Number the Stars Reviews

• A Must-Read Regardless of Your Age

  
  By A1IBC9XP2LICQL on 2003-01-09
  First I should say that I work in a bookstore. Since I hadn't read a young adult book in nearly 30 years, I decided to read a few to learn what to recommend to customers. The first one I picked up was `Number the Stars.' It blew me away.

  Lowry has written an incredibly moving account of the Jews in World War II Denmark. Annemarie Johansen worries what might happen to her Jewish friend Ellen Rosen as the Nazis capture and "relocate" all Jews. During this time, Annemarie learns about the power of evil, the strength of family, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship. Lowry does a masterful job of showing how Annemarie grows up before our very eyes in the way she interacts with her little sister Kirsti, her friend Ellen, and the ever present Nazi officers. Annemarie learns several lessons throughout the book that she'll never forget. We won't forget them either.

  This is an incredibly moving book. There are very few books that absolutely everyone should read. This is one of them.

  137 pages
  
  

• a must read book

  
  By A2I7MFLI2XSOLI on 2000-03-30
  This story is set in Denmark in 1943, during World War II. During that time Denmark was under Nazi occupation. The story tells about the life of two very close friends, Annemarie Johansen and Ellen Rosen, and their families. Living in Denmark during that time was very difficult. Nazi soldiers were on every street corner. There were food shortages and they were required to darken their windows every evening. One day, the Jewish families received word that the Germans were going to relocate all the Jews in Denmark. Since the Rosens were Jewish, Mr. and Mrs. Rosen were takin into hinding. Ellen went to live with the Johansens and pretended to be a part of the Johansen family. A few days later, Mrs. Johansen took her two daughters and Ellen to visit Uncle Henrik. The rest of the story is about the tremendous courage of Annemarie, Mrs. Johansen, Uncle Henrik, and Peter Neilsen and the trouble they endured to help their friends. I really enjoyed this book. It was very moving, suspenseful, and sad. Once I started reading it, I could not put it down. I highly recommend reading this book.
  
  

• An undeniable classic

  
  By AMX0PJKV4PPNJ on 2004-01-06
  Though I was a child when this book was first published, somehow I managed to avoid reading any Lois Lowry until 2003 (much to the shock of my friends). It was worth the wait. This story departs from the usual World War Two fiction genre by placing the story in a unique setting with a different perspective. Everything occurs in Denmark, and we see the story unfold through the eyes of young Annemarie Johansen. Though she is not directly threatened by the actions of the Nazis that have invaded her peaceful country, her best friend Ellen Rosen is. Annemarie must use her head to save her friend from the concentration camps while endangering herself. I was impressed with the fact that the threat presented by the Germans in this book was made real without relying on gory details. In this way, Lowry has created a book about the Holocaust that is appropriate for juvenile readers. Be warned: There is no perfectly happy ending at the end of this story (the reader is not absolutely certain that the Rosenbergs have escaped and are coming back) but it should satisfy most children. Well worth a read.
  
  

• Every kid I know that has read this book loves it.

  
  By on 1998-11-30
  This book is about a young girl named Annemarie, her family and their role in helping Jewish families escape the Germans during World War II. The Nazi soldiers invaded and took control of Denmark and its Danes. Ellen is Annemarie's best friend and is Jewish. Ellen and her family, the Rosens, must leave Denmark to go to Sweden where will be safe from the Nazi soldiers. There they will be safe because Sweden chose not to enter the war. Annemarie is sent on an important mission to deliver an important package to her Uncle Henrick. This package will determine if Ellen and her family will live to ever see their friends and homeland again. When the war finally ends after a devastating five years, Annemarie finds out about the real truth of her sister, Lise's death. Anna Marie is a bright, bold and brave girl. She is ten years old in the beginning of the book and twelve years at the end. She is a tall, thin and long legged girl with blond hair. Annemarie's best friend, Ellen, is a Jewish girl about her same age. Ellen is a very proper young lady. She is timid and quite fearful because of the Nazis and what she has heard they do to Jewish people. Ellen is also a short and stubby girl who wears her curly black hair in pigtails. Kirsti, who is Annemarie's young sister, is spoiled, self-centered, stubborn and very sociable. She is a typical seven year old! Annemarie's mom and Ellen's mom are great at worrying. Mr. Rosen, Ellen's dad, gets aggravated easily by the smallest things and is a teacher at the elementary school where the girls attend. Annemarie's dad is cautious and always acts so serious. Peter, Lise's fiance, is a brave and courageous man with red hair who works with the Resistance. My favorite part of Number the Stars is when Ellen pretends to be Annemarie's sister and the soldiers break into Annemarie's apartment. Annemarie tore the necklace, a "Star of David", from Ellen's neck so that the German soldiers wouldn't think that she is Jewish. I loved this book because it was always exciting and I never lost interest. Annemarie and her mom were incredibly brave. I could imagine how frightened Annemarie was when she had to carry the "special package" for her mother. She had to stay calm while German soldiers and their dogs questioned her on what she was doing and where she was going. She somehow knew that getting this "package" to her uncle would save many lives. I think that if I had to do what Annemarie did I would still be scared out of my wits. This book makes you appreciate your freedom even if you do have to clean up your room once in a while.
  
