew it was going to be stirring (there's no other way when it comes to war)--what i didnt expect was how strong and swift it punched you in the gut.

after reading Number the Stars, i was reminded--and this may sound soppy--of the enduring human spirit against loss and fear, and the always remarkable tendency of courage and selflessness to assert itself in the most unexpected times. also, somehow, Lowry was able to make her story thrilling just after a few chapters. i couldn't explain it--one minute the story was off to a deliberate start, on the next, i found myself worried and then on-the-edge-of-my-seat-scared for the characters. then in the end, on the verge of tears.

bittersweet and heart-wrenching, this book portrayed a masterful contradiction of a young girl's innocent hopefulness against the violence and seemingly senselessness of a lingering war.

Lowry's book sends a message that transcends feelings of hate or racism, oppression and tyranny; instead, revel in the unconditional acceptance and love that underlies the friendship of Annemarie and Ellen, the hope that made Peter's and hundreds of others' deaths all the more significant, and the hope that there would always be a God tomorrow to number the stars for us.

i'm quite unable to put exactly into words how this story provoked me. at first i was hesitant to read a story concerning anything about the Nazis since the trifling information i've heard about them and the second world war is not pretty.

but after reading Number the Stars, i was reminded--and this may sound soppy--of the enduring human spirit against loss and fear, and the always remarkable tendency of courage and selflessness to assert itself in the most unexpected times. it didn't hurt also that, somehow, Lowry was able to make her story thrilling just after a few chapters. i couldn't explain it--one minute the story was off to a deliberate start, on the next, i found myself worried and then on-the-edge-of-my-seat-scared for the characters.

bittersweet and heart-wrenching, there are those today who may find this book biased against the Germans. and true--we do have to consider that those soldiers were only doing their duty by their officers and by their country, and that, under normal circumstances, they would just have been any other normal people (and a fraction in our history should never be a basis for perpetual prejudice). however, the German soldiers portrayed in the book were all reprehensible--definitely it is difficult to be objective with its narrative.

this is the point, then, where we should comprehend that Lowry's book sends a message that transcends feelings of hate or racism, oppression and tyranny. instead revel in the fragile yet inspiring thread of hope that underlies the friendship of Annemarie and Ellen, the hope that made Peter's and hundreds of others' deaths all the more significant, and the hope that there would always be a God tomorrow to number the stars for us.

I read this book as a young child and it has always been one of my favorites! I have begun to revisit childhood favorites again and Number the Stars was on top of my list. It did not disappoint me!! A quick read for most but it is a wonderful story that provides a little history lesson.

I read this aloud to my children. They were gripped. There is not as much character development or historical background as there could be, but this is a an "important" story that is told in a manner that interests young readers and pulls them into the truth of Nazi oppression and hatred. The story is fiction but is built around the facts of the occupation of Denmark, the movement to deport Jews in 1943, and the couragous efforts of their Gentile countrymen to save them. It is an easy reader or read-alouder. The title is based on a Psalm, which itself refers to the all-powerful and all-knowing God in whom the Danish Christians and Jews placed their trust, the One Who numbers the stars.

I read this aloud to my children. They were gripped. There is not as much character development or historical background as there could be, but this is a an "important" story that is told in a manner that interests young readers and pulls them into the truth of Nazi oppression and hatred. The story is fiction but is built around the facts of the occupation of Denmark, the movement to deport Jews in 1943, and the couragous efforts of their Gentile countrymen to save them. It is an easy reader or read-alouder. The title is based on a Psalm, which itself refers to the all-powerful and all-knowing God in whom the Danish Christians and Jews placed their trust, the One Who numbers the stars.

