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Number the Stars: Summary in 5 Key Points

Name: Number the Stars
Author: Lois Lowry

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry — book cover — Edition and cover reference

Written by brefly editorial teamUpdated October 13, 2026

AI-assisted book brief. Verify important claims against the original book; this page does not claim personal reading or independent expert review.

✍️ Lois Lowry📅 1989📚 Historical Fiction📖 2 min brief

Scope: Premise and themes only; no ending or major revelation. Sequel premises may reveal earlier-book outcomes.

The brief

Annemarie and Ellen's friendship becomes more dangerous as Nazi actions intensify in Denmark. This detail matters within the book's particular narrative and setting.

Ellen stays with the Johansen family under a false identity as Jewish families face deportation.

Annemarie is asked to carry out a risky task testing her courage and judgment.

The young narrator introduces the Danish rescue effort without becoming an adult military story.

Lowry's novel is historical fiction inspired by real events, not a substitute for historical accounts.

Key ideas worth keeping

notice what Annemarie knows and what remains hidden

connect individual courage with community action

distinguish invented scenes from historical context

Questions about this book

When does the story take place?

It is set in Copenhagen in 1943 during the German occupation.

Who is Ellen?

She is Annemarie's Jewish friend hidden by the Johansen family.

What is the historical focus?

It depicts a fictional child's perspective on the protection of Danish Jews.

Sources and scope

Original editorial orientation based on the cited work overview and reference edition. Theme takeaways are interpretation; this is not a chapter-by-chapter synopsis. Page counts vary by edition and are omitted.

Sources checked October 13, 2026. 1989 is the original publication year; the plan year was incorrect.

Who should read the full book

Middle-grade readers studying World War II, friendship, and resistance through historical fiction.

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