Number the Stars
By Lois Lowery
Best friends Annemarie Johnasen and Ellen Rosen are ten years old living in Nazi Germany. Ellen's Jewish parents decide to flee and leave Ellen with the Johnson's in hope of her safety. As a family of 3 plus Ellen, they decide to flee to Denmark to stay with Mrs.Johnasen fishermen brother. There they pretend to be visiting family because of a recent death and Ellen is reunited with her family. After soldiers become suspicious wits and quick thinking get them out of the house.The Rosen's escape safely the Sweden by boat, but Mrs.Johnasen ends with a broken ankle, and Annmarie is left in a scary situation.The war ends and Annemarie is awaiting the return of her best friend, while mourning the loss of her sister and uncle.
Holocaust History within Number the Stars
With reading this book I learned that it was a common but dangerous thing to help out Jewish families. Lives of non-Jews were put at risk just to help out. Also, I was unaware that Sweden was the "safe house" to escape to. I expected there to be some sort of "revolution" but it was new information to me to learn somewhat of the rolls they played and that women were actually also involved.
The fearful side of Annemarie
"It was only in the fairy tales that people were called upon to be so brave, to die for one another. Not in real-life Denmark."
Annemarie was not expecting that she must be brave. Being brave is such a scary thing when you're such a little person. She in fear realizes that some things are not possible, and they are not as beautiful and pure as she had thought.
Annemarie was not expecting that she must be brave. Being brave is such a scary thing when you're such a little person. She in fear realizes that some things are not possible, and they are not as beautiful and pure as she had thought.
Annemaries bravery
will tell you just a little, because you were so very brave."
In Annemarie's transformation from scared child to a brave one, her courage goes above and beyond. Annemarie pushed out of her mind that something could have happened to her, just in the search and safety of her friend.
"Brave?" Annemarie asked, surprised. "No, I wasn't. I was very frightened."
"You risked your life."
"But I didn't even think about that!"In Annemarie's transformation from scared child to a brave one, her courage goes above and beyond. Annemarie pushed out of her mind that something could have happened to her, just in the search and safety of her friend.
Annemaries maturity
"Annemarie knew that Mama was lying again, and she could see that Mama understood that she knew. They looked at each other for a long time and said nothing. In that moment, with that look, they became equals."
Annemarie could tell since she was lied to before by her mother, what was happening. I believe this quote to be important because it showcases just how fast Annemarie has matured. She will have no restrictions on knowledge. What the family knows she knows
Annemarie could tell since she was lied to before by her mother, what was happening. I believe this quote to be important because it showcases just how fast Annemarie has matured. She will have no restrictions on knowledge. What the family knows she knows
Recomondation: I recomend this book because of its simplictics writing style but deep meaning.I read this when I was in the fourth grade and decided to read it again because I wanted to see if my experiences and growth had changed the story for me. Reading it now really helped be understand what a huge thing this actually was.
Reflection
When I read this book for the battle of the books competition as a fourth grader, I really had no idea about the Holocaust. I didn't understand what it meant or that it even happened. Looking back and rereading this now six years later I have come to see what the Holocaust was really about with a deeper understanding. I remember enjoying this book and buying it afterwards and on rainy days rereading it a couple more times. Back then I think the most I knew about the holocaust migt have been only Anne Frank, so of course I connected this to that. I believed that it wasn't as dangerous as I know it is now. I didnt realize how bad the punishments were.
Coming back, I realized how truly brave Annemarie's family, and especially Annemarie were. It took a lot of love and courage to take a family in and try to help them escape. That is something I can look up to immensely. This book helps me realize that it is most important to do what is right and just, no matter the consequence.
Coming back, I realized how truly brave Annemarie's family, and especially Annemarie were. It took a lot of love and courage to take a family in and try to help them escape. That is something I can look up to immensely. This book helps me realize that it is most important to do what is right and just, no matter the consequence.
Newbery winning author for "Number the Stars," Lois Lowry, talks with interviewer Tim Podell.