Number The Stars
review made by marissa

Number The Stars is a book about a young girl named annemarie who lives in Denmark. Her Friend is jewish and she is danish. They were walking home from school and noticed all the soldiers standing on every street corner. The soldiers were there to start "relocating them" to as different place. So annemarie and her family of 3 used to be 4 called up her moms brother uncle henrik. Uncle henrik told them to come there and that he would think of something. Ellen come with annemarie to stay with her while her family was taken to a safe place for now cause they were jewish. so ellen stayed there and soldiers came that night looking for the rosens(ellens family).They came to annemaries house and asked annemaries parents if they had seen them. they said no. the soldiers asked to search the house; and they did.they searched through all the rooms looking for them they didnt find them anywhere. So then they asked to look in annemaries room where ellen and her were at sleeping. Then annemarie noticed ellen still had her star of david on. annemarie hurried to yank it off before the soldiers barged in. The soldiers came in demanding them to stand up. Annemarie put the necklace in her deceased sister's trunk. The soldiers noticed ellen had dark hair and the rest of them had blonde hair. Quickly, Annemaries dad grabbed the photo album and showed the soldiers the picture of lise (annemarie's deceased sister who "died in a car accident") who had dark hair as a baby. then the soldiers gave them an ok and left. Thats when annemaries mom decided to leave and go to uncle henriks home. They went there and cut up chunks of cheese and put apples and sandwiches in a bunch of bags. A bunch of people started to arrive and so did a big coffin. Annemarie and ellen with suprised looks looked around curiously. a noise came from outside it was uncle henrik and ellens parents. Ellen ran through the door and jumped into her fathers arms. Tehy went inside and the opened the coffin and got out warm clothes. uncle henrik was ganna bundle them up and put them under his boat. They ran (all the jews) to the boat 3 at a time. mr. rosen handed uncle henrik a packed that was supposed to be important. they were gone and safe when annemarie noticed they forgot the packed and had to run it to uncle henrik before he leaves. It was Dark and cold. Annemarie's mother couldnt run the packed cause she tripped over a root on the trail from the boat dock. So annmarie was walking to the boats and two soldiers and their dogs stopped her. they asked what she had in the packet she said idk. they took it from her and opened it and said that it a hanker cheif? how lame. then annemarie continued to the boat dock. Soldiers were checking all the boats. They checked unlce henriks boat after annmarie arrived with the hankerchief. The hankerchief had some king of drug on it and ruined the dogs smelling. When the soldiers stopped annemarie the dogs smelled the hankerchief and thier scenses got ruined. So uncle henrik had it and the same soldiers that stopped annemarie got on uncle henriks boat. So the dogs couldnt smell the jews underneath the boat. so uncle henrik took of like all the other jews hidden in boats did. Then the most unbeleivable thing happened.

My favorite children's book. It is a very sensitive and yet exciting way for children to learn about the horrors of the Nazi regime. It is also a wonderful history lesson on how the little country of Denmark made such a huge difference in that terrible war. I thoroughly recommend this book for children in 5th grade and up.

Another excellent book from Lowry. I read this book in 4th grade.... I am now an Elementary Ed. major & I'm buying several copies for my classroom! This book is WONDERFUL historical fiction for children & brings realities of the holocaust to life. Great teaching tool. I highly recommend this book, and any of Lowry's other works.

I have no idea what this book is about, but it must mean something since it was recommended for my son who is in Middle school as "recommeneded reading".

My son had to read this for 6th grade language arts. I thought I had accidentally thrown his school copy away so I ordered a new book - so of course the school copy turned up the next day. I read the book in one sitting - it moves well and is interesting. I like Lowry's writing style. My son found it kind of dull and he would have liked a little more factual/historical information. Like most Newbery books, it seems very "girl oriented" with the usual criteria of family separation. Overall, it was worth the read.

This is a moving story ~~ written simply for the younger audience and it's perfect for all ages who want to remember the lost and the forgotten of World War II. This is a simple story of "What Should You Do?" in times like this ~~ where the Jews are forced underground or to leave their homes. This is a story of a young girl who delivered a life-saving package to her uncle who was about to be boarded on his fishing boat by the Germans. He was smuggling his niece's friends and other people to Sweden.

It is a simple story ~~ there are other stories out there that are better written and more well-rounded but this is a perfect start for young kids who want to learn more about history. It's written beautifully and simplistically and yet realistically. It is a story of courage and defiance and strength even in moments of sheer terror. It is a story that honors the old commandent: "Thou Shall Love Thy Neighbors."

