Number the Stars

Number the Stars: A Landmark Novel of Bravery and Rescue

NEWBERY MEDAL WINNER • MODERN HISTORICAL FICTION CLASSIC

Written by acclaimed author Lois Lowry, Number the Stars is a deeply moving and unforgettable story of courage, friendship, and quiet heroism set during World War II.

In 1943 Nazi-occupied Copenhagen, ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen and her best friend, Ellen Rosen, face the grim realities of wartime life. When German troops begin their campaign to "relocate" Denmark's Jewish population, Annemarie’s family steps up to shelter Ellen, disguising her as Annemarie's deceased older sister. Through Annemarie’s young perspective, readers witness the true historical efforts of the Danish Resistance, which successfully smuggled nearly seven thousand Danish Jews across the Baltic Sea to safety in neutral Sweden.

"It is much easier to be brave if you do not know everything. And so of course, that is what you must do. You must think only of what you need to do."

Core Themes & Historical Significance:

• The Meaning of Courage: Explores bravery not as the absence of fear, but as doing what is right despite being terrified.

• The Power of Solidarity: Highlights how an entire nation—neighbors, fishermen, and families—united in quiet defiance to protect their Jewish citizens.

• Perspective of Youth: Captures the loss of childhood innocence as young Annemarie comes to understand the gravity of war and prejudice.

Primary Characters:

Perfect For:

• Middle-Grade Readers (Ages 9–12): A staple in school curricula, perfect for introducing young readers to WWII history and Holocaust education.

• Classroom Novel Studies & Homeschooling: An accessible entry point for discussing historical ethics, human rights, and civic duty.

• Mother-Daughter & Family Read-Alouds: A timeless, intergenerational story that sparks meaningful discussions about fighting prejudice and standing up for others.