Log #3

Book: Number The Stars

Author: Lois Lowry

Page: 1 – 137 (finished)

        The story is set during World War II, when Denmark surrendered to Germany and Nazis invaded Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark. It mainly talks about a ten-year-old girl named Annemarie Johansen, along with her family, making every effort and risking life to secretly send the Jews to Sweden, the place still safe from Nazi armies’ threat. The book is not long, but the author perfectly draws an outline about what people’s life was like during the war. From the author’s compact description, I feel like experiencing an adventure with Annemarie.

In a part of the story, I see the great relationship between the Johansens and the Rosens, who were Jews. At that time, the Jews in Denmark were being “relocated”. In order not to make the Nazis take away Ellen Rosen, Annemarie’s best friend, the Johansens let Ellen pretend to be a part of their family and succeed in lying the Nazis. I admire the Johansens for being calm and making the Nazis leave without taking away Ellen when facing the cruel armed Nazis. I think their courage came from their strong resolution to protect their loved friend. Although they were of different races, they still considered each other good friends and tried best to protect each other. This touched me very much.

Another part that impresses a lot is the conversation between Annemarie and her uncle. When Annemarie’s mother and her uncle were planning to rescue the Jews, they concealed something from Annemarie. Annemarie was confused with why her mother lied to her, and thus she asked her uncle. Her uncle said, “It is much easier to be brave if you do not know everything.” This words impresses me a lot and reminds me of “white lie.” Indeed, only when we don’t know much about the truth will we keep the courage to face the difficulties. I think Annemarie’s mother and uncle chose to lie to her also because they loved her and wanted to protect her. If Annemarie had known too many things, she might have been frightened or been in danger. I think this part is telling us a way of staying brave and also a way love is.

All in all, I think this reading experience very good. This book does teach us something without tedious description or draggy story.