Number the Stars by Lois Lowry is a historical fiction novel set in Copenhagen during World War II. The story follows ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen and her Jewish friend Ellen Rosen as they navigate the dangers of Nazi occupation. Themes of bravery, friendship, and the impact of war are central to the narrative, highlighting Denmark's role in saving Jewish lives. This analysis provides insights into character development, symbolism, and the historical context of the Holocaust. Ideal for students studying historical fiction and those interested in World War II narratives.

Key Points

  • Explores the themes of bravery and friendship in a wartime setting.
  • Analyzes character relationships between Annemarie Johansen and Ellen Rosen.
  • Examines the historical context of Denmark's efforts to save Jewish citizens during WWII.
  • Discusses literary devices such as symbolism and foreshadowing used by Lois Lowry.
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SUGGESTED GRAPHIC ORGANIZERS
• Elements of Setting
• KWL Chart
• Character Traits Worksheet
• Character Map
• Vocabulary Graphic Organizer
• Plot Diagram
• Venn Diagram
• Identifying Theme
• Figurative Language
AUTHOR INFORMATION
Lois Lowry is a beloved author who has written more than
thirty books for young adults, most notably The Giver and
Number the Stars for which both won Newberry Medals.
Lowry has been the recipient of numerous awards for
her fictional works including the Bost-Globe-Horn Book
Award, the Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award, and many more.
Lowry was born in Hawaii in 1937 and grew up in New
York, Pennsylvania and Japan. She currently resides in
Massachusetts. To learn more about Lois, visit her website
www.loislowry.com
BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED
• Information about historical fiction
• Geography of Denmark and Sweden
• Culture of Denmark
> King Christian X of Denmark
> Scientists who helped aid in detection of Jews fleeing in
boats
• World War II and the Holocaust
• Denmark’s role in saving Jewish people
> Article and pictures from the US Holocaust Memorial
Museum www.ushmm.org/outreach/en/article.
php?ModuleId=10007740
> Danish Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies:
www.holocaust-education.dk/holocaust/
danmarkogholocaust.asp#Redningsaktionen
WRITING PROMPTS
• There is a lot of talk about bravery throughout the story
Number the Stars. In what ways do the characters show
bravery? Cite examples from the story.
• Describe the two main families in the story, the Rosens
and the Johanssens. How are they alike? How are they
different? In what ways do they help each other?
• Describe Ellen and AnneMarie’s friendship. How does
friendship play a central role in this story?
• Although Number the Stars is a fictional story, in what ways
does the story reflect actual pieces of history?
LITERARY DEVICES
Symbolism
• The Star of David necklace – Ellen having to take it off as
losing part of her identity.
• Nazi soldiers as “fear”
• Food – symbolizes feelings and connectedness, Nazis
stealing food as “losing” friendships, family.
• Seashells – symbolize life before war and vacations by the
seashore
AUTHOR Lois Lowry
COPYRIGHT 1998
LA BOOKSHELF GW030
VOICETEXT Yes
LEXILE LEVEL 670L
GRADE EQUIVALENT 4.5
OVERVIEW
Ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen and her best friend Ellen Rosen
often think of life before the war. It’s now 1943 and their life in
Copenhagen is filled with school, food shortages, and the Nazi soldiers
marching through town. When the Jews of Denmark are “relocated,”
Ellen moves in with the Johansens and pretends to be one of the
family. Soon Annemarie is asked to go on a dangerous mission to save
Ellen’s life.
BOOK ANALYSIS
Number the Stars
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
• Great Aunt Bertie’s coffin – symbolizes deceit as necessary
for survival, growing up
Foreshadowing
• Closing of the Hirsch’s shop
• AnneMarie being thankful she was an “ordinary person
who would never be called upon for courage.”
Imagery
• Rifles of the Nazis
• Dogs used to find Jews, evoke fear
• Nazis on the corners
• The house by the sea, contrast to the city
Theme
• Importance of human connections
• Courage in the face of fear
• Bystanders and upstanders
• Friendship
• Innocence and growing up
• Grief and loss
• Loyalty
Irony
• Jewish New Year as beginning of “deportation” for Jews
• Ellen’s mother being afraid of the ocean, but needing to
escape that way.
SUPPORTING MEDIA (graphic novels, movies, video clips)
• Rescue of Danish Jews – Map 1943
www.ushmm.org/outreach/en/media_
nm.php?ModuleId=10007740&MediaId=437
• Oral histories of Danish Jews rescued
www.ushmm.org/outreach/en/gallery.
php?ModuleId=10007740&MediaType=OI
• Photograph of Danish Jews sailing for Sweden
www.ushmm.org/outreach/en/media_
ph.php?ModuleId=10007740&MediaId=837
COMMON CORE BIG IDEAS
• Analyze the effects of setting on important literature
• Articulate major symbols and themes throughout a literary
work, citing evidence to back up claims
• Analyze complex fictional characters and plot, relating
them to everyday situations
• Identify elements of setting of historical significance in
relation to historical fiction.
WAYS TO HELP DIVERSE LEARNERS
• Allow students to use audiobook version at home or in
class
• Verbally read chapters of the book aloud while students
follow along
• Allow students to use a scribe or Assistive Technology for
written assessments
• Provide picture cues for big ideas, vocabulary, lesson
objectives, directions
• Change modality of assessment from written work to an
approach most successful for student (Visual, Auditory,
Kinesthetic)
RESOURCES
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. “Rescue in
Denmark.” Holocaust Encyclopedia.
www.ushmm.org/outreach/en/article.
php?ModuleId=10007740. Accessed on June 20, 2015.
BOOK ANALYSIS
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FAQs

