Courage

Early in the novel, Annemarie watches in awe as her parents courageously stand up to hostile German soldiers. She feels that she could never live up to their example and is grateful that she will never have to. However, when Mama injures her ankle, Annemarie is the only one who will be able to ensure that the rescue mission succeeds. In this desperate moment, Annemarie calls upon her own reserves of strength and courage. Although she is afraid, she keeps herself calm by telling herself fairy tales. Ultimately, she successfully delivers the packet to Uncle Henrik. Later, Uncle Henrik explains to Annemarie that courage is not about being fearless––it is about doing what you have to do even if you are scared.

 

Responsibility

Growing up in occupied Denmark forces Annemarie to mature faster than she would have to in more peaceful times. She starts to feel a sense of responsibility for the people around her. She displays her protective instincts early in the novel when she, Kirsti, and Ellen face off against the German soldiers. Throughout the novel, Annemarie does her best to preserve Kirsti's innocence by telling her stories and sheltering her from the harsh realities of the war. As time goes by, Annemarie's sense of responsibility expands to include Ellen and Mama. Annemarie helps protect Ellen from the Germans and takes her Star of David necklace for safekeeping during the war. After Mama breaks her ankle, Annemarie helps her to safety and even makes a dangerous delivery to ensure the success of the rescue.

 

Friendship

True friendship is another major theme of Number the Stars. The Johansen family has a close friendship with the Rosen family. When the Rosens tell the Johansens that they have to go into hiding, the Johansens do not hesitate to offer their assistance because, "that's what friends do." The Johansen family risks their lives for their friends. Despite the Nazi rule forbidding friendship between Jews and Christians, Annemarie and Ellen are best friends. Lowry portrays the characters as physical opposites — Annemarie is lanky and has blonde hair and Ellen is stocky and has dark hair — however, they enjoy each other's company immensely. In the beginning of the novel, when the Nazi soldiers confront the girls for the first time, it is clear that their friendship will be tested. Annemarie first proves her friendship for Ellen by yanking Ellen's Star of David necklace from her neck and hiding it in her hand so the German soldiers won't see it. Later, she risks her life when she takes the envelope that Mr. Rosen dropped to Uncle Henrik aboard his boat. All alone, she takes a path through the woods and is confronted by the Nazi soldiers. By acting like her younger sister, she is able to get the envelope with the handkerchief to Uncle Henrik. The Rosens and other Jews make it to Sweden and safety.