Number the Stars – Lois Lowry (1989)

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry, published in 1989, is a historical fiction novel set during World War II. It follows ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen as she navigates the German occupation of Denmark in 1943. The story captures the bravery and sacrifices made by ordinary citizens to protect Jewish lives, blending historical reality with an intimate tale of friendship, family, and courage. The book won the 1990 Newbery Medal and remains a cornerstone of children’s literature on the Holocaust.

Plot Summary

In Copenhagen during the Nazi occupation of 1943, ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen raced her best friend, Ellen Rosen, along the city streets. Their laughter was cut short when they encountered German soldiers, whose stern demands and suspicion reminded them of the dangers lurking at every corner. Annemarie’s younger sister, Kirsti, too young to understand the severity of the soldiers’ presence, dismissed them with defiant innocence, leaving Annemarie to wonder at her sister’s carefree demeanor in a world shadowed by war.

At home, Annemarie’s parents spoke in hushed tones about the growing threat to their Jewish neighbors, including the Rosens. The family had already endured the loss of Annemarie’s older sister, Lise, whose death in a mysterious car accident still haunted them. Despite the heavy atmosphere, life pressed on. Annemarie and Ellen walked to school, passing streets altered by Nazi control. When a local shop owned by a Jewish family was suddenly closed, the implications of the occupation became starkly clear to Annemarie.

The Johansens were soon thrust into the heart of danger. After learning that the Nazis planned to arrest Danish Jews, Ellen’s parents fled, leaving their daughter in the care of the Johansens. To protect Ellen, the family pretended she was part of their own. On a night filled with tension, German soldiers came to the Johansens’ home, demanding answers about the Rosens’ whereabouts. Ellen’s dark hair nearly gave away their ruse, but Annemarie’s father quickly produced photographs of their real daughters, including Lise, who had similar dark hair as a baby. Satisfied, the soldiers left, but the encounter underscored the peril they faced.

The next day, Annemarie’s mother decided to take the girls to Uncle Henrik’s house on the coast, where greater safety might be found. Annemarie, Ellen, and Kirsti boarded the train with their mother, encountering German soldiers even there. Kirsti’s childlike chatter distracted the soldiers, allowing the family to continue their journey unimpeded. Uncle Henrik’s house, nestled by the sea, offered a semblance of peace, though the whispers of the adults hinted at a plan unfolding beneath the surface.

One evening, a somber atmosphere enveloped the house as relatives seemingly gathered to mourn the death of a fictional Aunt Birte. Annemarie knew there was no such person, but her mother insisted on maintaining the pretense. The casket, an imposing presence in the living room, held not a body but items to aid the escape of Jewish families. As the evening wore on, German soldiers stormed in, their suspicions aroused. Annemarie’s mother remained calm, explaining the gathering as a traditional mourning ritual. The soldiers, repelled by the thought of disease, left without inspecting the casket.

In the dead of night, the Rosens and others were guided by Uncle Henrik toward freedom. Annemarie observed her mother’s composed determination as she shepherded the group to safety. Later, while returning to the house, Annemarie’s mother fell and injured herself. Annemarie discovered her mother lying on the path, injured but insistent that Annemarie deliver a crucial packet to Uncle Henrik. The packet contained a handkerchief imbued with a substance designed to prevent Nazi dogs from detecting hidden passengers on Henrik’s boat.

Annemarie’s journey through the woods was fraught with fear. She remembered fairy tales her sister once told her, but this was no story. The woods were real, the danger palpable. When she encountered German soldiers, Annemarie summoned all her courage to act as an innocent child, carrying a basket of bread and cheese for her uncle. Her quick thinking and believable innocence convinced the soldiers to let her pass, allowing the vital packet to reach Uncle Henrik.

Back at the house, Annemarie learned the truth about her sister Lise’s death. She had been a member of the Resistance, killed by the Nazis during a raid. The revelation added a deeper layer to Annemarie’s understanding of the sacrifices being made to fight oppression. Uncle Henrik explained how the Danish Resistance had smuggled nearly the entire Jewish population of Denmark to safety in Sweden, a testament to the bravery and unity of the Danish people.

The war’s shadow gradually lifted, and the Rosens, like so many others, found refuge across the sea. Annemarie cherished Ellen’s Star of David necklace, hidden away as a symbol of their enduring friendship and hope. The Johansens’ lives carried on, forever changed by the events they had witnessed and the quiet acts of heroism they had performed.

Main Characters

• Annemarie Johansen
  A ten-year-old Danish girl who matures through the challenges of the German occupation. Brave and thoughtful, she embodies the quiet courage necessary to protect her best friend and defy oppression.

• Ellen Rosen
  Annemarie’s Jewish best friend, who stays with the Johansens to hide from the Nazis. Ellen’s vulnerability and quiet strength highlight the human cost of persecution.

• Kirsti Johansen
  Annemarie’s spunky younger sister, whose innocence offers moments of levity. Kirsti represents the resilience and unawareness of childhood amidst war.

• Mrs. Johansen (Inge)
  Annemarie’s mother, a figure of calm courage who leads her daughters and Ellen to safety with steadfast determination and resourcefulness.

• Peter Neilsen
  Lise Johansen’s former fiancé and a member of the Danish Resistance. He symbolizes self-sacrifice, embodying the fight against tyranny at great personal cost.

• Uncle Henrik
  Annemarie’s warm and pragmatic uncle, who uses his fishing boat to smuggle Jews to safety in Sweden. His understated bravery is crucial to the story’s climax.

Theme

• Courage and Sacrifice
  The novel illustrates the quiet, everyday courage of individuals like Annemarie and her family, who risk their lives to protect others. It emphasizes that heroism often comes from ordinary people.

• Friendship and Loyalty
  Annemarie and Ellen’s friendship drives the story, showing the depth of loyalty and love that transcends religious and cultural divides.

• Resistance Against Oppression
  The Danish Resistance’s acts of defiance against Nazi forces highlight the collective power of people standing against injustice.

• Innocence and Maturity
  Annemarie’s journey from innocence to maturity mirrors the loss of naivety brought by war, showing her growth as she grapples with fear and moral responsibility.

• Symbolism of Stars and Light
  The “numbered stars” in the title evoke themes of faith, guidance, and hope. Light as a motif symbolizes truth and the enduring human spirit amidst darkness.

Writing Style and Tone

Lois Lowry employs a straightforward, clear prose style that is accessible yet evocative. Her writing is meticulously crafted to resonate with young readers, using simple yet emotionally rich language to capture the story’s gravitas. She masterfully integrates historical details into the narrative, enhancing authenticity without overwhelming the plot.

The tone of the novel balances solemnity with hope. Lowry conveys the danger and fear of Nazi occupation while celebrating the courage and humanity of her characters. The narrative often shifts between tension and tenderness, creating a poignant and immersive experience.