It is a must-read for all serious readers.

10-9-07

I really enjoyed "Number the Stars" not only because it was a great story, but it was also educational. I have to admit that I have been ignorant to the effect WW2 had on Denmark, until I read this book. I have heard and read so much about the other European countries, but I have hardly heard a thing about Denmark. Thus, I liked how the author weaved in the reasons for Denmark not fighting the Germans, and how the king of Denmark remained uncontrolled during the occupation. I also enjoyed learning little facts about the Danish Resistance.

As far as the fictional side of the book, I found it to be an easy read that young and old alike could enjoy. Lowry has such a good imagination, that you can't help but be captured by the characters bravery and courage. At times when reading this book, I asked myself if I could have made the same courageous choices.

My granddaughter,11, read this on our vacation, and she told me she absolutely loved it!

This story is told through the eyes of ten year old Annemarie Johansen. It is the story of how her family's rescuing their Jewish neighbors, the Rosens from the Nazis. This occurs in occupied Denmark. And is a fictionalization of a true story, the story of how the Danes rescued the entire seven thousand members of the Danish Jewish community by ferrying them to safety into neutral Sweden.
The story is told with simplicity and clarity. The Johansens are decent, heroic people.
The incidents of confrontation with the Nazis are ones in which there is threat, but nothing like the kind of violence which usually predominated in such encounters.
The story is an excellent inspirational tale for young people stressing universal human values.

Since the holocaust happened, there had been a plethora of books, fiction and mostly non-fiction, about that period of time. "Number the Stars" is of the fiction kind. So, I read through the simple book in matter of hours, and I didn't really have any inkling of asking myself if I do care about the protagonists. The writing is good and terse, if simple, but as far as the story goes, it is bland and dry. The best, and the only, part of the book is the afterword where Lois Lowry writes about the history of the Danish resistance, which was factual based. That was just the best and most informative part of the whole book. I could recommend "Number the Stars" for children, but as they grow older, they will probably find the book trivially simplistic. Although "Number the Stars" doesn't really delve into the horrors of the holocaust, there is the baby-carrying-through of it for the children, which is okay and appropriate. Speaking realistically, it is not the case.

Number the Stars
Lois Lowery

Friendship, loss, trust... imagine walking down the street and always being afraid to walk away from the crowd and be noticed as `different'. Imagine living in fear and with hope always growing smaller and harder to catch hold of... that is the everyday life of ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen and her best friend Ellen Rosen. Annemarie is a Christian girl who lives in an apartment with her mother, father and little sister Kirste; the apartment across from Annemarie's is Ellen's, who is Jewish. Think of being ten and living through the horrors of the Holocaust!

Ellen must stay with Annemarie's family while her parents escape to safety because they're Jewish. One night a small group of Nazis barges into Annemarie's apartment looking for the Rosens and wonders if the Johansens know where they are. The Nazis look at Annemarie and Ellen and ask "your names?"

"Annemarie Johansen and this is my sister..."

"Quiet! Let her speak for herself. Your name?"

"Lise Johansen" lied Ellen. Annemarie had had a sister named Lise who mysteriously died. Finally as the Nazis are leaving, one pulls at Ellen's hair "you have all blond-haired children, where did you get the dark-haired one from"?

In this book, Lois Lowery's writing is so powerful and vivid that the reader shares emotions with the characters. The story is written so realistically that at times I had to put down the book and pause to think about what the girls were experiencing. Yet throughout this book, as exciting as the action and emotion may be, the most important part of this story is its message to treat others as you would like to be treated.
- Elana

Every year I teach the novel, Number the Stars. I feel it is not only a well-written book, but an important topic for our children to learn about. Lois Lowry handles a difficult subject beautifully and with compassion. I purchased the CD this year to play for my students rather than reading it aloud four times per day. The CD is excellent! There is music in the background occasionally, and the reader adeptly uses variations in her voice to suggest voices of the adults, the children, and the German soldiers. She held my sixth grade students' attention very well. I was very pleased with the production and would recommend it highly.

