Angela Nobile
EDC 423
Dr. Julie Coiro
November 11, 2009
Book Talk
Lowry, L. (1989). Number The Stars. New York : Yearling-Random House, Inc.
Grade Level: According to the Fry Readability Graph, Number the Stars is appropriate
for late 6th grade readers.
I think that this book can be read as early as 3rd grade but may be best suited for 4th or 5th
grade for it’s mature and historical content.
Average Number of sentences / 100 words: 7.1
Average Number of syllables / 100 words: 132
Genre: Fiction/Historical Fiction
Awards or Honors:
- Sydney Taylor Book Award (1989)
- National Jewish Book Award (1990)
- Newbery Medal (1990)
- Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award (1992)
- A Horn Book Fanfare Best Book (1990)
Plot Summary:
Number the Stars is a story about a young girl named Annemarie who is living in
Denmark during World War II. The story begins with Germany already occupying
Denmark and the soldiers starting to “relocate” all of the Jewish families. Annemarie’s
best friend Ellen and her family are Jewish and in danger of being sent away. As a result
Annemarie’s parents take Ellen into their home and pretend that she is there daughter to
protect her from the soldiers. They also make arrangements for Ellen’s parents to hide
with a close friend so that they will not be relocated. Eventually Ellen, her parents, and
other Jewish families meet up at Annemarie’s uncles fishing boat so that he can sail them
across the sea to Sweden so that they can be free.
Rationale:
Number the Stars is a quality piece of literature because it raises children’s awareness of
many important themes such as friendship and loyalty as well as educates readers about
German occupation during World War II. I think there are many great messages to get
out of this book that elementary students can benefit from. The friendship between Ellen
and Annemarie as well as the parents of the two families shows how much dedication and
love they have for one another. In matters of life and death Annemarie and her family
would risk anything to protect their very close friends. They stayed loyal and would not
give into the German soldiers even when their own lives were in possible danger. It is
also a very good book to work into other content areas such as social studies because it is
historical fiction and can help students understand what was going on during World War
II. One of he most important lessons that students can learn from this book is to always
do the right thing even if it is hard.
Book Talk Elements
Book Talk Notes:
- Setting: takes place in Denmark during the German occupation in World War II
- Conflict: The Germans want to “relocate” the Jewish families and Annemarie’s family
goes to great measures to hide Ellen and the Rosens so that they will not be relocated.
- Connections: Annemarie and Ellen have a very strong friendship, they would do
anything for each other even if it meant putting their life on the line. Also, even when it’s
hard doing what you know is right is the most important thing. For example helping the
Jewish families escape from the Germans is the right thing to do because they deserve
their freedom.
Book Talk Summary:
Lois Lowry’s Number the Stars is an inspiring story about two families struggle during
German occupation in Denmark during World War II. Annemarie and her family risk
their lives to help their neighbors and friends, the Rosens who are in danger of being
“relocated” by the German soldiers. This book shows what the power of friendship can
accomplish and that doing what is right even if it may be hard is very important. The
lessons and themes throughout this book make it quality literature, where students can
walk away with a lot of information and a whole new outlook on life.