Critique: Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

Critique:

Annemarie’s character is well-written and makes us feel the confusion she faces during difficult decisions she must make. She is introspective, careful of what she says and who she says it to, and reflects on the changes she sees happening in Copenhagen. She is close with her family, even her deceased sister Lise’s boyfriend, Peter, who remains connected to the family. She is very responsible, not only being aware of her parents’ struggles, but also making sure her little sister, Kirsti, is safe and stays out of trouble. Because of this, and the war evolving around her, Annemarie must grow up quickly, and prove herself at the end of the book when she must save her friend, Ellen, and Ellen’s family.

I love Peter’s character, as well as his determination in the Resistance to save Jews and combat the Nazi’s as best he can. Lise is killed by the Germans, and Peter risks his life to make sure it doesn’t happen to others. Annemarie sees this determination and strength and uses it as a model for when she feels overwhelmed by her growing responsibility.

Annemarie looks to her father’s bravery and her mother’s strength to save her friend, and play the role of devoted sister to Ellen, who pretends to be a member of the Johansen family. Along with Annemarie’s uncle Henrik, her mother’s brother, Annemarie’s mother shows her how sacrifice is worth saving the lives of loved ones. Lowry writes Mrs. Johansen realistically, showing her caring but stern side during times of great pressure and potentially deep consequence.

The book takes place in Copenhagen, Denmark, which is a great setting. I like how Lowry focuses on the war through the eyes outside of Germany, especially because the war affected many countries. They are outsiders inside the tension, inside the danger, but they are immersed in the war just as much as those in Germany. Although the Johansens are not Jewish, they are friends to those who are, so the Jewish struggles become their own as Mr. and Mrs. Johansen, along with Peter, fight for their freedom.

Number the Stars is one of my favorite childhood books. I have read it dozens of time and recommended it to many students over the years. Lois Lowry really has a talent for story-telling, and this book really captivates a terrible time for youth during the Holocaust. I appreciate this book for so many reasons, and am glad we had this as one of the two Lowry pairings for our class.