Number of Stars - Historical Fiction

     Number of Stars by Lois Lowry was originally published in 1989. It is centered around ten year old Annamarie Johansen and follows her and her family's escape from Copenhagen during World War II. This book is a historical fiction book because despite the story and characters being fiction, the events of World War II and the life an escaping Jewish family would like during that time has many factual elements. The book has no illustrations but for the cover, which depicts a sad, young girl and gives readers a picture of the main character. The setting is during World War II, with characters being Jewish. The theme sheds light on WWII and the horrific events a Jewish family would experience trying to escape the Nazis and concentration camps.
     A classroom activity using this book could take place during a history lesson on WWII. Students could write a journal entry from the perspective of Annamarie. This would allow students to think deeper into a perspective very different from there own.
     Students could also use Number of Stars to learn about culture. In escaping the family encounter cultures and students could be divided into groups to study each culture encountered throughout the story and come together to share their findings.

     Reader Response Questions:

1. . Why might Kirsti be comforted by the fairy tale Annemarie tells her? Do you think that this fairy tale is also comforting to Annemarie?
2.  Who does Ellen pretend to be when the soldiers come to the Johansen’s home? How did you feel when the Nazi solider ripped the picture of Lise?
3. Do you think of yourself as a brave person? Why or why not? What is your definition of bravery?

     This book would make a great addition to a 3rd-5th grade classroom. I've always found books that give insight to the lives of families during WWII intriguing. This book offers a lot of knowledge about WWII, Jewish culture and what is what like to live during such tragic times.

References:

Galda, Cullinan, & Sipe, (2010). Literature and the child. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Cengage Learning.

Lowry, Lois. "Number the Stars: Lois Lowry's Journey to the Newbery Award." The Reading Teacher 44.2 (1990): 98-101. Number the Stars. Web. 06 Feb. 2017.