Number the Stars

By Lois Lowry

A young girl helps hide her friend from Nazi forces in occupied Denmark.

5.6/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 633,799 ratings

139 pages· 26,492 words· Est. 3 hour read

$17.99Save 6%

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Bookroo's summary

In 1943 Denmark, ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen faces a dangerous mission: protect her Jewish friend Ellen from Nazi relocation. As the Danish Resistance works to save thousands, Annemarie must find courage amidst fear. Will her bravery be enough to outsmart the enemy and ensure Ellen's safety? Discover a tale of friendship and heroism in a time of war.

From the publisher

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.

Awards

Newbery Medal (1990)Jane Addams Children's Book Honor (1990)Sydney Taylor Book Award (1989)

At a glance

Format
Pages: 139
Words: 26,492
Reading age: 10–12
Audience: Middle Grade
Lexile: 670L

Themes & topics

Books about the Holocaust Books about helping others Books about World War II Books about rescues and rescuing Books about friendship

What readers & critics say

Reviews

5.6

out of 7

6.3

“I read this for the first time in a mother-daughter book club and it's a phenomenal introduction to the Holocaust, and a beautiful story about friendship. There are enough details to help younger readers understand some of what was going on and convey the seriousness of the situation, but without the more gory details that are important to remember but are more appropriate for an older audience. It's also a quick read!”

Marmee

Trusted reviewer

For readers who can't stop at one