Number the Stars

In Nazi-occupied Denmark, ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen is thrust into a world of danger and courage as she navigates the treacherous landscape of World War II. With her best friend Ellen Rosen, a Jewish girl facing imminent peril, Annemarie must act with extraordinary bravery to prevent Ellen from being captured by the Nazis. Number the Stars, written by Lois Lowry, takes readers deep into the heart of Copenhagen in 1943, a city grappling with food shortages, strict curfews, and omnipresent soldiers. Through the eyes of Annemarie, the narrative unravels the cruel reality of the Nazi regime and the profound impact it has on the Danish population. Winner of the prestigious Newbery Medal and reissued in the Essential Modern Classics range, Number the Stars is a testament to the resilience and fortitude of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. "They plan to arrest all the Danish Jews. They plan to take them away. And we have been told that they may come tonight." These chilling words set the stage for Annemarie's perilous mission where her loyalty and sheer determination are tested beyond limits. To protect Ellen, Annemarie must traverse this dangerous new world, placing herself at great risk to safeguard her friend from the horrors of Nazi persecution. Inspired by true events of the Second World War, this gripping novel brings the past vividly to life for today’s readers. Number the Stars not only tells a compelling story of friendship and heroism but also underscores the profound impact that young people can have in the face of tyranny and oppression. Lowry's masterful storytelling and richly drawn characters provide an accessible yet poignant entry into the complex histories of the Holocaust and World War II, making it an essential read for readers of all ages.