Number the Stars
Number the Stars is a compelling historical fiction novel by Lois Lowry, set in German-occupied Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1943. The story centers on ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen and her family as they bravely participate in the Danish Resistance to help Annemarie's Jewish best friend, Ellen Rosen, and her family escape to neutral Sweden. The narrative explores themes of courage, friendship, and sacrifice amidst the dangers and anxieties of wartime, focusing on the heroic efforts of ordinary people who risked everything to save their fellow citizens from Nazi persecution. The book is well-regarded for its sensitive handling of a difficult historical period, making it accessible and impactful for its target audience.
Concerns
Violence
MediumThe book contains implied and some direct instances of violence, reflecting the harsh realities of World War II and Nazi occupation. While not graphic, the violence includes physical assault, deaths due to the resistance, and the constant threat of persecution.
A Nazi officer slaps Annemarie's mother across the face, leaving a white mark that darkens. Annemarie's older sister, Lise, is revealed to have been deliberately run over by a car by Nazis while fleeing a Resistance meeting. Peter Neilsen, a Resistance member, is executed by the Nazis. Nazi soldiers, armed with rifles, frequently stop and question civilians.
Substance Use
MediumSubstance use is present through mentions of alcohol and smoking, as well as the strategic use of drugs for the escape efforts, but not in a manner that promotes misuse or addiction.
Peter brings Annemarie's parents two bottles of beer. Mr. Johansen misses smoking cigarettes, and 'a carton of cigarettes' is used as code for Jewish refugees. A Jewish baby is given a drug to keep it quiet during the perilous escape journey. A handkerchief is treated with a combination of dried rabbit blood and cocaine to attract and then temporarily numb the sense of smell of Nazi dogs, preventing them from detecting hidden Jewish passengers.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumThe narrative is imbued with significant suspense and intensity due to the wartime setting, the constant threat of Nazi persecution, and dangerous missions undertaken by the characters. These elements create a pervasive sense of fear and urgency.
Annemarie and Ellen are frequently stopped and interrogated by German soldiers armed with rifles, creating immediate tension and fear. The underlying threat of Jews being 'relocated' to concentration camps (a euphemism for extermination) creates a constant, severe sense of dread throughout the story. Annemarie's solo journey through the woods to deliver a crucial package, encountering soldiers and their dogs, is a highly suspenseful and frightening scene.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumThe book prominently features acts of rebellion against an oppressive regime, as well as instances of respectful defiance and minor childhood disobedience. The overarching theme celebrates righteous rebellion against injustice.
The Danish Resistance, including characters like Peter and Annemarie's parents, actively engages in large-scale rebellion against the Nazis through sabotage and smuggling operations. Annemarie and her family deliberately deceive Nazi soldiers by lying and creating elaborate cover stories to protect Ellen and other Jewish refugees. Young Kirsti, while not rebellious in a strategic sense, exhibits childish defiance such as pushing away a soldier's hand and refusing to hold her sister's hand when being questioned by soldiers.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
LowNo specific LGBTQ+ or gender identity content, characters, or themes were found in 'Number the Stars' after comprehensive searches. The narrative focuses on historical events and character relationships within that context.
No instances of LGBTQ+ characters, relationships, or discussions of gender identity are present in the book. All explicit searches for 'Number the Stars' combined with LGBTQ+ keywords yielded zero relevant results.
Romance and Sexual Content
LowRomantic and sexual content is minimal and very mild. There are no explicit scenes, but some implied flirtation or suggestive remarks occur within the wartime context.
Peter, Annemarie's late sister's fiancé, gives Annemarie and her mother a familial kiss on the cheek. A German soldier, questioning Mrs. Johansen about Ellen's dark hair, asks if she got it from the 'milkman,' subtly implying infidelity.
Profanity
LowThe book contains very infrequent and mild profanity. Occasional exclamations and mild derogatory terms are present, but strong language is absent.
The word 'damn' appears once in the last chapter. The phrase 'Oh my God' is used a couple of times as an interjection. Mild derogatory terms like 'silly,' 'idiot,' and 'stupid' are used.
Witchcraft & Occult
LowThere is no content related to witchcraft, sorcery, occult practices, or supernatural elements in 'Number the Stars'. The story is grounded in historical reality.
The book focuses on the historical events of the Holocaust and the Danish Resistance, with no mentions or depictions of magic, rituals, demons, or spells.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowThe book does not contain anti-Christian themes. It includes mentions of Christian practices as part of the cultural backdrop of Denmark and highlights universal themes of human decency and courage.
Kirsti recalls attending church, indicating Christian practice as part of their normal life. The story features Danish characters, many implied to be Christian, actively protecting their Jewish neighbors, showcasing values of compassion and courage.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
Ages 9 and up. This recommendation is based on the book's ability to introduce mature themes like war, persecution, and death in a non-graphic and age-appropriate manner. The narrative, told largely from a ten-year-old's perspective, allows young readers to grasp the emotional weight and historical context without being overwhelmed by explicit details.
Additional Notes
Number the Stars is a Newbery Medal-winning novel that serves as an excellent introduction to the Holocaust for middle-grade readers. While dealing with mature and intense historical events, Lois Lowry carefully crafts the narrative to be accessible without being overly graphic. The story emphasizes moral courage, sacrifice, and the power of human connection in times of extreme adversity. There are no direct sequels or adaptations that significantly alter or intensify the content beyond the original book.
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