1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Lowry, Lois. 1989. NUMBER THE STARS. New York: Yearling. ISBN 0440403278.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen chronicles accounts that occurred in 1943—the third year of the Nazi regime invasion of Copenhagen, Denmark. Annemarie reveals the presence of armed German soldiers standing on street corners throughout the city, the order to deport Copenhagen’s Jews, the abrupt shutting down of Jewish businesses, and the dangerous tasks she and many Dane citizens undertake to protect Jewish families and friends.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
With great reason, the Holocaust brings to mind Nazi Germany and neighboring countries such as Poland, Austria, and Hungary. Rarely, is the Holocaust thought of occurring in a smaller country such as Denmark. In Number the Stars, Lowry brings to the forefront the Nazi invasion on Copenhagen, the persecution Jews faced, and the brave acts committed by Dane citizens to protect Jewish families and friends.
Through the very young eyes of Annemarie Johansen, readers can relate to the simplicity of a ten-year-old and also become absorbed with the chilling and suspenseful events she describes. Despite the presence and intimidation of German soldiers on city streets, Annemarie responds with a freedom that only comes from innocence. By the same token, the reader relates to the irritation she feels when her little sister is overbearing as well as, her obedience to her parents, and love for a best friend. Annemarie is an exceptionally believable eyewitness.
Lowry’s insight to the Holocaust in Denmark is astounding and educational. She presents frightening events without needing to become graphic or gruesome. One example that illustrates this point is the evening officers intrude on the vigil held for Aunt Birte. Knowing that it was customary of the Danes to leave the casket open, the officer demands, “Why is it not open?....Let us open it up….” Mrs. Johansen immediately walks over and explains, “The doctor said it should be closed, because Aunt Birte died of typhus, and he said there was a chance the germs would still be there…” (85). The officer slaps Mrs. Johansen and calls her foolish when she agrees to open the casket.
Slowly, the reader becomes aware of the organized activities conducted to protect the Jewish people and is immersed in the time and place of the events. Dark, damp, cold, quiet, and still, are adjectives that capture the essence of Denmark at the time. The reader gets a sense of the conditions the Danes and Jewish people experienced.
Via this text, readers confront moral struggles; selflessness over selfishness, courage over fear, lies over truth and maturity over immaturity. Every act committed by the Johansens demonstrated brotherly love and courage. However, Annemarie didn’t see herself as courageous. “Brave?” asked Annemarie with great surprise. “No, I wasn’t. I was very frightened,” she replied. “You risked your life,” said Uncle Henrik, letting her know that her selfless act constituted bravery.
Lowry’s straightforward manner is appealing. The reader comes to know the characters and their sense to help others. The reader also comes to understand how lies for the good of the masses are necessary—especially in such a time as this. Lastly, the reader can appreciate Lowry for her candor. In the Afterword, Lowry confesses, “Annemarie...is a child of my imagination.” Nonetheless, the accounts rest on stories told to her by a dear friend who was a child in Copenhagen during this historical era.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
1990 Newbery Medal winner
Starred review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: “A deftly told story.”
Starred review in BOOKLIST: “Lowry tells her story well, fashioning a tense climax.”
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “[A story of] Denmark and the Danish people, whose Resistance was so effective in saving their Jews.”
Review in THE HORN BOOK MAGAZINE: “The whole work is seamless, compelling, and memorable—impossible to put down; difficult to forget.”
5. CONNECTIONS
*Follow up with THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK by Anne Frank. Compare and contrast the characters, events, etc.
*Pose questions related to lying. For instance, “Under what circumstances is lying acceptable?”
*Use electronic sources to stimulate discussions, create time line of events, research Holocaust victims, etc.
*Read the article found on the link below and view footage of personal histories, photographs, artifacts, and BROWSE ALL TESTIMONIES for true first-hand accounts. http://www.ushmm.org/wlc/en/article.php?ModuleId10005209
*Have students visit the Web site, CHILDREN OF THE HOLOCAUST at http://graceproducts.comfmnc./main.htm
*Students can also visit Jewish Virtual Library at http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/holo.html
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