*Number the Stars*: Novel by Lois Lowry

• Number the Stars by Lois Lowry is a historical fiction novel published in 1989.
• The story takes place in Copenhagen, Denmark, during World War II
• The story centers on the friendship between Annemarie Johansen and Ellen Rosen as they navigate through the Nazi occupation

Plot Overview

• The story starts in 1943, during the intensifying Nazi occupation of Denmark
• Annemarie and Ellen, who are best Friends, face danger because Ellen is Jewish
• The German army starts rounding up Jewish people in Denmark
• Annemarie's family decides to assist the Rosens in escaping to neutral Sweden
• Annemarie's parents conceal Ellen, pretending she is Annemarie's deceased sister, Lise.
• The girls are extra careful to avoid raising suspicion from the German soldiers
• Annemarie learns about the Danish Resistance and their efforts to help Jewish people
• Annemarie's family travels to Gilleleje, a seaside village, to help the Rosens board a fishing boat to Sweden
• They stay at Annemarie's uncle, Henrik's home, in Gilleleje
• The Rosens, along with other Jewish refugees, are hidden on Henrik's fishing boat
• German soldiers search Henrik's boat, but he manages to dissuade them from thoroughly inspecting it
• Annemarie is tasked with delivering a package to Henrik, which is crucial for the escape plan
• On her way, German soldiers who are suspicious of her, stop her
• Annemarie pretends to be bringing lunch to her uncle, making her seem simple-minded
• The soldiers confiscate the package, unaware it contains a handkerchief treated with a drug that disables the dogs' sense of smell, preventing them from locating the Jewish refugees hiding in the boat
• Despite the danger, Annemarie successfully delivers the handkerchief, so the Rosens are able to escape to Sweden
• After the war ends, Annemarie awaits Ellen's return and keeps Ellen's Star of David necklace safe until she returns

Major Characters

• Annemarie Johansen: A courageous and resourceful ten-year-old girl and the protagonist
• Ellen Rosen: Annemarie's Jewish best friend, in danger due to the Nazi occupation
• Kirsti Johansen: Annemarie's younger sister, often unaware of the danger surrounding them
• Mrs. Johansen: Annemarie's brave mother
• Mr. Johansen: Annemarie's father, who works with the Resistance to help Jewish people
• Henrik: Annemarie's uncle, a fisherman who plays a crucial role in helping the Rosens escape
• Lise Johansen: Annemarie's deceased older sister, who was involved in the Resistance
• Peter Neilsen: Lise's fiancé and a member of the Danish Resistance

Themes

• Courage: Annemarie demonstrates courage throughout the story, risking her life to help her friend
• Friendship: The solid bond between Annemarie and Ellen highlights the importance of friendship during difficult times
• Resistance: The novel showcases the Danish Resistance movement and their efforts to protect Jewish people
• Sacrifice: The characters make personal sacrifices to help others, demonstrating their commitment to justice and compassion
• Prejudice: The story explores the dangers of prejudice and discrimination

Historical Context

• The novel is set during the Nazi occupation of Denmark, which began in 1940 and lasted until 1945
• The Nazis implemented anti-Jewish laws and policies, leading to the persecution and deportation of Jewish people
• The Danish Resistance played a significant role in protecting Jewish citizens and helping them escape to Sweden
• In 1943, the Nazis planned to deport all Jewish people from Denmark
• However, the Danish people, including government officials, clergy, and ordinary citizens, united to protect their Jewish neighbors
• They hid Jewish people in their homes, churches, and hospitals and helped them escape to Sweden via fishing boats
• This collective effort resulted in the rescue of over 7,000 Jewish people from Denmark

Symbols

• The Star of David: Represents Ellen's Jewish identity and the persecution faced by Jewish people during the Holocaust
• The Handkerchief: Symbolizes the Danish Resistance's efforts to protect Jewish people and disrupt Nazi operations
• The Sea: Represents both danger and freedom, as it is the route to escape but also a potential source of peril
• Light and Darkness: Light often symbolizes hope and safety, while darkness represents fear and danger

Writing Style

• Lois Lowry's writing style is clear and accessible, making the story engaging for young readers
• She uses vivid descriptions to create a sense of place and immerse the reader in the historical setting
• The story is told from Annemarie's perspective, providing a child's-eye view of the events
• Lowry balances suspense and emotional depth, capturing the fear and uncertainty of the time while also highlighting the resilience of the human spirit

Reception and Awards

• Number the Stars has received widespread acclaim and numerous awards
• It won the Newbery Medal in 1990, one of the most prestigious awards in children's literature
• The novel has been praised for its historical accuracy, compelling characters, and powerful message of hope and resistance
• It is widely used in schools as a tool for teaching about the Holocaust and the importance of standing up against injustice

Adaptations

• Number the Stars has been adapted into a stage play, which has been performed in schools and theaters
• The stage adaptation brings the story to life, allowing audiences to experience the emotions and themes of the novel in a new way
• There have also been discussions about adapting the novel into a film, but as of now, no film adaptation has been produced

Dive into Lois Lowry's Number the Stars, set in Nazi-occupied Denmark in 1943. Explore the friendship between Annemarie Johansen and Ellen Rosen as they navigate the dangers of the Nazi occupation. Annemarie's family helps Ellen escape to Sweden.