Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Review: Number the Stars


Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

Summary: In Denmark in 1943, 10 year-old Annemarie Johansen, her little sister Kirsti, and Annemarie's best friend, Ellen Rosen are used to seeing the German soldiers on every corner. But they don't truly understand the horror of the Nazis until they start coming for the Jews, including Ellen. Now Annemarie must be very brave and help her family save the Rosens.

My thoughts: I've always meant to read this book, and I'm really glad I did. It's a simple story, but very moving. It has a lot to stay about bravery, duty, and friendship. It would make a good introduction for kids not quite ready for Anne Frank's Diary or they could be taught together.

I admired Annemarie's bravery, especially since the need for it was thrust upon her suddenly. My favourite character was cute, fiesty 5 year-old Kirsti - she told off Nazi soliders and wanted to do everything her big sister did. Despite the terrible circumstances and the historical setting, she was just like any 5-year-old that I know.

I was glad that Lowry included a "what's true" afterword and let us know that many parts of her story, including Denmark's Jews escaping to Sweden and the invention of a cocaine-laced substance to confuse sniffer dogs, were true.

3 comments:

Becky said...

I'm glad you enjoyed it. Sometimes simple is good and just what a story needs to be. :)

Tiny Little Librarian said...

Exactly! It really was just what it needed to be. :)

Anonymous said...

Number the stars is a very nice book and you should read it if you like historical fiction. My class is reading it and I cant keep my face out of the book . Techers should have the kids in there class read it because it is a very very good book!!!!! I like it and I know U will to.