So, this month, I’m going to spend some time sharing my thoughts on my class’s latest book: Number the Stars.
Over the years, I’ve heard of this story, but I realized I hadn’t read it myself. It really does live up to its reputation. The topic and time period are so capturing, and Lois Lowry beautifully introduces interesting characters and a story that really compliment what is already so resonating.
I appreciated Annemarie’s journey, perspective, and growth in the story. My students seemed to really connect with her character and think deeply about the events and their own lives.
Number the Stars is definitely a page-turner for its younger intended audience, and I would say even at my age. I wanted to know what would happen next. I liked the vocabulary, and I especially liked how Lowry approached the violence of that time. In the story, some very serious things happened, but they were done in a way that would inspire thought but not completely overwhelm a young mind.
If you are like me and realize that you haven’t read this classic, it may very well be time to do so. If your child is reading Number the Stars, I encourage you to have an open dialogue about the characters and events. My students were especially interested in how so much of the characters and happenings were based on real people and events.
~Amberly Clowe