  

• This is an important book for every child to read.

  
  By on 1999-11-24
  I am studying to be an elementary teacher, and I read this book for a children's literature class. This book was very well written because it vividly shares the reality of life during the Holocaust while protecting young children from many of the details that might be too frightening for them. This book is unique because it gives a child's perspective of the Holocaust, detailing how living circumstances changed and how friends were taken away. I think that every child should read this book because children need to understand that the Holocaust was real and was not just some event in history. We should never forget the tragedy it was.
  
  
• Lives in the Balance
  By A2OPOSSRHEZG5T on 2002-12-11
  This book provides a wonderful opportunity for both kids and parents to read a good story together and study history from a children's perspective.

  I always enjoyed reading historical novels, even as a kid, and my daughter, who isn't real crazy about reading, is beginning to change her mind because this story speaks to her. That it takes place in a country she never heard of before isn't relevant.

  This is no fairy tale-it's the story of two Danish families, friends before the war, one Jewish and one Christian, who fight the effects of the German invasion of their country and the subsequent attempt to eliminate the Jewish population.

  Through the pages of this book, we are given the story of the Rosens and the Johansens, who, on the eve of the Jewish New Year in 1943, wisely act to avert tragedy. The Rosens are blessed by the knowledge that the Nazis are beginning to move in and not paralyzed by fear into inaction. The Johansens are blessed by the knowledge that, as Danes, they could do nothing less but protect their friends and fellow Danes.

  There are some scary moments, certainly, but not so frightening that children should avoid this book. Some books can be read without parents nearby; this one I recommend be read either by or with parents because some explanation of history is helpful.

  One of the aspects of this book that I particularly liked was how it helps children to think and spot upcoming events.

  At one point, for example, there's a reference to the Star of David necklace worn by one of the children. As the German soldiers barge into the Johansen home where the Jewish girl is hiding in plain sight, my daughter exclaimed that someone should hide the necklace before the soldiers find it. That's exactly what happens-the girls remove the necklace and the Germans are, temporarily, fooled into leaving them alone.

  Luckily, the Johansens know that they've been granted a only a temporary reprieve, and so the rest of the story tells of Ellen Rosen's escape, along with most of the rest of Denmark's Jews, to Sweden and safety.

  There are just enough ordinary details--the annoying younger sister, life in the shadow of a past tragedy--to leaven the story about the Nazis.

  While the characters are fictional, the story, of course, is not, and so it is a great way for children to feel, rather than just hear, about the lives of people who fall victim to brutality and what individuals can do to combat evil.

  I can't think of a better lesson for children to learn. Or grownups.
  
  

• Number the Stars
  By on 2000-02-17
  Remarkable, intense and suspenseful are just three of millions of words that describe this book. The book has a groundbreaking plot and keeps you in suspense after every chapter. Read Number the Stars by Lois Lowry. This story depicts a struggle between a brave girl named, Annemarie, trying to help her best friend, a courageous girl, Ellen, a Jewish neighbor. This touching book takes place in the year 1943 when Annemarie and Ellen are fighting for freedom from the Nazi soldiers in Copenhagen, Denmark. When the soldiers invade Annemarie's house, Ellen was disguised as Lise,Annemarie's older sister. Will the soldiers find out who Ellen really is? Lois Lowry wrote very simply, but is very well organized. She keeps you in suspense after every chapter. Read this book and you will find yourself sitting at the edge of your seat. Will Annmarie help Ellen and her family escape the Nazi soldiers?
  
