Number the Stars PP

Progeny Press guide to the novel by Lois Lowry



Novel Summary

Annemarie Johansen and her friend Ellen Rosen remember a time before the war, before the Nazis occupied Denmark. But Denmark has surrendered to Germany, and now German soldiers are seen on every street corner in Copenhagen. Although Annemarie and Ellen are frightened by the soldiers, Annemarie does not worry. She knows that there is a resistance movement fighting the Nazis, but Annemarie is an ordinary girl; she does not expect that she and her family will be called upon for courage.



But soon the Johansens receive word that the Nazis are planning to arrest the Jews of Denmark. The Johansens decided they must do what they can to help their Jewish friends, the Rosens. The Johansens take in Ellen and pass her off as one of their own children while a family friend agrees to hide Ellen's parents. Annemarie is still convinced that everyone will be safe, but she begins to see the seriousness of the situation when German soldiers come to their apartment late at night looking for the Rosens.



Putting their own lives in jeopardy, the Johansens formulate a plan by which they can help the Rosens and other Danish Jews to escape the Nazis. Although she does not know the details of the plan, Annemarie finds that she must put her courage to the test in order to help her friend Ellen, and other Jews, escape across the sea to Sweden and freedom.




Study Guide

54 pages

5 Chapter Lessons + Overview

Subjects: WWII and the Jewish Holocaust, obedience and trust, bravery, thankfulness in difficult situations