Great book for teachers to use when they are teaching intollerance and the Holocaust

As students in the Bronx,we have been reading a book called "Number the Stars", and it has been an honor to be working with the group we are in today. This is a good book and that is why we desided to give it 5 stars.This book is about war 2 and it is also, about 2 young children named Annemarie and Ellen and their friendship. These two young children have different nationalities for an example: Ellen is Jewish and Annemarie is German. They are not allowed to speak to each other because they are from two different nations.
This book made us feel good and free because we finaly, know that we are not the only people that has problems with their nationalities and who they are.We love this book because it enspired us a whole lot.We recommend that people ages 12 and up should read this book beacuse this is a really good book. If any one who likes to read action books we also recommend you to read this book to. This book is like Bridge to Terabithia - not alot but a little bit.
We think that the type of person who wants to learn about War World II should read this book cause that is what it is all about.

I remember hiding away in the corner of the elementary school library and reading this when I was very young, and I think it may have been the root of my future enamourment of WWII history.

There are two scenes that define this book for me, and I think what really drove home the reality of what the Jewish population faced...

One, when the Nazi soldiers come into the Jewish home and everyone is blonde except the one girl (the main character)... she hides her Star of David necklace, and the guards are arguing with her mother about how she can't possibly be Pure because she has brown hair and dark eyes, and her mother rips a baby photo out of the family photo album and thrusts it at the guards as proof, explaining that she was born with blonde hair and blue eyes and then suddenly they turned dark when she got older. The girl realizes why her mother ripped out the photo from the album -- because it wasn't of her, but of her sister, and was labeled as such.

And later, when they go to the boat, and she brings sandwiches or something for the dogs, wrapped in cloths that are dusted with cocaine (? if I remember right?) ~ to dull the dogs' sense of smell, because there are entire families stowed away in the ship that would get caught if the dogs caught their scent. The entire section of the book related to this not only familiarized me with the events of that time period, but also the geography that influenced the actions of all involved.

Historical fiction serves the very real purpose of humanizing those to whom "History" happened, and, in the case of historical fiction for children, can broach subjects that would otherwise be extremely difficult to discuss.

Number the Stars is an incredible book. I highly recommend it.

My daughter loved this book. She read it over the weekend and we couldn't drag her away from it.

This has been a very dear book to me since I was a child. A friend of mine suggested a book of a similar theme, Exodus, and I wanted him to read Number the Stars. The story is written for young adults but is very endearing and wonderfully fassioned. I recommend this book for anyone interested in Jewish WWII history, along with Exodus.

This Newberry Medal winner tells the story of Annemarie Johansen, a ten-year old girl in Nazi-Occupied Denmark. I would highly recommend this novel to any young adult with an interest in the history of World War II. By telling the story through the eyes and perceptions of a young girl, Lowry helps readers to connect personally with World War II, without becoming inappropriately graphic. This is a fast read about a young adult living in a turbulent time that young readers can perhaps relate to the turbulence of today.

A book that's been always in my mind, that I forgot the title of. I don't really remember in detail about this book, but during a vacation to Disney World in 2003, inside a hotel, I was on the bed reading this book, never abled to be put down, since I liked the character and the story itself. A great story that's been in my mind for many years, and 5 stars is definintely deserved of this work.

I came across Numbering the Stars while clearing out a storeroom at the school where I teach. Since I had already read and reviewed The Giver, Gathering Blue, and Messenger by Lois Lowry, I took the book home and read it over the weekend.

Numbering the Stars won the 1990 Newbery Medal for most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. The story is set in Denmark during World War II. It centers on Annemarie Johansen and her friend Ellen Rosen and their families. The Rosen's live next door and are Jewish. As with most parents, Annemarie's family tries to keep the harsh reality of the war far from their children. Lowry keeps her focus tight on the character of Annemarie. We see the occupation of Denmark through her eyes.
However, Annemarie is at an age where she is curious but not always able to understand the world. But, as events move forward everyone is called upon to be brave.

This is an important story that allows young people to see the Holocaust via a story written for their age level. The story is told well with strong descriptions and good tension. Numbering the Stars deserves the Newbery Medal.