  
• Should be required reading for all!
  By A3DE9GQDO6O6D1 on 2001-12-28
  Lois Lowry is the well known author of childrens and young adult books which include titles such as The Giver and the Anastasia series. In the book, Number the Stars, winner of the prestigious Newberry Award, the author presents her readers with a thought provoking tale filled with memorable characters and plot which readers can think about long after they've closed the book.

  This story begins in Amsterdam as the Nazis begin to occupy Holland. Life as it once was for this city will never be the same again especially for the two families portrayed here.
  Ww first meet two young girls of separate families as they walk home from school. One girl is Christian, the other Jewish and they have always been the very best of friends. When they are questioned by two Nazi soldiers they are reluctant to tell their parents for fear they will worry. But also fearing what might happen to all of them, they eventually describe the incident to them. The parents, fully realizing that the situation is getting worse and worse for Jews and other minority groups, begin to make plans to insure the the safety of the Jewish family. Not only will these plans and decisions test their friendships but will alter the course of their lives.

  Written primarily for children, this is a wonderful book which succeeds in presenting primarily school age children with some of thr ramifications of World War II and the plight of those persectuted by the Nazis. It also describes to readers at any age the role of courage and acts of extraordinary kindness during these dark days of the Nazi Occupation and World War II. By describing the plight of two families from Amsterdam, the reader is caught up in these tumultuous times and feels as though they are living next door to these people. While many books, both fiction and non-fiction have been written about this period in history and for all age groups, Lowry first presents the subject matter in a calm manner but one where emotions mount as one turns the pages. And certainly the book allows us a glimpse of how ordinary people risked their own lives to save others. As I closed the book I prayed for the safety of both families as if this was happening today. I do hope that they were reunited and finally the Jewish star could be returned to its rightful owner.
  
  

• Friend No Matter What
  By A2CFJA5HPN8P06 on 2001-10-09
  The story is about Annemarie Johansen and her Jewish friend, Ellen, both 10 years old, who live in Copenhagen, Denmark. The time is World War II and the Nazis are invading Jewish homes and sending the people to concentration camps, and to their death.

  Ellen's life is saved by Annemarie and her family who are Christians. Ellen takes Lise's identity, Annemarie's sister who had died, and this way, she escapes the Nazis. Another family also saves Ellen's family, who hides them until they escape to Sweden. The tragic part is when Ellen has to leave Copenhagen and join her family not knowing if she will see her dear friend, Annemarie, again.

  I recommend this book because it is well written and suspenseful, but especially because young readers, like me, hear a lot about World War II and the sad stories about death and destruction, but we might not know the stories about those courageous people in Denmark and other occupied countries who risked their lives to save others.
  
  

• A Lovingly Crafted Story
  By A27VJVE1SKAU8C on 2001-08-15
  This is a good historical book for children. The story is set in Occupied Denmark and told through the eyes of Annemarie Johansen, a 10-year-old girl who has to help save her Jewish friend Ellen. This novel humbly, simply and unsensationally honors the anonymous heroes and heroines of WWII.

  However there are some elements and developments in the story that readers in Annemarie's age bracket may not understand. For example, at one point in the story, Annemarie discovers that sometimes it is okay to lie to your friends, in order to protect them. I'm sure that readers of this book will not grow up as quickly or as soon. In fact, readers and Annemarie may begin on the same level at the start of the novel, only to have Annemarie outpace them to maturity at the end.

  There are also many beautiful but subtle nuances in the storytelling that may be confusing to young readers, such as Lois Lowry's many flashbacks and asides.

  Moreover, readers who expect the kind of action and suspense found in "The Giver", another Newbery Award-winning book by Lowry, will be disappointed. They may find the plot boring and Annemarie passive. The reason for this is that Annemarie is not in the middle of the action, the way her friend Ellen is, but really on the sidelines. This is a story told by an introspective, sensitive observer. What it lacks in thrills and excitement it makes up for in depth. Children who have read "The Giver" and have felt what it is like to be the one who has to leave, can read "Number the Stars" and know what it is like to be the one left behind.
  
