Number the Stars

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
Copyright 1989
Published by Laurel Leaf
Lexile Measure: 670L
Grade: 5

Courage, Secrets, Family, Friends, War

Number the Stars is the story of Annemarie Johansen, a 10 year old girl living in Copenhagel in 1943.  It is a great historical fiction novel to teach children about the Nazi's relocation of the Jews in Copenhagen.  It deals with bravery and one's ability to put the welfare of others before themselves.  It is a very child appropriate account of the threat that the Nazi's put on the Jewish community in Copenhagen.  This would be a great novel for students to read independently and then deal with collaboratively.

Key Vocabulary:

Star of David, swastika, Nazi, rationed, typhus, disdainfully, relocate, sabotage, tentatively, specter, tantalize

Teachers, here are some suggestions for activities and resources that go along with this novel:

Before reading:

• Read The Yellow Star: The Legend of King Christian X of Denmark and lead a class discussion about what it means to be a brave citizen.
• SL.5.1. Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 5 topics and texts, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.
During reading:
• BLOG! Students can use BLOG sites, such as blogspot.com in order to share their feelings about the book.  The characters in this novel demonstrate many acts of bravery and loyalty, which will provoke a reaction from students.  Have them use technology to share their reactions with their peers and parents!
• W.5.6. With some guidance and support from adults, use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing as well as to interact and collaborate with others; demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills to type a minimum of two pages in a single sitting.
After reading:
• Students can read Little Red Riding Hood and create a Venn Diagram comparing and contrasting Annemarie to Little Red Riding Hood. 
• RL.5.3. Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., how characters interact).
Web Resources:
• Discussion Questions: This link will provide you with discussion questions for your students to ponder while reading this novel.
• Study Guide: This link will provide you with an in depth study guide and activity ideas for before reading, active reading, responding.
Lowry, Lois. Number the stars. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1989. Print.