Sunday, November 16, 2008

Number the Stars- Historical Fiction

Number the Stars is a historical fiction story based off of World War 2. It is set in Copenhagen, the home to Annemarie Johansen. Annemarie is ten years old when she realize that her classmate and neighbor, Ellen Rosen, is in a lot of danger. Ellen and her family are Jewish and need to leave Denmark. Annemarie's family knows that they have to help the Rosens. Annemarie's uncle arrives with a boat that will take the Rosens over to Sweden where they will be safe. The boat has a hidden bottom where the Rosens hide from the Nazis. Annemarie and her family show much courage throughout the book. They put themselves in danger to help others, even though they do not have to. Annemarie's sister ends up being killed during the resistance movement. All of this helps Annemarie to realize what a great thing her and her family have done. She wears Ellen's Star of David necklace to show her pride for having a friend that she could risk her life for. She doesn't know if she will ever see Ellen again, but she will wear the necklace until she is able to return it to her. This book was a very touching story of courage. It is amazing to think about the amounts of danger that people were willing to put themselves in to help save others. Although the Nazi's did such horrible things, the help that others were willing to offer showed the true compassion that humans can have for one another. Not all people can say that they would go to the extent of Annemarie's family in order to help someone they care about.

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