  

• Thought Provoking Story of Courage
  By A26KIF01GEUXBT on 2006-10-01
  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, a Jewish family, live next door to the Johansen's. As with most parents, Annemarie's parents try 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. As events move forward she, along with the rest of her family, are called upon to be brave.
  
  This relatively short novel allows young people to see the Holocaust through events 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
  
  
• I'll give you it back someday!!!
  By on 2005-03-04
  Announcing best book for teens and adults. Number the Stars by Lois Lowry a famous author that has written 25 other books. Two of them are Gathering Blue and Dador. She has written all sorts of books but Number the Stars is historical fiction and it toke place in 1943 during the World War II. It was a pretty short read with only 137 pages. Number the Stars was published in 1989; vivid book has been around for a few years now.
  This wonderful book Number the Stars was when Annemarie, Ellen Annemarie's best friend, and Kristi Annemarie's sister are running down the street and they run into two Nazi soldiers, then they start asking them all of these questions about the Jews and themselves. Then Annemarie's family has to hide Ellen because she is a Jew and if they find her then she will have to be taken away. After that then Annemarie's family has to go to Uncle Henrick's house. While they are there Annemarie goes on one of the biggest adventures of her life, she has to deliver a packet to Uncle Henrick. Will she make it in time before he leaves for Sweden with the Rosen's?
  I loved the detail in the book. I could create a mind movie so well. In one part they described the Nazi soldiers. The two soldiers that were Annemarie's house were tall, looked angry, had deep voices, mysterious, and just plane old scary. I also liked the part when she meets the two dogs. The author said that they had drool coming down their faces and they also said that the two dogs could smell right through a fish and sniff out a human.
  Another story element I enjoyed was when you just want to keep reading till the book is over. A part when, that happen in was when Annemarie, Ellen, and Kristi all were running and then the author was saying all this stuff that it could have been around that corner. It was two Nazi soldiers. And right before that they were having so much fun running down the street.
  I thought this book was one of the most exciting. It made me want to keep reading and it kept my interest. I would give this book a 3½ star out of a 4 stars. It will take you for a heck of a ride seeing how it was in 1943. You should really check it out soon.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• This book is worth the time it takes to read
  By on 2003-05-04
  Setting: a remote village in Denmark

  Characters: Annemarie-the main character (Christian), Ellen-Annemarie's best friend (Jew), Lisa Annemarie's older sister who died, Kristen- Annemarie's younger sister and, uncle henrik-a fisherman on the coast of denmark.
  Plot: Annemarie comes home from school one day with her friend Ellen and her sister Kristen. As they raced to the corner they were stopped by a German solder with the word "halt". Luckily the solder let them pass but the next day they had to take a different rout to school. A few days later the list of all the members of the synagogue was stolen and Ellen's family had to hide. Ellen lived with Annemarie's family. If the Germans checked the house Ellen was Lisa who had really died. Ellen's parents were taken some where else to hide witch was kept secret.
  A few days later Annemarie's family took a train to her uncle Hedrick's house on the cost of Denmark. Henrik was a fisher man who owned a boat. The next night they pretended to have a funeral for some lost aunt. Many people were there to pay there last respects including Ellen's parents. When German solders showed up questioning the gathering of people they asked why the coffin was closed but Annemarie's mom said that the person died of a disease that could still be transferred. Once the solders left they opened the coffin and in it were blankets and other clothing. It turns out that the people there were Jews that uncle Hedrick was going to smuggle to Sweden on his boat. They would have to make a trip through the woods to the dock in the darkness to get o the boat uncle Hedrick had a very important package that he needed. But in the morning Annemarie realized that he had left it be hind. She put it in to a basket with some food and if she got caught she was just bringing her uncle his lunch. When she got there she found that her uncle had a secret compartment built in for hiding the people. But the Germans had been using dogs to find people. The package was just a simple handkerchief but it was needed for Hedrick to get the Jews to Sweden because the handkerchief contained a substance that attracted the dogs to it and then one they sniffed it the substance temporarily ruins the dog's sense of smell and the boat checks out just fine. After the war Ellen and her family come back to Denmark and live happily ever after.
  Opinion: I thought this book was great it was so exciting. I would recommend it to anyone.
  Theme: always trust your friends.
  
