My 5th grader and I just finished reading Number the Stars by Lois Lowry – for the second time. Set in 1943 amidst Nazi occupation of Denmark, it is an amazing story of friendship, courage and kindness. The main characters are Annemarie Johansen and Ellen Rosen, two 10-year-old girls who have grown up a lot like sisters – living in the same building, walking to and from school together each day, and sharing the kind of friendship young girls treasure for life. As the Nazis begin to transport Jews away from Denmark, Annemarie’s family takes in Ellen, who must pose as Annemarie’s sister. Desperate to protect Ellen and her family, Annemarie discovers a new sense of courage within herself as she is taunted by harsh Nazi soldiers, tracked by trained dogs looking for hideaways, and given a critical mission.
I highly recommend this book as one you can share together, or use for independent nightly reading.
Mom, which book is next? 