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TL;DR: In Nazi-occupied Copenhagen in 1943, ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen helps hide her Jewish best friend, Ellen Rosen, when the Nazis begin rounding up Danish Jews. Annemarie's family smuggles Ellen to her uncle's fishing village, where Annemarie bravely carries a vital package past German soldiers so that the Rosens can escape to Sweden.
Table of Contents
Number the Stars at a Glance
| Author | Lois Lowry |
| First published | 1989 |
| Type | Novel |
| Best for | young readers who want a moving historical novel about courage and friendship |
Number the Stars is a novel by Lois Lowry, published in 1989. It won the Newbery Medal and is based on the real rescue of Danish Jews in 1943. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it.
Content note: Includes war, the occupation and the death of a family member.
Main Characters
- Annemarie Johansen: A brave ten-year-old Danish girl.
- Ellen Rosen: Annemarie's Jewish best friend.
- Kirsti Johansen: Annemarie's little sister.
- Uncle Henrik: A fisherman who smuggles people to Sweden.
- Peter Neilsen: A young Resistance fighter.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
Occupied Copenhagen
Annemarie and Ellen live in Copenhagen during the Nazi occupation of Denmark. German soldiers stand on every corner. Annemarie's older sister Lise died in what the family says was an accident. Peter Neilsen, Lise's fiancé, works for the Resistance.
Hiding Ellen
The Nazis plan to round up Danish Jews. Ellen's parents go into hiding, and Ellen stays with the Johansens, pretending to be Annemarie's sister. When soldiers search the apartment, Annemarie yanks off Ellen's Star of David necklace, and Mr. Johansen shows a baby photo of Lise with dark hair.
The fishing village
Mrs. Johansen takes the girls to Uncle Henrik's house in Gilleleje, by the sea. The family holds a fake wake for an invented “Great-aunt Birte,” and the Rosens and other Jews gather there. Soldiers arrive, but Mrs. Johansen tells them it is a death from a contagious disease.
The package
Uncle Henrik plans to hide the Rosens on his fishing boat. A package that Peter gave Mr. Rosen is accidentally left behind. Annemarie runs through the woods to deliver it. Stopped by soldiers with dogs, she pretends to be a silly girl bringing lunch. The package contains a handkerchief treated to ruin the dogs' sense of smell.
The ending
The Rosens reach Sweden safely. The war ends two years later. Annemarie learns that Lise died working for the Resistance, and that Peter was executed. She keeps Ellen's necklace safe until her friend returns.
5 Key Takeaways
- Ordinary people can show great courage.
- Friendship can cross every line.
- Bravery means acting even when afraid.
- Sometimes not knowing everything keeps us safe.
- History is made by many small acts.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- Being brave is not knowing everything, but doing what must be done.
- Friends protect each other.
- Every rescue matters.
Who Should Read Number the Stars?
Read Number the Stars if you want a gentle introduction to World War II history. It suits readers aged 9 and up.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of Number the Stars:
- Why does Uncle Henrik not tell Annemarie everything?
- What does bravery mean in this book?
- Why does Annemarie keep Ellen's necklace?
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether Number the Stars is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full story, characters and style, which no short summary can replace.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of Number the Stars, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary between copies.
Should You Read the Book?
If the summary caught your interest, read the opening chapters before you decide. A summary tells you what happens, but the voice and pacing are what make a book work or not.
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What to Read Next
- The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank: a real account of hiding
- The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne: a fable of the Holocaust
- Snow Treasure by Marie McSwigan: children outwit soldiers in Norway
Related: 15 Books Like Number the Stars for Kids You’ll Love · What Age Is Number the Stars Appropriate For? A Parent’s Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Number the Stars about?
A Danish girl helps her Jewish friend escape the Nazis.
Is it based on true events?
Yes, the 1943 rescue of Danish Jews to Sweden.
How did Danes save Jews?
They smuggled about 7,000 people to Sweden by boat.
What was in the package?
A handkerchief treated to ruin the dogs' sense of smell.
How did Lise die?
She was killed while working for the Resistance.
Did it win awards?
Yes, the 1990 Newbery Medal.
What age is it for?
About 9 and up.
Where is it set?
Copenhagen and Gilleleje, Denmark.
Who is Peter Neilsen?
A Resistance fighter who helps the Rosens.
How long is it?
About 140 pages.
Who are the main characters in Number the Stars?
The main characters are Annemarie Johansen, Ellen Rosen, Kirsti Johansen, Uncle Henrik and Peter Neilsen. Annemarie Johansen: A brave ten-year-old Danish girl. Ellen Rosen: Annemarie's Jewish best friend. Kirsti Johansen: Annemarie's little sister.
Is Number the Stars worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for young readers who want a moving historical novel about courage and friendship. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.