Number the Stars

A powerful story set in Nazi occupied Denmark in 1943. Ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen is called upon for a selfless act of bravery to help save her best-friend, Ellen – a Jew.

It is 1943 and for ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen life is still fun – school, family, sharing fairy stories with her little sister. But there are dangers and worries too – the Nazis have occupied Copenhagen and there are food shortages, curfews and the constant threat of being stopped by soldiers. And for Annemarie the dangers become even greater… her best-friend Ellen is a Jew. When Ellen’s parents are taken away to be ‘relocated’ by the Nazis, Ellen is taken in by Annemarie’s parents and suddenly Annemarie’s family are under threat too.
Annemarie has to call upon all her resources for courage and bravery as she helps her friend make a daring escape.
A Newbery Medal winner by an acclaimed author *For readers from 8 to 12 *

Reviews

‘…a decent, brave and likeable heroine who is caught by accident in harsh political affairs. Number the Stars is a simple, but effective tale.’
TES

About the author

Lois Lowry was born in Hawaii, the daughter of a US army officer. Her writing career began with articles and short stories for adults, but she switched to writing for children after an editor spotted her talent for writing for young teenagers. Number the Stars is based on the childhood experiences of a friend who had grown up in Europe at the time of the Second World War. The cover photo is of that friend.