Number the Stars

Number the Stars, by Lois Lowry, follows the courageous and passionate Annemarie Johansen, a ten year old growing up in Nazi-ruled Denmark in 1943. In this war torn and suppressed nation, Annemarie takes on many more roles than just a simple young girl.  Annemarie fills the role of friend, sister and citizen of Denmark. Annemarie is also the nurturer of those around her, including her little sister Kristi. Nightly, Annemarie tells Kristi bedtime stories filled will bravery, selflessness and happy endings, partially to soothe her terrified sister, but also to soothe herself.  However, these stories become reality when she is  called upon to to execute one of the most important tasks, one that will save her best friends life.  This task is filled with danger, terror, but Annemarie shows that bravery is more than something found in fairy tales.