Number the Stars: A Newbery Award Winner

I have the privilege of teaching B2-level English to a remarkable group of adult women from around the world. This summer, we read Number the Stars together as a book club. One of my students, a native Spanish speaker from Mexico, wrote the following review and gave me permission to share it: "Number the Stars, written by Lois Lowry, is a story that captivates from the very first page. Although it is a work of fiction, it is inspired by real events that took place during the Nazi occupation of Denmark, as well as by childhood memories of the author’s close friend Annelise—a name that likely inspired the names of the main character and her sister. The book is lovingly dedicated to her. This novel not only serves as an accessible introduction for young readers to learn about the Holocaust from a personal and relatable point of view, but also offers a deeply human and moving narrative told through the eyes of Annemarie, a Danish girl who unexpectedly finds herself entangled in a web of courage, secrets, and resistance. Lowry masterfully weaves together the tension of historical events with the innocence and bravery of childhood, taking readers on an emotional roller coaster—evoking fear, sorrow, hope, and admiration. Her writing is simple yet powerful, allowing both young and adult readers to connect genuinely with the characters. One of the book’s greatest strengths lies in its portrayal of heroism—not as something reserved for soldiers or adults, but as a quality found in ordinary people, even children, who choose to do what is right in the face of danger. More than a history lesson, Number the Stars is a powerful reflection on courage, friendship, and solidarity during dark times. Without a doubt, it’s an emotional and unforgettable read."

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry is an unforgettable and beautifully written historical novel that everyone should read at least once. This Newbery Award-winning book masterfully captures the bravery, friendship, and resilience of ordinary people during extraordinary times. Set in Nazi-occupied Denmark during World War II, the story follows 10-year-old Annemarie Johansen as she navigates the dangers of war while helping her best friend Ellen, who is Jewish, escape from the Nazis. What makes Number the Stars so powerful is how Lowry tells such a complex and emotionally charged story through the eyes of a young girl. Annemarie’s perspective brings an innocence and clarity to the horrors of war, making the historical events feel personal and relatable, especially for younger readers. The tension is palpable, but Lowry handles difficult topics in a way that is appropriate and thought-provoking for all ages. The relationship between Annemarie and Ellen is the heart of the novel. Their friendship feels genuine and deeply moving, and it highlights themes of courage, loyalty, and the sacrifices we make for those we love. As the story unfolds, Annemarie is forced to confront her own fears and make difficult choices that show the strength of the human spirit. The bravery displayed by her family and the Danish resistance is both inspiring and humbling. Lowry’s writing is clear, engaging, and packed with emotion. She paints a vivid picture of the historical backdrop without overwhelming the reader with too many details, making it accessible to younger readers while still capturing the gravity of the situation. The pacing is perfect, with moments of quiet reflection balanced by scenes of suspense and action. One of the things I appreciated most about Number the Stars is how it teaches important lessons about history, empathy, and moral courage without feeling preachy. It’s a story of hope and humanity in the face of darkness, and it leaves a lasting impact long after you’ve finished reading. In conclusion, Number the Stars is a timeless classic that belongs on every bookshelf. Whether you’re an adult revisiting it or introducing it to a younger reader, this book will move you and open your eyes to the bravery of those who stood up against injustice. Lois Lowry has crafted a story that is both educational and emotionally resonant, making it a must-read for all ages. Highly recommended!

Incredible. Incredible incredible book. An excellent read for all middle schoolers. I even recommend it as an easy read for highschoolers to understand the power we have as individuals to stand up for what is right. In a world where hatred to spread so easily, we need to teach our children to do the right thing … always.

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry is a great book about the history of what happened to the jews in WWII. It takes place in Copenhagen, Denmark, and follows the point of view of Annemarie and her family. She has a friend named Ellen who is Jewish. When the Nazis come looking for Ellen and her family, Annemarie’s family try their best to protect them. What I liked about this book What I liked about this book was how every character had some sort of development. Annemarie for example was just a kid who liked to run and go to school. Once she realized that her best friend was in grave danger she risked her life by running through a forest to get to the boat that her friend and others were on to get to Sweden. I also liked how Peter charactr was written in the book. It was such an impactful moment when I saw that Peter had been in the resistance the whole time and died for all the people of Denmark. I never would have guessed that Peter was in the resistance at the start of the book. He was just a sweet guy who brought gifts to Annemarie and Kirsti. What I didn’t like about the book What I didn’t like about this book was the first couple chapters. In my opinion the first couple of chapters were slow moving and did not capture my interest. By the middle and end of the book, the chapters really caught my interest. Not that they’re bad, but they were just very slow to start the book. I did like how Annemarie started to catch on to stuff like Mrs. Hirsch and what her dad and uncle were actually talking about by using code words so the children would not get scared. Conclusion In conclusion, Number the stars was a very good book. I liked how the characters developed and my favorite character of the book was Peter. But I didn’t like the first few chapters as much as the ones in the middle and end of the book.

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry is a powerful fictional account set during the Holocaust that brings history to life through the eyes of a child. Rather than focusing on large-scale battles or statistics, the novel centers on everyday people whose quiet courage makes a profound difference. By telling the story from a personal, fictional perspective, Lowry makes the realities of the Holocaust accessible and emotionally impactful, especially for younger readers. At the heart of the novel is the theme of friendship. Annemarie and Ellen’s bond shows how loyalty and love can endure even in the face of fear and danger. Their friendship becomes a source of strength, reminding readers that human connection can offer hope when the world feels divided. The story also highlights how unity—among families, friends, and communities—can challenge oppression. Ordinary citizens standing together to protect one another demonstrates the power of collective bravery. Ultimately, Number the Stars is not only a story about the Holocaust, but also a timeless message about standing up for others. It shows that in times of division and injustice, friendship, compassion, and unity can become acts of resistance.

This book was great and good for children. I would highly recommend it!

I love this book! I read it because I was in a Number the Stars play and had never heard of it. But no time was wasted in reading this! I enjoyed every part, it was so well written + such a beautiful story! It is also pretty short so it’s easy to read in a couple days.

Nice read! This brief story is, of course, based on the rescue of nearly all Denmark's Jews in WWII. While the actual rescue involved complicated and inter-dependent events, kindness and decency are among the most prominent of those events, described so nicely in this book. A nice counterbalance to the far milder, but still depressing, negativity of the 2020's.