Pros
Incredible story of hope
Beautifully written
Focuses on Danish efforts to save Jews during WWII
Age-appropriate for young children
Inspiring characters
Engaging story for young readers
Appropriate for a wide range of ages
Conveys historical facts about Denmark during WWII
Great introduction to the horrors of war for children
Newbery Award winner
Cons
Contains spoilers
Some tragic events might be upsetting
Main Product Advantages
10 Storyline
Incredible story of hope, bravery, and friendship set in WWII Denmark, focusing on the Danish resistance and the efforts to save Jewish families.
10 Character Development
Characters are brave, inspiring, and well-developed, making readers connect deeply with their struggles and triumphs.
10 Educational Value
Introduces and educates young readers about the Holocaust and WWII, highlighting important historical facts about Denmark's resistance and Jewish rescue efforts.
10 Classic Appeal
Consistently praised as a classic book that has stood the test of time, appealing to multiple generations of readers.
10 Newbery Award Recognition
Recipient of the prestigious Newbery Award, which signifies its outstanding contribution to children's literature.
9 Writing Style
Well-written narrative that is respectful, heavy yet age-appropriate for young readers, effectively conveying the historical context without graphic details.
9 Age Appropriateness
Suitable for children aged 8 to 12, it introduces them to the horrors of war in an age-appropriate manner without graphic details.
9 Emotional Impact
Elicits a strong emotional response from readers, highlighting themes of hope, friendship, and bravery.
9 Historical Accuracy
Well-researched, includes many historical facts about Denmark during WWII, providing a truthful representation of the era.
8 Engagement
Engages young readers effectively, with an immersive and gripping storyline that keeps them interested.
Number the Stars: A Newbery Award Winner
The unforgettable Newbery Medal–winning novel from Lois Lowry. As the German troops begin their campaign to "relocate" all the Jews of Denmark, Annemarie Johansen’s family takes in Annemarie’s best friend, Ellen Rosen, and conceals her as part of the family.
Through the eyes of ten-year-old Annemarie, we watch as the Danish Resistance smuggles almost the entire Jewish population of Denmark, nearly seven thousand people, across the sea to Sweden. The heroism of an entire nation reminds us that there was pride and human decency in the world even during a time of terror and war.
A modern classic of historical fiction, Number the Stars has won generations of fans and continues to speak to today's readers. Jessica Grose wrote in a November 2022 New York Times essay entitled "This Perfect Mother-Daughter Read Holds a Powerful Lesson for Fighting Antisemitism": “Number the Stars is particularly relevant to our family, and to this moment."
As School Library Journal put it: "Readers are taken to the very heart of Annemarie's experience, and, through her eyes, come to understand the true meaning of bravery."
Conclusion
Number the Stars is a powerful and moving historical novel that captivates readers with its story of bravery, friendship, and the fight against injustice. Its relevance and poignant lessons continue to resonate, making it a must-read for both young and old alike.
