Number the Stars

By Lois Lowry (Author)

Paperback

Number the Stars is a historical fiction novel set in Nazi-occupied Copenhagen during World War II. The story centers on ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen, who helps her Jewish best friend, Ellen Rosen, and her family escape to Sweden. Annemarie's family takes Ellen in, and the girls pretend Ellen is Lise, Annemarie's deceased older sister. When the Rosens are targeted by the Nazis, Annemarie, with the help of her family and the Danish Resistance, aids in their dangerous journey to Sweden, facing risks and demonstrating courage along the way.

The novel explores themes of courage, sacrifice, and the importance of friendship during wartime. Annemarie's bravery is highlighted when she delivers a crucial package, a handkerchief designed to disable Nazi dogs, to her uncle's boat. The story also reveals the truth about Lise's death, showing her involvement with the Resistance and her tragic end. Ultimately, "Number the Stars" is a testament to the quiet heroism of ordinary people who stood up against injustice and the enduring power of hope and friendship.