Synopsis

Number the Stars

Lowry's Number the Stars is a simple yet poignant novel about a young girl's contribution to the resistance movement in Denmark during World War 11. Annemarie Johansen, a 10-year old girl living in Copenhagen, is faced with the knowledge that the Nazis are beginning to "relocate" the Jews in her city. Ellen Rosen, a neighbor and classmate of Annemarie's, is Jewish. Through a series of small acts of bravery, Annemarie and her family help the Rosens escape into neighboring Sweden, in a boat with a false bottom, operated by Annemarie's Uncle Henrik. Annemarie is called upon to ensure the Jews' safe passage when she has to deliver a package to Henrik, in the dark because her mother has broken her ankle and cannot walk. Annemarie successfully delivers the package, and only later learns what could have happened had she not been able to dodge the soldiers who stop her in the woods. Once the war is over, Annemarie's parents tell her that her older sister, Lise, was part of the resistance movement and was killed for it. Annemarie realizes that she too, has helped Jews escape and feels proud to know and be friends with Ellen, even though she doesn't know if she'll ever see her friend again. At the end of the book, Annemarie decides to wear Ellen's Star of David necklace, as a sign of her friendship, until Ellen returns and can wear it herself.

References

Lowry, Lois. Number the Stars. New York: Bantam, 1989.