I have criticized the endings of other Lowry stories but this story has a logical start and finish point. As I read the last page, I had answers to my questions and wanted to know more. That is the mark of a story told well. Numbering the Stars is an enjoyable adolescent novel. I recommend it for any Middle School reading program.

Kyle Pratt

Number the Stars takes place during World War II and is about one family's struggle to protect the Jews from the Germans. The main character is Annemarie Johansen. Her best friend, Ellen Rosen, is Jewish. Annemarie and her family try to save Ellen's family and other Jews by smuggling them to Sweden.
Annemarie is a brave girl who thinks she is a coward. She is tall, blond haired who is about eleven years old. Annemarie has a little sister who speaks her mind (like most young kids). Annemarie likes to protect Jews. She is protective by nature and is a strong Christian. Throughout the book, Annemarie and her family experience conflict.
The Johansen's experienced conflict when their daughter, Lise, was killed when fleeing the Nazis. They ran her over with their vehicle. Lise worked for the rebellion against the Germans. Her death made her parents sad and because of the secrecy of her death, Lise wasn't talked about. This put a strain on the whole family. In the same way, Annemarie experiences conflict because she misses her sister and doesn't know how she died; she doesn't feel comfortable asking her parents. Eventually, Annemarie's uncle tells her the truth; that Lise was run over by the Nazis following a secret meeting of rebels. Also the German's invasion on Denmark caused conflict for everyone in Denmark. Their presence made it unsafe for the Danish, but in particular, for the Jewish families. In fact, Nazis hated the Jews and treated them savagely. Moreover, Annemarie's friend, Ellen, was Jewish. Annemarie felt enormous conflict because she cared for Ellen and wanted her to be safe. For this reason, the Johansen's smuggled Ellen's' family to the coast where Annemarie's uncle, Henrik, lived and was a fisherman. A plan was hatched. Ellen's family was to be smuggled to Sweden. In the end, Annemarie became the one to save Ellen's family. She had to face the German soldiers alone and get past them, for the sake of the Rosens. She succeeded in her mission and the Rosens made it to Sweden.
The author uses the reoccurring theme of bravery in her novel. An example of this theme is shown when Annemarie cleverly rips Ellen's Star of David necklace off Ellen's neck just when Nazis soldiers burst into her bedroom. This shows bravery because Annemarie could have been caught and severely punished. Another example of Annemarie's bravery was seen when she encountered Nazis on the road and quickly created a false story so she could get past them.
The author's style in the book Number the Stars finds her utilizing strong adjectives in describing people, places, and things. For example, when describing something, she doesn't leave out any details: "The little red-roofed farmhouse was very old, its chimney crooked and even the small, shuttered windows tilted at angles. A bird's nest, wispy with straw, was half hidden in the corner where the roof met the wall above a bedroom window. Nearby, a gnarled tree was still speckled with a few apples now long past ripe." She has a fluent way of writing clear sentences for the readers. "The girls sat on a rock and took off their shoes and socks. They tiptoed across the damp stones and let the water touch their feet. It was cold. They giggled and stepped back." She also uses abundant dialog throughout the book. This allows the reader to get to know the character more. "Ellen giggled, `A little girl wouldn't go to a ball. Let's make them go someplace else. Let's make them go to Tivoli!'" These are all examples of Lois Lowry's writing style that make her such a good read.
Number the Stars conveys a message of courage and friendship. Annemarie's character demonstrated these traits well. The Germans' abuse of the Jews was clearly conveyed in this book. Ms. Lowry's use of words detailed this abuse. This book taught me about the German's occupation in another country and how their presence affected everyone; especially Jewish people. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy adventure and want to learn more about historical events surrounding World War II.

As I turn the pages of this very relative book, I started feeling the intense suffering of the Jewish people. This heartbreaking book made me think back to our history. The characters are really helpful, for they helped me recognize the real meaning of World War II.
AnneMarie Johansen: is a very loyal friend; she helped Ellen Rosen till the very end. She didn't let go of hope and faith. Her incorrigible traits helped her realize that love and freedom is a very important thing in a time like World War II.

