Number the Stars: A Newbery Award Winner

The unforgettable Newbery Medal–winning novel from Lois Lowry. As the German troops begin their campaign to "relocate" all the Jews of Denmark, Annemarie Johansen’s family takes in Annemarie’s best friend, Ellen Rosen, and conceals her as part of the family.

Through the eyes of ten-year-old Annemarie, we watch as the Danish Resistance smuggles almost the entire Jewish population of Denmark, nearly seven thousand people, across the sea to Sweden. The heroism of an entire nation reminds us that there was pride and human decency in the world even during a time of terror and war.

A modern classic of historical fiction, Number the Stars has won generations of fans and continues to speak to today's readers. Jessica Grose wrote in a November 2022 New York Times essay entitled "This Perfect Mother-Daughter Read Holds a Powerful Lesson for Fighting Antisemitism": “Number the Stars is particularly relevant to our family, and to this moment."

As School Library Journal put it: "Readers are taken to the very heart of Annemarie's experience, and, through her eyes, come to understand the true meaning of bravery."

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Published May 2, 2011

160 pages

Average rating: 7.64

28 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

DankerPilot
May 12, 2025
10/10 stars
Wow—just wow! I read Number the Stars in one sitting. I don’t usually gravitate toward historical fiction, but this story, inspired by real events, completely pulled me in. Even though it’s a work of fiction, it stirred up so many emotions knowing that what the characters experience actually happened to real people. It’s powerful, moving, and unforgettable. (Also didn’t realize this is the same author who wrote “The Giver”, love that book too!)
gill.jess
Jan 05, 2025
8/10 stars
This was a beautifully written, heartbreaking story of bravery, friendship and the ability to be resilient during such a terrible time in history. The friendship of Annemarie and Ellen is tested in a way that no friendship should be tested. Annemarie learns that sometimes it's scary to do what is right and proves herself worthy of being trusted and called truly brave. You will truly feel all the emotions during this short story. It's a must read. Old and young can learn from this.
Booklover_Fr
Apr 29, 2024
9/10 stars
Very emotional! Gotta read it!

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