  

• Read this Book
  By on 1999-12-28
  There are only two books that can relate the story of the Holocaust. The Diary of Anne Frank, and Number the Stars. I first read the book in sixth grade, and it has been a favorite of mine ever since. The story is so sad, yet happy at the same time. Annemarie refuses to be negative about the situation in her country and the danger her best friend may be in. I nearly cried when I read the story. It opened my eyes to the horror of Nazism, and made me realize that the war was not just a fight to destroy Hitler, but also to destroy prejudice.
  
  
• One of the Best Books I've ever read.
  By on 2002-03-18
  This story is about a ten-year-old girl named Annemarie Johhansen and her best friend Ellen Rosen and how the Johhansans's hide Ellen. The story takes place in Denmark during world war two.
  Annemarie is used to seeing soldiers standing on the corners of the streets. She isn't scared of them. But one day the soldiers stop them and question them. Ellen's a Jew she's in danger of being taken to a concentration camp. So Ellen went to stay at the Johhansen's and pretended to be a family member. One night the soldiers search the house they get suspicious when they see Ellen's dark hair because everyone else has blond.
  Mrs. Johhansen takes the three girls, Annemarie, Ellen, and Kristi Annemarie's little sister, to Annemarie's uncle Hendrik's after they stay there for a while Ellen rides on a ship to Sweden with her family because Sweden is a free country. And two years later world war two ended.
  The author of this Newberry award book is Lois Lowry. She was a young girl growing up during world war two. Annemarie Johansan is based on the author's real life best friend, Annelise
  This book was an extremely good book. And I think I'll read more books by this author. I think children who like history would especially like this book. My mom thought this book might be to upsetting for me but I thought it was a great book. I feel so angry towards the Nazis because the Jews didn't do anything to be sent to concentration camp. I learned from this book that there are some evil people in this world and we should teach them to be kind.
  
  
• The True Stars of Denmark
  By on 2007-01-28
  I read "Number The Stars" by Lois Lowery and it was very fascinating! It really captured the Holocaust taking place in Denmark, and made you feel like you where actually living it. This book was very exciting and was hard to put down. The main characters in this book are Ellen, Annemarie, Kirsti and their families. Annemarie is Kirsti's big sister and Ellen is their friend. It starts when the three girls are walking home from school one day, and are stopped by a Nazi soldier. Ellen is very frightened because she is Jewish, and knows what may happen to her and her family. When Ellen's family starts to get worried they send Ellen to stay with Annemarie's family until it is safe. One night, in the middle of the night, the Nazis come looking for Ellen's family and the Nazis decide to pay a visit to Annemarie's family, who are neighbors with Ellen's family. They are caught off guard and have little time to stash Ellen's Jewish star necklace. Annemarie's family decides it is safer for the girls and their mother to stay at their uncle's house until Ellen and her family are safe. Annemarie's uncle is a fisherman and now has dedicated his life to, no not fishing, but smuggling Jews over the sea to Sweden. The Nazis have been on to his plan and come to investigate him. However, all they find is a handkerchief. If you want to know how the handkerchief plays a role in the story, or if you are just dying to know if Ellen and her family get to Sweden safely you must read this book. If this sounds interesting to you or if you just loved this book try these other books: "Behind The Bedroom Wall", "Anne Frank's Diary" and "Nory Ryan's Song". One thing I love is a good book that captures you in the story.
  
  
• Number the Stars
  By on 2006-12-13
  Number the Stars was surprisingly very enjoyable. I usually read books about sports but had to read a historical fiction book for history class. Number the Stars was the best book I could have chosen. From the beginning of the book when Annemarie, her little sister Kirsti and best friend Ellen are stopped by the German soldiers for running. I couldnt stop reading, I wanted to know what was going to happen next. The Germans are trying to take the Jewish people, so Ellen who is Jewish goes to live with Annemarie and her family to pretend to be her sister and Ellens parents leave with Peter to go somewhere safe. The Germans come pounding on the door one night looking for the Rosens. And question why Ellen is dark haired when the other two girls are blonde. It is full of suspense. Annemarie admires her parents and wants to be brave like them. She doesnt feel she is but by the end of the book she has found that she is brave. I recommend Number the Stars by Lois Lowry to everyone to read and find out what happens.
  
