Book Review: Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

Book Title: Number the Stars
Author: Lois Lowry
Britni's Blog Score: 9 brave children out of 10
Britni's Blog Rating: Recommended for all ages

I've decided to review Lois Lowry's classic book Number the Stars. I read this book as required reading years ago, probably back in junior high. And I remember being glued to it, turning page after page to see what was going to happen next. I recently purchased an ebook copy and reread it. It was exactly as I remember.

The plot itself is simple, but it's the enormous weight that each plot point carries that makes this book special to me. Since first reading this book I've carried vivid memories of the dramatic scenes and bold actions and the strong emotions they made me feel. I had to experience those emotions and watch those scenes unfold all over again, so I did.

The Plot. Ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen and her best friend Ellen Rosen live in 1943 Denmark. The Nazi soldiers that stand on many street corners have been there for so long that they've become less noticeable than the street signs. Until the night that a member of the Danish Resistance breaks curfew to bring them the news. The news that Nazis are closing Jewish-owned shops and hunting down members of the Rosen's synagogue. Ellen is left with the Johansens, who pretend for her own safety that she's their daughter, while her parents flee the city. Annemarie and her family set out on a mission to save the Rosens by participating in the underground railroad of the Danish Resistance to smuggle the Jews to Sweden, where they'll be safe from the war. Annemarie must learn the true meaning of bravery in order to save the lives of those she loves.

The Cast. Annemarie, though young, is brave and selfless. Understanding that her cause is greater than she is, she's willing to risk her life to save the people she cares about. That courage would be admirable in anyone, but it's even more impressive and convicting when being displayed in a ten-year-old girl.  The ongoing war and the dangers to her friends force Annemarie to grow up quickly, as we see in her perceptive nature, intelligence, and courage.

Annemarie is surrounded by adults young and old who've dedicated themselves to protecting the Jews and defying the Nazis. Mama, Papa, Uncle Henrik, and Peter all sacrifice themselves for the freedom of the Jews.

The Message. Beyond the lessons taught through these fictional characters is the historical lesson. Set in Denmark during World War II, Number the Stars gives us a realistic glimpse into what it was like for many families at that time. Lowry does an excellent job of illustrating a historical reality that was based on the real life experiences of Holocaust survivors.

My Recommendation. In my opinion, this book is suitable for everyone. Even though its style and POV make it easily digestible to young children, it's also something that will have an impact on older readers. I'm nineteen and I bought the book so I could read it again after years of just remembering it from my school reading list.

I recommend that young children of about ten and under either read with a parent/teacher or read on their own and discuss it. It may be difficult for them to understand without some adult guidance or outside resources.

My Notes. Telling the story of the Holocaust from the perspective of a young girl gives the story a POV that I found particularly interesting the first time around. Her observations are simple and child-like, which multiplies the wisdom of her statements.

In Conclusion. One of the reasons that I couldn't put the book down either time that I read it was the courage that was displayed by ordinary people. The adults in Annemarie's life help to rescue victims of persecution by personally taking those victims to safety. And Annemarie herself must risk her life in order to save her best friends family, as well as her own. These characters, much like the real unsung heroes of World War II, show us that you don't have to be anything extraordinary in order to do extraordinary things. Time after time, these characters selflessly defend their friends, family, and country. And I find that inspiring.

Even more inspiring is that, though this novel and its cast are fictional, it tells the true story of so many families during World War II who were torn apart and sent to concentration camps or who sacrificed their own lives to protect those who were being persecuted.

Though, before rereading it recently, I'd barely touched the book in years, the memories of events of the story were seared into my mind. That's why I came back to read it again. I wanted to relive those moments with Annemarie and the other characters.