Human Decency

Number the Stars. ISBN 0-440-40327-8. Lois Lowry. 1989. Newberry Award Medal Winner. Ages 10-14. Danish/Jewish WW II.

Synopsis
During the German occupation of Denmark, Annemarie Johansen learns many lessons about life. The Germans soldiers are taking Jewish families and relocating them to unknown locations and fates. Annemarie is forced at a young age to decide whether or not she would be brave enough to risk her life for her country, her best friend and what is right. In the end all characters in some way make a contribution to human decency helping the Rosen family and other Jews to escape Nazi occupied Denmark to free Sweden.

Discussion Topics
1. Friendship
2. Bravery/Courage
3. WW II/Denmark Resistance
4. Racism
5. Holocaust
6. Humanity/dehumanization

Critique
This is an excellent story of bravery and courage. The author does a superb job of creating each character in a way that contributes to the safety of the Danish Jews. Even without knowing it young Annemarie and even Kirsten aid in the escape of their Jewish friends. The Johansen family is risking their life for what is right and this book has the ability to spur many interesting discussion topics amongst young adult readers.I think it is also a great way of introducing WW II/Holocaust Literature to readers as young as 4th grade.