Number+the+Stars

The novel I picked was Number the Stars by Lois Lowry. It is a story about a family trying to save a Jewish family during the Occupation of Denmark during WWII. The story takes place in Denmark where we are introduced to Annmarie Johansen and her friend Jewish Ellen Rosen. The Germans have started to take over parts of Denmark and close Jewish stores demanding lists of all Jewish residents. Ellen's parents go into hiding while Ellen takes on the role of Annmarie's older sister Lise, who was killed earlier during the war. When the German soldiers invade the Johansen house, Annmarie's father believes it is best if they leave to go to Gilleleje, where her uncle Henrik lives. Upon arriving in Gilleleje, they are informed of the funeral of Great-Aunt Birte, who Annmarie knows never existed. During the funeral, several Jewish families arrive and gather for the service. When the service is over, the Jewish families recieve several blankets that were stored in the coffin the entire time. Later Annmarie is given a basket full of cheese and bread and a hidden package, that is important to the resistance, and asked to deliver it to her uncle down at the river. She is stopped by German soldiers and the package is discovered. When they open the package they only find a handkerchief and laugh at her. Once her uncle recieves the package he leaves for Sweden. Later, Annmarie finds out the boat had several hidden Jewish families on it. Two years later the war is over and they are able to return back to Denmark. The story implies that Ellen is still alive and will be returning. Annmarie wears a Star of David necklace, that was once Ellen's, in honor of her friend.

I believe this novel is a great way for students to understand the importance of standing up for what you believe and friendship. Over the two year period the reader gets to grow with Annmarie and it feels likewe are experiencing what she is going through in her life. The story also puts the war intoa perspective in which a younger audience can understand but also has symbolic meaning that can challenge them and make them think deeper. Although most students are not going to face a challenge like this in their lives, it is easy to relate situations in which they need friendship and trust to get through.

•History teachers can use this to introduce WWII or the history of Denmark or Jewish culture. •English teachers can use this to introduce independent reading. Although it is a chapter boo and a fairly easy read, there are topics and words that may cause challeges for students •Special education teachers can read this each day to their class and help their students create idea charts about WWII •Math teachers can use this novel and create time lines for all the events that take place and create equations on difference in time bewtween each event

Lowry, L., & Moore, C. (1993). Number the stars. Prince Frederick, Md: Recorded Books, Inc.