A review by bookishaddictions
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

If you are looking for a book to help you talk to your children (ages 9-12) about the Holocaust, this is an age-appropriate way to begin the conversation. Number the Stars helps show the atrocities of WW2 from a child’s perspective, so this may make the history of it all easier for a child to comprehend. Although the Holocaust was now more than 70 years ago, hatred is still very much alive today; it is critical that we teach our children about the cruelties of humanities’ past so we can ideally prevent it from occurring again. Our main character, Annemarie, is a prime example of courage; she acknowledges her fear as she helps protect her friend Ellen, but she does what she believes is right anyway. This story is perfect for introducing your child(ren) or students to the darker side of history and encouraging the values we need in society (courage, love, and perseverance). 

Educators: I recommend pairing this book with a unit about WW2 and/or Danish culture. Encourage students to engage in higher-order thinking by taking their learning beyond the book 💡
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