Number The Stars Chapter Summaries 1-17

Number the Stars Chapter Summaries 1-17

Introduction

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry is a powerful historical fiction novel set in Denmark during World War II. The story follows ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen as she navigates the dangers of Nazi occupation and helps her Jewish friend Ellen Rosen escape persecution. This chapter-by-chapter summary provides an overview of the key events and themes throughout the book.

Chapter 1: "Why Are You Running?"

The story begins in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1943. Annemarie Johansen and her friend Ellen Rosen are racing home from school when they encounter two German soldiers. The soldiers question the girls about their activities, creating a sense of fear and tension. Annemarie's younger sister Kirsti is oblivious to the danger, while Annemarie and Ellen are more aware of the growing Nazi presence in their city.

Chapter 2: "Who Is the Man Who Rides Past?"

Annemarie and Kirsti return home to find their mother and Mrs. Rosen talking about the Nazi occupation. They learn that the king of Denmark, Christian X, rides through the streets each morning, and the Danes feel protected by his presence. The chapter introduces the theme of bravery, as Annemarie wonders if she would be brave if she had to be.

Chapter 3: "Where Is Mrs. Hirsch?"

The girls discover that the Hirsch family's button shop has been closed by the Nazis. Mrs. Hirsch is Jewish, and the closure of her shop signals the beginning of more severe persecution. Annemarie's parents explain that the Nazis are targeting Jewish people, and the family begins to discuss ways they might help their Jewish friends.

Chapter 4: "It Will Be a Long Night"

Annemarie's family prepares for the Jewish New Year, when Ellen's family would normally celebrate with them. However, this year is different. Annemarie's parents have invited Ellen to stay with them, explaining that there is danger for Jewish people in the city. The chapter builds tension as the families prepare for an uncertain future.

Chapter 5: "Who Is the Dark-Haired One?"

Nazi soldiers arrive at the Johansens' apartment late at night, searching for Ellen's family. Annemarie's father quickly explains that Ellen is their daughter, and to support the lie, he shows the soldiers a baby picture of Lise, their older daughter who died years ago. In the picture, Lise had dark hair like Ellen's. The soldiers leave, and the family realizes the immediate danger Ellen faces.

Chapter 6: "Is the Weather Good for Fishing?"

The next morning, Annemarie's uncle Henrik, a fisherman, arrives to take the girls to his home in Gilleleje, a small fishing village north of Copenhagen. Annemarie's mother explains that Ellen's parents have gone into hiding, and the girls will be safer in the countryside. The family prepares for the journey, packing carefully and creating a plan to protect Ellen.

Chapter 7: "The House by the Sea"

In Gilleleje, Annemarie notices how different life is in the countryside. The house is simple, and the girls spend time exploring the beach and the surrounding area. Annemarie's mother and uncle seem to be hiding something, and the girls sense that there is more to their visit than a simple vacation.

Chapter 8: "There Has Been a Death"

Annemarie's mother announces that Great-aunt Birte has died, and a funeral will be held that evening. Annemarie is confused because she has never heard of this aunt, and her uncle Henrik seems surprised by the news. The funeral is clearly a ruse to gather people together for another purpose.

Chapter 9: "Why Are You Lying?"

Annemarie confronts her uncle Henrik about the lie regarding Great-aunt Birte. He explains that sometimes it's necessary to lie to protect people, and he tells Annemarie that her mother has asked him to explain the truth to her. The chapter explores the moral complexity of lying for a good cause.

Chapter 10: "Let Us Open the Casket"

At the funeral, Nazi soldiers arrive and demand to know who has died. They also insist on seeing the body inside the closed casket. Mrs. Johansen tells them that Great-aunt Birte died of typhus, a contagious disease, and the soldiers decide not to open the casket. The scene demonstrates the Johansens' clever planning and courage.

Chapter 11: "Will We See You Again Soon, Peter?"

The funeral attendees are actually a group of Jewish people who are being smuggled to safety in Sweden. Peter Nielsen, a young Danish resistance worker who was engaged to Lise before she died, arrives with supplies for the journey. He gives a packet of warm clothes and food to each person who will be traveling.

Chapter 12: "Where Was Mama?"

As the Jewish families prepare to leave for the boat, Nazi soldiers return. Mrs. Johansen leads the group in a traditional hymn to make it appear as if they are holding a proper funeral service. The soldiers eventually leave, and the group is able to continue their preparations to leave.

Chapter 13: "Run! As Fast As You Can!"

Mrs. Johansen walks with the group to Henrik's boat, but on her way back, she trips and falls, spraining her ankle. She returns to the house very late, explaining what happened. The family realizes that the packet Peter gave to Mr. Rosen has been dropped somewhere along the path.

Chapter 14: "On the Dark Path"

Annemarie volunteers to take the packet to her uncle's boat. She takes a secret route through the woods to avoid being seen. On the way, she is stopped by Nazi soldiers and their dogs. She cleverly acts like a "silly, empty-headed" girl, and the soldiers let her go, but not before they throw her packet into the bushes.

Chapter 15: "My Dog Smells Meat!"

After the soldiers leave, Annemarie retrieves the packet and discovers that it contains a handkerchief treated with a special chemical that would throw the Nazi dogs off the scent of the people hidden in the boat. She realizes the importance of her delivery and rushes to get the handkerchief to her uncle.

Chapter 16: "I Think I Remember"

Annemarie gives the packet to her uncle Henrik, who is waiting in his boat. He explains that the handkerchief is crucial for the escape, as it contains a drug that would make the Nazi dogs unable to smell anything for a brief period. The Jewish families are successfully smuggled to Sweden, and Annemarie's role in the rescue becomes clear.

Chapter 17: "All This Long Time"

The war ends two years later, and the Johansens learn that many Danish Jews, including Ellen and her family, have survived and are returning home. Peter Nielsen is revealed to have been captured and executed by the Nazis. The book ends with Annemarie asking her father to repair Ellen's necklace, the Star of David, which she had hidden and protected throughout the war.

Conclusion

Number the Stars is a moving story of courage, friendship, and resistance during one of history's darkest periods. Through Annemarie's eyes, readers experience the fear and uncertainty of life under Nazi occupation, as well as the incredible bravery of ordinary people who risked everything to save their neighbors. The novel not only teaches about the historical events of World War II but also explores timeless themes of moral courage, the importance of standing up against injustice, and the power of friendship in the face of adversity.