  
• A 5-Star Book
  By on 2005-06-09
  The book Number The Stars is one of the best books I have ever read. It is about two girls named Annemarie Johansen and Ellen Rosen. They are growing up during World War II. Annemarie is Catholic and Ellen is Jewish. They live in Denmark, where the Nazis are after all the Jewish people. They are going to send the Jewish people to the concentration camps. Annemarie helps Ellen by hiding her from the Nazis. The Johansens were really giving their lives up to help their Jewish friends. This book is a great story about how two girls' relationships saved their lives. I really liked reading this book because I really enjoy reading about World War II. This book was an EXCELLENT read for me. I recommend this book for everyone, of all ages.
  
  
• Very touching!
  By on 2000-11-20
  I read this in two days. It was so wonderful I couldn't stop. The whole thing with Lise was so sad, but in the end all was well. Throughout the book you'll probably have many questions but in the end everything is wrapped up. Annemarie learns the truths behind the war, and how cruel life can be. But you also learn that even the most unsuspected people can have courage when called upon and everyone has bravery somewhere inside them. I just couldn't put this book down. It is a wonderful book and I know this may sound cliche and everything but it really touches the heart. The only fault I found with it was that I really wished it could last longer. That's how good a book this was.
  
  
• Wonderful
  By on 2000-01-07
  Number The Stars has been one of my favorite books I've ever read. I read this in 4th grade for my Accelerated Reader Program. Annemarie struggles to try to save her family. She thinks about her family before herself. This may be more of a girl book than a boy book. I loved it!
  
  
• 5th grade class enjoys rescue of the Rosen family
  By on 1998-11-05
  We are room 5T from Holland Elementary School in Holland, Massachusetts, USA. We read a thrilling book about World War II. The book was called Number the Stars. We read it as our third literature study book of the year. Number the Stars is about a Danish girl named Annemarie and her Jewish friend Ellen. This book is about World War II and the Nazi invasion of Denmark. The Danish people tried to keep the Jews safe. They risked their lives by smuggling the Jews out on boats. The book is about people bring separated from friends, family, and home, but still being brave. Most of the people in our class liked the book. We liked how it told a story about how friends remain friends, even when they're separated. The book was well written and descriptive. It was detailed and self-explanatory. We enjoyed studying the history of World War II. There are several things that we think could be improved. The book could have had a little more adventure. It could have had more action and variety. It was not realistic because there was actually a lot more violence in the real world. Many of us were not satisfied with the sudden ending. We suggest that the author write a sequel called The Rosens Come Home.
  
  
• One of the best books I ever read
  By A270W3VX482OYK on 2000-07-19
  This story is about when the German Nazis confiscated Dennmark and were relocating all the Jews. Annemarie, a ten-year-old girl, and her family are close friends with their next door apartment neighbors, the Rosens. Annemarie and her family, the Johansens soon find out that the Rosens would be taken away by the Nazis because they are Jewish. So the Rosens give them their daughter Ellen, Annemarie's friend, to protect her from the Nazis while they try to escape town. So, it is up to Annemarie and her family to protect Ellen as they travel great distances, trying to avoid the Nazis. I like this book because it's so suspenseful. Every time the Nazi soldiers encountered or invaded the Johansen's home it made you think and wonder if the Nazis were going to take them away or if they were going to shoot them. I recommend this book to other people to read because it teaches them what the Holocaust was and what horrible things the Nazis did to the Jews.
  
  
• Nomber the Stars review
  By on 2009-05-13
  Number the Stars gives information about the Holocaust while also spinning a good story. Lois Lowry tells the tale of a young girl, Annemarie, who is a Christian. Her friend Ellen is a Jew in Denmark in 1943. The Nazis have invaded Denmark. Little by little the lives of Annemarie and Ellen are increasingly affected by the Nazis presence. Eventualy, Annemarie finds out that her friend Ellen must escape to Sweden to protect her own life. Annemarie helps her friend despite her own fears. Will she be able to help Ellen and other Jews escape, or will the Nazis catch them? Read this exciting adventure to find out for yourself!
  
  The PACES study guide helped me to understand the history of this time period with map activities, vocabulary questions, and in-depth disscusion topics. I found the disscusion topics most helpful. I would highly recomend using a PACES study guide when you read this book to increase your appreciation and comprehension of this wonderfully written historical fiction.
  
