Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

The Locale: Smith & Elizabeth's

Book’s Website

Author’s Website

The Book: 
It is 1943, and to Annemarie Johansen, life in Copenhagen is a complicated mix of ordinary home and school life, food shortages, and the constant presence of Nazi soldiers. Bravery seems a vague virtue, one possessed by dragon-slaying knights in the bedtime stories she tells her younger sister, Kirsti. Too soon, she herself is called upon for courage.

As the German troops begin their campaign to "relocate" all the Jews of Denmark, the Johansens take in Annemarie's best friend, Ellen Rosen, and pretend she is part of the family. Ellen and Annemarie must think quickly when three Nazi officers arrive late one night and question why Ellen is not blond, like her sisters.


Through Annemarie's eyes, we see the Danish Resistance as they manage to smuggle almost the entire Jewish population, nearly 7000 people, across the sea to Sweden. In this tale of an entire nation's heroism, Lois Lowry reminds us that there is pride and human decency in the world even during a time of terror and war. (Taken from the Author's Website)

The Fun: Yummy Food! Including Noodle Apple Kugel (a Jewish Dish) and Dream Cupcakes...cupcakes with pink icing that Kirsti craves.


Like Annemarie and Ellen, the girls had to dress alike and convince us that there were sisters. Perri & Cassie win. Kate & Odessa in 2nd.


The girls then hold a lengthy discussion of the book includes bullying, WWII, persecution of different races, religions, and gender. 

The Vote:

• Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli 
• The Kingdom Keepers by Ridley Pearson 
• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman 

Well for the first time, we had a 3 way tie, and the moms had to vote to break the tie. Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli Wins!

Up Next: 

Fairest by Gail Carson Levine @ Ashley & Jian's home on December 1st

Next to Present: Perri will present next at our next book club meeting.

Updates:

• Smith & Elizabeth will host another holiday cookie exchange on December 15th.
• Olivia & Susan will host Stargirl tentatively on January 12th. Susan may have a work conflict which may wither cause her to either change meeting times or to another date. Stay tuned.