This stirring World War II novel personalizes the story of Denmark's heroic rescue of its Jews from the Nazis, telling of a brave ten-year-old Danish girl who helps her family smuggle her Jewish friends to safety in Sweden. Lowry doesn't waste a word in NUMBER THE STARS, starting with Annemarie and Ellen's frightening run-in with German soldiers in the opening chapter. In quick strokes, Lowry establishes the setting and characters and foreshadows Annemarie's subsequent encounters with soldiers, each of which increases the tension. The symbol of stars weaves in and out: When the crowd of escaping Jews gathers, they are comforted with the words of Psalm 147: "O praise the Lord ... he who numbers the stars one by one." "How can anyone number the stars?" Annemarie wonders. But she is one of the brave Danes who save their Jewish neighbors, one by one. The ending, in which Annemarie vows to wear Ellen's Star of David necklace till her friend returns, would be hokey in the hands of a lesser writer; instead, it leaves a lump in the throat. So does the Afterword: Crafted as carefully as the novel, it makes the point that these fictional characters represent real people whose idealism was a gift to the world.Read full review
This is a paperback requested for my Elementary Teaching Program / Methods in Social Studies. The class has not started, but I have already rad this little paperback from cover to cover. It is a book written in the same context as, "The Diary of Anne Frank", but easier to read. This is ideal for younger children, grades 3 to 5. I will be utilizing this book as an in-depth study that will over: Social Studies, Geography and Language Arts. Can't wait for my children to read it and to see the interesting conversation it will spark as it touches many emotions.
I'm in my twenties and wanted to read this classic that I never read in grade school. Finished it in a night. Such a sweet and endearing book, but also sad to hear what people of that time period went through. Definitely recommend!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This book was amazing it talks about the truth of WWII and how hard it was to live in those times. Being a Jew in Germany doing that, was not easy. Annemarie is a role model to me because she stands up for what she feels is right. And she risks her life for her best friend Ellen Rosen, who is a Jew. All around excellent book.
This is a great book to introduce students to the Holocaust.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best Selling in Books
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Save on Books