Literary Critical Interpretations

 

Number The Stars is a refreshing perspective to the devastating historical events of the occupation of Denmark by the Nazis during World War II. The history in this book is both accurate and true.  The truths in the novel are not dumbed down for a younger audience however instead the way Lowry writes the novel makes the story more identifiable to children. She does not overload the book with historical facts and dates, but uses small details like “high shiny boots to evoke feelings of fear and apprehension.  Through Annemarie’s voice not only do we get  a glimpse into the terrifying events of the time but also a glimpse into the issues a typical ten year old girl and what she deals with like friendships and growing up.

 

The afterword adds another level to the story. Lowry states that the fictional story was based on actual stories told to her by her friend who was a child of the time. The afterword also mentions the real history with some of the details of the story such as the use of cocaine laced handkerchiefs to numb the senses of the German search dogs. The book ends with an actual account from a young man who was executed at the age of 21 by Nazis.  

The reviews of Number the Stars were mostly positive.  Critics applauded Lowry’s ability to write about a horrific time in our history for the eyes of children.  However some reviewers believed it wasn’t strong enough to accurately  portray just how horrible the events truly were.
 

 

BOOK REVIEWS

 

Haley-James, S. (1990). LOIS LOWRY. Horn Book Magazine, 66(4), 422-424.

 

But, most significantly, Lowry takes readers beyond themselves. In none of her books does she succeed in this to a greater extent than in Number the Stars (Houghton), a story in which she makes the abstract concepts of love, commitment, and courage visible and real. Through the decisions of Annemarie Johansen and her family, we are made to wonder, "Would I have it in me to do what they did to save others?" And we realize that, through this book, a new generation will be informed of a time in the history of the world that humankind dares not forget.

 

Russell, D. (1997). Reading the Shards and Fragments: Holocaust Literature for Young Readers.The Lion And The Unicorn, 21(2), 267-280.

 

Indeed, the Holocaust should not be viewed as merely a suitable topic for young readers, but an important and necessary topic. And through the literature -- diaries, reminiscences, novels -- young people not only acquire exposure to the Nazi atrocities, they achieve a measure of perspective on their meaning.

 

THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW, 94 (May 21, 1989) 32: “The German occupation seems little more than an invasion of bad-tempered bores. . . . Annemarie is, after all, a Danish Christian citizen in good standing, and her innocent viewpoint keeps us at too great a distance to see clearly either the scale of the evil or the magnitude of the courage from which this story springs.”

 

BOOKLIST, 85 (March 1, 1989) 1194: “While the novel has an absorbing plot, its real strength lies in its evocation of deep friendship between two girls and of a caring family who make a profoundly moral choice to protect others during wartime.”

 

Awards

 

• Newbery Award Winner, 1990

• School Library Journal Best Book of the Year

• American Bookseller Pick of the Lists

• American Library Association Notable Book

• National Jewish Book Award

• Sidney Taylor Award