Number the Stars: Friendship Amidst the Holocaust Quiz

Number the Stars: Friendship Amidst the Hardships of the Holocaust

Set during World War II, the novel "Number the Stars" by Lois Lowry guides us through the harrowing events of the Holocaust from a unique perspective—that of ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen. This story, centered around friendship and resilience, takes us on a journey through Copenhagen, Denmark, where the lives of Annemarie and her Jewish friend Ellen Olson intertwine, revealing the power of human connection in the face of unimaginable adversity.

The Holocaust in Denmark

The Holocaust, or Shoah, was a period of time during which millions of Jewish people, as well as other minority groups, were murdered by the Nazi regime. Denmark, however, offers a unique perspective on the Holocaust, as it was one of the few countries to resist the Nazis' plan to deport Jewish citizens. In October 1943, the Danish Resistance, along with Danish citizens, managed to rescue nearly all of the country's 7,800 Jewish citizens, sending them to Sweden in fishing boats, a feat that earned Denmark the title of "the only nation that saved its Jews."

Friendship and Resilience

Annemarie, our protagonist, is a brave and resourceful child who, despite her young age, shows an unwavering determination to protect her friend Ellen, a Jewish girl. Ellen's family is in danger as the Nazis begin to round up Jewish citizens in Denmark. As Annemarie and her family face increasing risks, their bond with Ellen grows stronger, revealing the true meaning of friendship and its ability to sustain through the darkest times.

Throughout the novel, Annemarie observes the effects of the Holocaust on her community, witnessing the selflessness of her family and neighbors, as well as the fear and uncertainty that surround them. She learns the importance of courage, and how actions can save lives. The bond between Annemarie and Ellen, as they work together to protect Ellen's family, demonstrates the power of friendship in the face of adversity.

The Role of Children

"Number the Stars" serves as a reminder that children are not mere bystanders during times of crisis, but active participants in their own histories. The novel's protagonist, Annemarie, is a young girl who faced the realities of the Holocaust head-on, recognizing that her actions could save lives and help protect those she loved. She epitomizes the strength and resilience of children during times of hardship.

A Timeless Lesson

"Number the Stars" is a poignant reminder of the power of human connection and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Set against the backdrop of the Holocaust, the novel brings to light the risks and sacrifices individuals were willing to make in order to protect their loved ones and their communities. Its message remains relevant to today's world, where we strive to promote understanding, compassion, and friendship. "Number the Stars," Lois Lowry, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1989. "Denmark's Jews: The Rescue," US Holocaust Memorial Museum, 2021. https://www.ushmm.org/wlc/en/article.php?ModuleId=10005373 "Denmark Saved its Jews: The Unique Story of the Holocaust in Denmark," The Jewish Museum of Denmark, 2020. https://www.jewishmuseum.dk/en/articles/denmark-saved-its-jews-the-unique-story-of-the-holocaust-in-denmark/