Book Title: Number the Stars
Author(s) and Artist(s)--if applicable: Lois Lowry
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Company
Copyright Date: 1989
Selection Choice: Historical fiction mentioned in the Galda text
Brief Annotation: Annemarie and her friend Ellen, both ten-year-olds who reside in Nazi-occupied Copenhagen in 1943, experience first-hand the Nazi’s frightening attempts to relocate the Jewish citizens. Ellen’s parents go into hiding, and Ellen quickly becomes a temporary “sister” of Annemarie, taking the name of the sister Annemarie lost just a few years ago. Helping Ellen and her family reach safety requires the swift action and courage of many people, including Annemarie. Can Annemarie overcome her fears and be brave in order to save her friend?
Your Rating: 5/5 stars.
Readers who will like this book: Children who enjoy historical fiction, stories about the Nazi occupation, friends, resolution, bravery and courage.
Question to ask about this book before reading: What does it mean to be brave?
Question to ask about this book during reading: How do the characters show bravery throughout the story?
Question to ask about this book after reading: Do you agree that it is sometimes better not to know all of the details, especially if those details make it harder to be brave?
Optional, but noted as extra effort:
1. Interest Level (age): 9-12
2. Grade Level Equivalent (grade): 5.1
3. List awards: Newbery Medal, Rebecca Caudill Young Reader's Book Award, Great Stone Face Children's Book Award, Golden Archer Award, Golden Archer Award, Maine Student Book Award, Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award, New York State Charlotte Award.
This is one of the books that should be required reading for all teachers--in my opinion. I guess I should qualify that by saying that if you're going to teach in the intermediate grades, you should know this wonderful book.
ReplyDeleteOnce again, I'm impressed by the quality of the questions you're asking before, during and after reading. The last one, in particular, gave me pause. Is it better not to know all the details--wow. That's a tough one, and a question that would spark an incredible discussion, I'm sure. You could look at other examples from history (or kids' own lives) for evidence about how information can be a benefit and a detriment. I'm thinking of people who have a cancer diagnosis-there's a situation in which you have to be incredibly brave to make choices and then carry those out. How much detail do you want to make an informed choice, but prevent over-thinking possible consequences.
I always look forward to your smart, insightful work with books, Amy. When you have your own classroom someday, I hope you'll invite me over to watch book discussions, in particular. I'm sure you'll create the kind of space where kids' conversations exceed all expectations.
Happy reading!