Summary reviewed by:
Terrence Timmons
Terrence Timmons
Analyst
Bachelor of Arts (BA), University Of California, Santa Barbara 2019
With over 4 years of experience as an analyst. Terrence Timmons is committed to analyzing summaries without compromising on quality.
What if wearing a simple necklace could change the course of your life? Number the Stars by Lois Lowry transports readers to Copenhagen, Denmark, during the harrowing days of World War II. Ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen lives in a city overshadowed by the Nazi occupation, where soldiers stand on every corner and fear permeates the air. Her best friend, Ellen Rosen, is Jewish, and as the Nazis begin to relocate Denmark's Jewish population, the danger to Ellen becomes imminent.
Determined to protect her friend, Annemarie's family devises a courageous plan to help Ellen escape the clutches of the Nazis. The story unfolds through the innocent yet perceptive eyes of Annemarie, who must navigate a world where bravery is essential and secrecy is a means of survival. Together, they embark on a perilous journey filled with hidden compartments, coded messages, and silent heroes who risk everything for the sake of others.
This standalone novel masterfully blends historical fact with a gripping narrative, capturing the resilience and compassion of ordinary people in extraordinary times. Lois Lowry's evocative prose brings to life the stark realities of war while highlighting the unbreakable bonds of friendship and the power of human decency. Number the Stars is not just a tale of survival; it's a poignant reminder of the impact one person's courage can have on the lives of many. For readers seeking a moving and inspiring story that resonates with both heart and history, this book is an unforgettable journey worth embarking on.
Date Published: 1989
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Historical fiction
War fiction
Coming of age
Holocaust literature
Young adult fiction
Annemarie Johansen: A ten-year-old Danish girl who embodies bravery and resourcefulness. She values friendship deeply, risking her own safety to help her Jewish friend Ellen escape the Nazis by hiding her and delivering a crucial package that ensures the safety of many.
Ellen Rosen: Annemarie’s best friend, a Jewish girl who demonstrates quiet strength and resilience. She values hope and faith, trusting in her friends and community as she faces the dangers of being Jewish under Nazi occupation.
Mrs. Johansen (Inge): Annemarie’s mother, a compassionate and courageous woman. She values family and integrity, playing a key role in the Resistance by aiding in the smuggling of Jewish families to safety, even when it puts her at great personal risk.
Mr. Johansen (Papa): Annemarie’s father, a wise and steady presence. He values honesty and courage, supporting his family’s efforts to help the Rosens escape by concocting clever plans to deceive the Nazis.
Kirsti Johansen: Annemarie’s five-year-old sister, whose innocence provides moments of levity. She values the simple joys of childhood, unknowingly contributing to her family’s efforts with her candid remarks that divert suspicion.
Uncle Henrik: Mrs. Johansen’s brother, a fisherman who lives on the coast. He values bravery and solidarity, using his boat to ferry Jewish refugees, including Ellen, across the sea to Sweden under the cover of night.
Peter Neilsen: A young member of the Danish Resistance and Lise’s fiancé. He values freedom and justice, sacrificing his own safety to fight against Nazi oppression, ultimately paying the highest price for his convictions.
Lise Johansen: Annemarie’s older sister, who was killed prior to the events of the book. She valued courage and was secretly involved in the Resistance, her death inspiring her family to continue her fight against the Nazis.
Courage: The story highlights the bravery required to stand up against oppression. Annemarie demonstrates courage by facing Nazi soldiers to deliver a vital package, showing that even the young can act heroically.
Friendship: The bond between Annemarie and Ellen underscores the power of friendship in difficult times. Their relationship transcends religious differences, illustrating how deep connections can inspire acts of great kindness.
Sacrifice: Characters often put themselves in danger for the greater good. Peter Neilsen’s ultimate sacrifice exemplifies the theme, as he gives his life for the Resistance and the safety of others.
The Impact of War on Children: The narrative explores how war forces children like Annemarie to confront harsh realities. Their loss of innocence is depicted through their interactions with occupying soldiers and involvement in dangerous missions.
Resistance Against Oppression: The Danish people’s collective efforts to undermine Nazi plans highlight the theme of resistance. Uncle Henrik’s role in smuggling Jews to Sweden showcases active defiance against unjust authority.
Identity: Ellen’s struggle with her Jewish identity under Nazi persecution brings this theme to the forefront. The need to hide who she is raises questions about the importance of cultural and personal identity.
Hope: Amidst the darkness of war, hope remains a driving force. The characters hold onto the belief that good will prevail, as seen when Annemarie awaits the end of the war and a reunion with Ellen.
In Nazi-occupied Copenhagen during World War II, ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen and her best friend Ellen Rosen navigate a world filled with soldiers and curfews. When the Nazis begin to round up Jewish families, the Rosens become targets. To protect Ellen, the Johansens take her in, pretending she is part of their family. One night, Nazi soldiers barge into the Johansen apartment searching for the Rosens. Annemarie's quick thinking helps convince them that Ellen is actually her deceased sister Lise.
Recognizing the increasing danger, the Johansens decide to smuggle Ellen and her family out of Denmark. Annemarie, her mother, and Ellen travel to Uncle Henrik's house on the coast under the guise of a simple visit. There, they prepare for the Rosens' secret journey to Sweden. A group of Jewish refugees gathers at Uncle Henrik's house, but a critical package is accidentally left behind. This package contains a handkerchief treated with a special substance to prevent Nazi dogs from detecting human scent.
Annemarie volunteers to deliver the package to her uncle's boat. Disguised as a simple peasant girl carrying a basket of food, she sets off through the woods. She is stopped by German soldiers who question her and search the basket, but her innocent demeanor and believable answers convince them to let her go. She successfully delivers the package, ensuring that the hidden refugees, including Ellen and her family, can safely sail to Sweden.
Upon returning home, Annemarie learns more about the Danish Resistance and the role her family has played. She discovers that her sister Lise was not killed in an accident but was actually murdered by the Nazis for her involvement in the Resistance. This revelation deepens Annemarie's understanding of the sacrifices made by those around her.
The war eventually ends, and Denmark celebrates its liberation from Nazi occupation. Annemarie looks forward to the return of Ellen, holding onto her Star of David necklace as a symbol of their enduring friendship and the hope for peace. The story concludes with a nation beginning to heal and a young girl who has grown immeasurably due to her experiences, embodying the themes of courage, friendship, and resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Our goal is to bring you a summary that honors the spirit of Number the Stars, capturing its themes of courage, friendship, and resistance against oppression. By thoughtfully analyzing the story's key moments, we've highlighted how ordinary people can make extraordinary differences, just as Annemarie does in helping her friend escape danger. We ensure that every detail is accurate and meaningful, providing you with an engaging overview that reflects the integrity of the original work.
