Teen Read & Review

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Name: Eric Jin Branch: Semiahmoo Branch

Title: Number the Stars Author: Louis Lowry

1. Start with a 1 or 2 sentence overall assessment of the book

The historical fiction “Number the Stars” by Louis Lowry encapsulates the extent
of the horrors of the Holocaust but also weaves hope into Annemarie’s life, with the
Danish resistance and the light of escape.

2. Summarize the plot quickly (1 or 2 sentences only). NO SPOILERS, PLEASE.

Try following one of these formats:

● Who, what, where, when, why OR “What’s the conflict?”

"Number the Stars" is a historical fiction novel by Lois Lowry set during World
War II, following a young, naive Danish girl named Annemarie Johansen who helps
her Jewish best friend, Ellen Rosen, along with many others escape from the Nazis
and seek asylum in Sweden. Naivety and ignorance sometimes is the best disguise.

3. What did you like or dislike about the book? Add details as necessary to
explain.
Firstly, I really enjoyed the book’s compelling and relevant association to the
second world war, particularly the bravery and sacrifices made by ordinary people
in resistance to the iron first of Nazi Germany. Additionally, I liked the strong and
endearing characters. Specifically, the author creates an emotional bond between
the reader and Annemarie and Ellen. Their undying friendship portrays thematic
resilience, bravery, and sacrifice. Ultimately, the gap between them widens to
swallow their connection, rendering them severed. The hope for reunion of the two
friends gave me room for speculation, something I found extremely captivating.
 4. Discuss how well the book presented SOME specific story characteristics,
around 3 or 4 sentences. Characteristics could include theme, conflict, setting,
irony, symbolism, imagery.
Many themes and motifs were integrated into the book. For example, the
correlation between ignorance and bravery is clear; the more ignorant you are, the
more brave you can be. Furthermore, the gradual loss of innocence is apparent.
Annemarie is first clueless of the resistance, and her family’s association with it. As
the plot progresses, she gradually becomes aware of her parents’ sheltering and
the real intent of their actions. Lastly, the growing separation between Annemarie
and her best friend Ellen gives a melancholy tint to the novel.

5. Write a final sentence that states what type of reader would like the book AND a rating
on a scale of 1 to 5 (5 being the best).

I would recommend this novel to people who like historical fiction, especially those
that revolve around the second world war (4.5/5).