What is the main plot of Number the Stars?
Number the Stars centers on Annemarie Johansen, a young girl living in Copenhagen during the Nazi occupation in World War II. When her best friend Ellen Rosen, who is Jewish, is threatened by the Nazis, Annemarie must help her escape to safety. The story highlights their friendship and the courage required to stand against oppression. As Annemarie faces various challenges, the narrative illustrates the impact of war on innocent lives and the importance of human connections.
How does Number the Stars depict bravery?
Bravery is a central theme in Number the Stars, illustrated through the actions of characters like Annemarie and her family. Annemarie demonstrates courage by helping Ellen hide from the Nazis and by undertaking a dangerous mission to protect her friend. The story also portrays the bravery of ordinary citizens who risk their lives to save others, emphasizing that courage can manifest in many forms, from small acts of defiance to significant sacrifices.
What role does symbolism play in Number the Stars?
Symbolism is a key literary device in Number the Stars, enhancing the emotional depth of the narrative. For instance, Ellen's Star of David necklace symbolizes her Jewish identity and the loss of innocence when she is forced to remove it. Additionally, food serves as a symbol of connection and normalcy, representing the friendships and family bonds that are threatened by war. These symbols help convey the themes of loss, identity, and resilience throughout the story.
What historical context is important in Number the Stars?
The historical context of Number the Stars is rooted in World War II and the Holocaust, particularly focusing on Denmark's unique role in rescuing its Jewish population. The novel reflects real events, such as the Danish resistance movement and the efforts made by ordinary citizens to hide and transport Jews to safety in Sweden. Understanding this context enriches the reader's appreciation of the characters' bravery and the moral choices they face during a time of great peril.
Who are the main characters in Number the Stars?
The main characters in Number the Stars include Annemarie Johansen, a courageous ten-year-old girl, and her best friend Ellen Rosen, who is Jewish. Annemarie's family, particularly her parents, also play significant roles as they support the resistance against the Nazis. The relationships among these characters illustrate themes of friendship, loyalty, and sacrifice, as they navigate the dangers of war together.
How does the setting influence the story of Number the Stars?
The setting of Number the Stars, primarily in Copenhagen during the Nazi occupation, significantly influences the story's events and characters. The oppressive atmosphere created by the presence of Nazi soldiers affects the daily lives of the citizens, instilling fear and uncertainty. This backdrop heightens the stakes for Annemarie and Ellen, making their friendship and acts of bravery even more poignant as they confront the realities of war and persecution.

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