  
  
• World War II
  By on 2007-03-09
  Have you ever wondered what it would be like during World War II if you were younger than 13? Well this makes you feel just what it would be like. This book takes you from 2007 to 1943, and you feel like you are there. You go through all the pain, and sadness and love that was felt back then. This book is so acurate. Some of the storyies in it are even taken from lifes of others back then, and combined all together. I love this book, and if you have not read it, you really should. If you have read it, you should read it again!
  
  
• Annemarie's Adventure
  By on 2006-11-28
  I recommend this book to everyone. It is a good informing book about world war two but also about how one Jewish family survived it. The book was definitely a page-turner. Once one chapter ended I wanted to keep reading more. I learned so many things that I hadn't known about including; the soldiers were everywhere not just in the city. Sweden was a very good place for Jewish people to hide from the Nazi's. This book was so enjoyable; you will just want to keep on reading it.
  
  
• Biggest Friendship
  By on 2006-11-16
  "Hold still," Annemarie commanded. "This will hurt." She grabbed the little gold chain, yanked with all her strength, and broke it. As the door opened and light flooded into the bed room, she crumpled into her hand and closed her fingers tightly.
  Terrified, the both girls looked up at the Nazi officers who entered the room.
  
  The book, Number the Stars is about two eleven year old girls who are best friends. One of the girls is named Annemarie who is helping her friend Ellen to not get captured by the Nazis who are capturing the Jews because the Nazis are against them. Annemarie and Ellen have great and exciting adventures.
  This story takes place in Copenhagen on Osterbrogade Street. The girls like to run there but the Nazis stop them and tell them not to run anymore. There is a war going on and they're trying to keep people off the streets. This is a part of the problem. The main problem is that Annemarie has to be always safe with her friend Ellen and doesn't get to be a normal girl because her friend is Jewish. Also the Nazis are taking over Copenhagen because of the war; Annemarie's family doesn't have things like coffee, sugar, butter, or cigarettes. They have to live only on bread and water.
  I felt hopeful when I was reading Number the Stars by Lois Lowry because I hoped the girls and their families would be safe. There was this moment in the book when I was confused because they called the uncle of Annemarie on the phone and their dad said, "Is the weather good for fishing?" Annemarie didn't understand that and then I just kept on reading and I saw what they were talking about. I can't tell you or then I will ruin the surprise. They were talking in code.
  When Annemarie went to sleep with Ellen she was seeing the stars and that's when thought about the title Number the Stars. I felt scared when Annemarie couldn't find her mom and when I knew what happened I felt relieved. When Annemarie saw her mom where she was I started to feel bad and I also started to cry. I was so emotional at that very moment. If I was there I would have cried harder than I did just reading about it. I felt very sad when I was reading the book and so amazed at the same moment. I recommend this book to a reader who is determined to read about adventure and fun and also a reader who likes excitement. From my thinking, there is a possibility you will cry also.
  
  
  
  
  
• My review of Number the Stars
  By AE3BHWY1R7FS5 on 2006-09-29
  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.
  
  
  
  
  
• An important book
  By A1JH5J1KQAUBMP on 2006-04-08
  Annemarie and her family undertake the task of helping her Jewish best friend's family escape Nazi-occupied Denmark during World War II. Author Lois Lowry teaches important lessons about loyalty, bravery, and tolerance within the context of a suspenseful story. Although the book is short and the plot simple, it is surprisingly powerful at the end. Some of my 5th grade students, to whom I read the book, were moved to tears. Some of my boys told me that they "didn't like the Nazis anymore," by which they meant that they no longer saw them
  simply as soldiers with cool uniforms and weapons. A valuable book.
  
  
• I give it a 15! Oh wait! I mean a 5.
  By on 2005-09-03
  This was the best book i've ever read. This was really great. I mean it. You've gotta read it.
  
  
• Inspirational; wonderfully written
  By A1CQOWFXF14YW4 on 2004-09-26
  This is without a doubt, a book that sets off all your emotions: fear, anxiety, sadness, and bittersweet happiness. The author creates a fictitious character, but uses real facts about life under nazi-rule. I don't want to give a single detail away. But, in times of war, people do still want to help those in desparate need. To protect them, to ensure their survival. This book teaches us that in order to survive, we must trust and help each other. At the end of the book, the author includes a chapter about where she obtained facts she used and how some german people indeed were not evil, but risked their lives by using their information to help the jews.
  
  

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