It touched my heart when I found out that Germany had once been conquered by the Nazi Party. (Except for France which for some reason is free, while the World War II was happening)
Ellen Rosen: an endangered Jewish girl, who have a loyal friend who helped her escape the Nazi soldiers. Hitler, a greedy man commanded his troops to put all Jewish people in prison. (That includes people with black eyes and a colored hair, except for blonde.) Ellen's family was separated for a while, but after waiting for so long, Ellen's parents came back to get their family out of the whole madness.
The Rosen's and the Johansen's are close to each other. The Johansen's helped the Rosen's escape to go to France. There they will be safe.
Peter, Lise's fiancé also helped the Jews. Unfortunately, at the end of the story, he had gotten shot because the Nazi party had discovered about the "Jew helping."
Lise is AnneMarie's older sister that also died, from a car crash, but it turned out that she got vandalized because she was helping the Jews when a group of soldiers barge in, everyone tried to run for their lives... but when Lise was running in the street a car accidently hit her. Now, Peter has change from playful to serious.

This is an inspiring story for they showed me a lot about true sacrifice, and discovering that having your own family is important. I myself had always thought that life is so unfair. My family is for some reason not as I wanted it to be. This story inspired me a lot. It will always stay on my mind for it is a realistic matter of friendship, tragedy and depending on each other. After I read this book I realize that having a strict family isn't really that bad, because there is something a lot worse than that.

it pales in comparison to the likes of, say, Out of the Dust or Island of the Blue Dolphins.

Here's how I came across Number the Stars. While I was browsing in Barnes and Noble, I saw the Newberry section, and bought this, along with Linda Sue Park's A Single Shard, which I'm reading now, and like a lot better. Since I've set a goal for myself, to read all of the Newberry winners, I simply couldn''t resist picking this up.

The story follows ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen, a Danish girl growing up under the strict supervision and control of the Nazis during World War II. Annemarie lives a simple life with her mother, father, and younger sister, Kirsti. Her older sister, Lise, had previously died in a tragic accident.

Annemarie's best friend Ellen Rosen is a Jewish girl who, we find out, is to be detained, and sent to a Nazi death camp with her family. In a desperate effort to save Ellen, Annemarie and her family pretend that Ellen is Lise Johansen. But how long will it be before the German soldiers catch on to the Johansens' secret?

So, I read it, and was disappointed overall. I had heard of Lois Lowry's other Newberry winner, The Giver, and the mass critical aclaim it received. Maybe that'll be better.

The main problem I had with this book was that it failed to strike me on an emotional chord. I expected it to be a moving, realistic, but still kid-friendly drama about life in Denmark during World War II. Instead, I felt little or no emotional power emanate from the pages of Number the Stars. This is one of my favorite elements of a good story, absent. Because of this, I found myself putting it down a lot, to attend to other matters for a while.

The book could be about fifty pages longer. In my opinion, Lowry left out a lot of important details. The book focused more on the plot, and less on the causes of the plot. I would have liked a bit more backstory. 135 pages just wasn't quite enough.

On the other hand, the setting descriptions are very good. Midway through the novel, when the Johansens were visting Uncle Henrik, I could almost see and smell the pathways and surrounding areas of Henrik's town. That's probably most of the reason why it won the 1990 Newberry. In addition, there is some character development going on here. Here is how I rate the depth of some of the characters:

GOOD:

Annemarie Johansen: This is the main character of the book. Her feelings are described fairly well by the author, although I wish the book was done in first person; we could have gotten a more intimate look at Annemarie's thoughts that way.

Peter Neilsen: This is Lise's would-be-husband. The courage he shows to Denmark, and his relationship with the Johansens, are described and shown beautifully by Lowry.

Inge Johansen: This is Annemarie's mother. Her feelings throughout the book (worry, anxiety, love) are decidedly realistic.

BAD:

Kirsti Johansen: This is Annemarie's little sister. Her personality was nothing but a stereotype: the naive, stubborn little girl that the older sister must entertain.

Ellen Rosen: This is Annemarie's best friend. Her personality wasn't a stereotype, because she didn't really have a personality. At least, not a clear one. I was unable to tell exactly what kind of person she is. Probably the least-developed character in the book.

