Number the Stars

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Author(s)

Lois Lowry

Publisher

Bantam Doubleday Dell

Genre(s)

General Fiction

Age Range

10+

Release Date

March 31, 1989

ISBN

0440403278

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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.

User reviews

33 reviews

5 stars

42%

4 stars

27%

3 stars

27%

2 stars

1 star

Overall rating

3.6

Plot

4.1(33)

Characters

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Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

3.0(1)

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Life matters in Number the Stars... Perfect for young readers!

February 12, 2013

Overall rating

5.0

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Loved it!

Good Points

“Number the Stars” by Lois Lowry is a realistic fiction Holocaust novel about a young girl Annemarie, who lives in 1943 Denmark under German occupation. When her best friend’s family is in danger, she must learn to be brave to protect them. What an inspiring and more so, challenging perspective for young readers to relate to. Lowry’s descriptive imagery presents a clear picture into how both Annemarie and Ellen feel in each frightening situation they encounter. Her opinion on this topic is obvious and common to all who know of the severity of this tragedy. Because most of the intended readers of this piece are between the ages of 10 and 14, Lowry believes it’s crucial to expose them to negative truth even if it seems too soon. They are at an age where they are becoming set in what they believe is ethically right so it’s important to being to light these themes of doing the right thing, and being brave enough to stand up for what you believe in.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story because it was a reality based on a true story and very well could be again. It proves that people are capable of evil but more than that, they are capable of good, in standing up for what is morally right. The content is just right for engaging any reader to keep reading. It tastefully introduces and discusses a fragile topic that young people will understand fully in time.

Celia Top 1000 Reviewer

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Great book for starters

November 12, 2012

Overall rating

3.0

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I love books about World War 2, but this book isn't for me although it is still good.

Good Points

When I read this book it didn't make me want to keep reading. I have to admit it is a good book, but it just isn't my style. Anyways I think this is a great topic for kids wanting to read a lil more!

Rachelle Top 500 Reviewer 28 reviews

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Good not great

April 19, 2012

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3.0

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This story takes place in Denmark during the Nazi invasion. Annemarie is a ten year old girl who's best friend is Jewish. When the Nazi's come searching for her friends family, Annemarie will have to be strong and brave to protect her friend.

This was a good topic, but I felt like it could have been more exciting. The topic is scary, so it could have been more exciting, but there wasn't enough suspence. There wasn't really a good problem in this book.There was danger, but there wasn't exactly a problem. Overall, this will let you see more what it was like in the Nazi invasioin, so it is interesting, but it's just not that exciting.

Ivy Top 500 Reviewer 9 reviews

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Helping to Change the Future to Learn the Past

May 07, 2010

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4.0

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Reader reviewed by Broadwaysgs

Number the Stars starts off during Passover (a Jewish Holiday). The main character doesn't understand why her grandfather act so weird. (why can't they get over the holocaust). When she opens the door she goes back in time and .... You will have to read it to find out. When she returns she has a new insight to what her grandfather went through and why he acts the way he does.

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Number The Stars...Because it deserves more than 5

June 27, 2009

Overall rating

5.0

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Reader reviewed by Brittany Leigh

After reading The Giver, I had to read more from Lois Lowry. I found this book and read it in a day.

This is a true story that Lowry fictionalized. It takes place in 1943 in Denmark during the 2nd World War. It tells the tale of a ten year old girl, Annemarie, and her family as they try to help the Annemarie's Jewish friend, Ellen, get out of the Nazi-held country.

I cried during this but I also rooted for teh good guys. This is a story that will make you want to pop open the history books and read up on things you thought were boring at first.

It's a timeless story and won the Newbery Medal in 1990l.

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Inspiring

June 19, 2009

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4.0

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Reader reviewed by Sarah

Ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen is living in Copenhagen during the time of World War II. The Johansens are Germans who are very good friends with the Rosens. Ellen Rosen is Annemarie's best friend and also a Jew. She soon finds herself involved in sneaking the Rosens out of Copenhagen when the German soldiers are coming after all the Jews and she is forced to find out what bravery really is.
This is a touching novel that is educational as well as it is entertaining. It reminds you that there were some people who escaped the wrath of the Germans during the war and there are always good people willing to help. It's powerful and moving. A great book that all school libraries should have.

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the past has power

November 22, 2008

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3.0

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Reader reviewed by samantha

I read this (reguired reading) in middle school. And i re-read it now, years later. It still makes me sad and horrfited at the way the Jews had to run.

It's the blonde hair and green eyes, so sterotipical. My mother has both and she isn't a jew, let would be prosocuted. Novels that reflect on how horrible our race has been really makes me sad.

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exciting !

August 23, 2008

Overall rating

5.0

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Reader reviewed by tennisplayer

I red this book for school and imediatlly fell in love with it. The story tells about annemarie Johansen and her Jewish freind, Ellen Rosen during the early 1940s. Annemarie and her family must save Ellen, her family and many others from being "relocated" by the Nazis. This was deffinatley one of my favorite books and I really reccomend it.

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Okay book

July 17, 2008

Overall rating

3.0

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Reader reviewed by Dede

If you are looking for something as deep and touching as Anne Frank's Diary, you will be disappointed, but overall this is still a pretty good book. My only complaint is that it's too short, feels rushed, and you don't get enough info to really "feel" for the characters and their situations.

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Nice, short read

July 05, 2008

Overall rating

5.0

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Reader reviewed by looneytunez8

This book is a great, short read. The plot is about two friends who have to live life together with the nazis invade their town. Then, one of the girls is forced to live with the other. This is all because she is a Jew and will be found. Then, they plan to escape their town.

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