Ages 10+1-min guideHistoryFriendshipKindness
Number the Stars
by Lois Lowry
Read togetherBest for 10 and up, or read together at 9. A gentle, powerful introduction to the Holocaust. The fear is real, and it opens important conversations.
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What it’s about
In 1943 Copenhagen, ten-year-old Annemarie’s family hides her Jewish best friend, Ellen, from the Nazis. Annemarie finds courage she didn’t know she had.
The ending
What might come up
War and persecutionA lotNazi soldiers, Jewish families in hiding.
Scary momentsA lotSoldiers searching the apartment and stopping Annemarie in the woods.
Death and lossSomeAnnemarie’s older sister was killed by the Nazis. The last chapter says Peter was later executed.
ViolenceA littleThreats from soldiers, and a soldier slaps Annemarie’s mother.
LanguageNone
RomanceNone
Why kids like it
A best-friend story where an ordinary kid is brave.
Free printable quiz
- 1Where does the story take place?
- 2Who is Annemarie’s best friend?
- 3Where does Ellen’s family escape to?
- 4What does the packet contain?