MY FINAL SCORES:

Plot: 3.5/5

Characters: 3.5/5

Readability: 3.5/5

Length: (Too Short, Too Long, or Just Right) Too Short

Overall: 3/5

CONCLUSION: This book has some redeeming qualities, but it's not particularly outstanding.

A young girl named Annemarie Johansen lived in Denmark. There friends the Rosens lived upstairs from them. The Rosens were jewish. German soldiers started to occupie the country. They were on every corner on every block. They started taking every jew of denmark to concentration camps and killing them. So Annemarie and her family had to hide the rosens before the got killed. Thats all i am going to tell you. Go read the book and find out ourself how good it is.

This book is an exciting novel taking place during World War 2. The city of Copenhagen where Annemarie,her little sister Kirsti,and their best friend Ellen live is coated with Nazis. To make matters worse,Ellen is Jewish,the type of person the Nazis were looking for. In an attempt to keep Ellen safe,Mama,Kirsti,and Annemarie take her to the girls Uncle Henrik's home. Henrik smuggles Ellen and some other Jews,including Ellen's parents,under some boards in his boat.
Read this book to find out what happens to Ellen and some other Jews. Will they survive.....or not?

Number the Stars is a book about two ten year old girls living in Copenhagen, Denmark in the midst of World War II. Annemarie and Ellen must find the strength and courage to survive. With Natzis at every turn, they must be careful. This is a great book and it is hard to put down. I reccomend this to anyone who wants to learn about the holocost.

Sarah, age 10

This is a fictional book about a young girl named Annmarie Johansen. She is in the middle of a racial war. One day she is walking home from school when she see's a Nazi on the corner with a large neck. She has a strange feeling that Annmarie's friend, Ellen Rose, is a Jewish citizen of Denmark, which she is.
Ellen's parents are sent away so she has to stay in Annmarie's house. Nazi's come to the apartment and ask,"Why are two of your daughters blond and the other dark haired?" Annmarie's father is quick to think of a clever way out of this dangerous situation. I recommend this book to anyone who realy cares about all the people who were killed and tortured during World WarII. I really liked the book because of the way it expresses Concentration camps. Jewish people should still be terrified about what happend, because it could start all over. It is important for everyone to remember the courage of the Danish people in helping their friends and - JAMES SOLIS 12

Number the Stars is about a Danish family and their Jewish friends during World War II and their struggles with the Nazi dictatorship.

I didn't like this novel so much due to the lack of action. I'm more of a fan of fast-paced thriller novels. This book seemed to avoid the gory aspects of the war, which many people seem to appreciate. It was an informative story on how things were like for victims of the Nazis. It focused more on emotions and their test on the people threatened by Nazi dictatorship.

I didn't enjoy this book, but would recommend it to other novelists who can enjoy reading books with less action than I'm used to.

I read this book when I was about 8 and i really enjoyed it.The suspense that came with it was good. This was my first book by this author and I was not disappointed.

The book I read is called Number The Stars. It is mainly about three girls, Kirsti, Ellen, and Annemarie. Kirsti is a young, loving, silly girl who gets terribly mad if someone makes fun of her. Annemarie is Kirsti's sister and best friend of Ellen. She comforts Ellen as much as she can during World War II. Ellen is a Jewish girl who is saved by Annemarie and her family when the Nazis attack.
In this story a Jewish girl living in Denmark hides from the Nazis at her friends house. She pretends to be her friends sister who had died that year. The Jewish girls friend sailed her to Sweden until the war was over. Returning in 1945, her friend who had saved her life was so excited to see her Jewish friend who would be coming home.
This story took place in the large city and Capital of Denmark, Copenhagen.
The theme of the story was on the life of Jews in World War II. It was also about how the Nazis treated them. Last but not least it was about those who tried to save the Jews. Mainly the ones who were successful in saving and making them free.
I liked this story because the ending left me thinking if people came home or didn't survive. It made me wonder what would happen next. That is why I liked Number The Stars.
I think you should read this book and I hope you enjoy it.