Racing Shadows in Copenhagen

Annemarie Johansen, a ten-year-old Danish girl, races her best friend Ellen Rosen through the streets of Nazi-occupied Copenhagen. Their laughter is cut short by German soldiers, a chilling reminder that their world is no longer safe. Annemarie's family, including her little sister Kirsti, tries to maintain normalcy amid rationing and fear. The girls' friendship is a source of comfort, but the presence of soldiers and whispered talk of the Resistance foreshadow the dangers ahead. Annemarie's parents, quietly brave, discuss the growing threat to their Jewish neighbors, and Annemarie begins to sense that her childhood is slipping away, replaced by a world where courage and caution are necessary for survival.

King Christian's Quiet Defiance

Annemarie's father tells her stories of King Christian X, who rides alone through Copenhagen, a symbol of Danish unity and resistance. The king's vulnerability and the people's loyalty become a source of pride and comfort for Annemarie. The family recalls the loss of Annemarie's older sister, Lise, whose death is shrouded in mystery and sorrow. The king's daily rides and the story of Denmark's collective protection of him inspire Annemarie to consider what it means to be brave and to stand up for what is right, even when the enemy seems overwhelming.

The Vanishing Button Shop

The girls notice that Mrs. Hirsch's button shop is closed, marked with a German sign and a swastika. Annemarie learns from her parents and Peter, her late sister's fiancé, that Jewish businesses are being targeted. The Rosens, Ellen's family, are Jewish, and the threat to them becomes personal. Annemarie's realization that ordinary people must become protectors marks a turning point in her understanding of the war. The community's quiet solidarity and the growing danger to the Rosens set the stage for the choices Annemarie and her family will have to make.

Ellen's Secret Refuge

When the Nazis begin rounding up Danish Jews, Ellen is sent to hide with the Johansens. The family prepares for a tense night, knowing soldiers may come. Annemarie and Ellen must pretend to be sisters, and Annemarie's quick thinking saves Ellen when soldiers burst in, demanding answers. Annemarie rips Ellen's Star of David necklace from her neck, hiding her friend's identity. The family's courage and resourcefulness are tested as they risk everything to protect Ellen, embodying the Danish spirit of resistance and compassion.

Night Visitors and Deception

German soldiers search the Johansen apartment, suspicious of Ellen's dark hair. Annemarie's father produces baby photos of his daughters, including one of Lise with dark hair, to convince the soldiers that Ellen is his child. The tension is palpable, but the family's quick thinking averts disaster. The incident leaves Annemarie shaken but determined, and the family realizes they must get Ellen to safety outside the city. The episode cements Annemarie's role as a protector and deepens her understanding of the risks involved.

Escape to the Seaside

Annemarie, her mother, Kirsti, and Ellen travel by train to Uncle Henrik's house on the coast, using coded language to avoid suspicion. The journey is fraught with fear, as soldiers patrol the train and question passengers. The countryside offers a brief respite, but the threat of discovery is ever-present. Uncle Henrik's home, near the sea and Sweden, becomes a haven, but also a place of secrets. Annemarie senses that more is happening than she is told, and her curiosity and anxiety grow as the adults prepare for something momentous.

The House of Hidden Truths

At Uncle Henrik's farmhouse, Annemarie and Ellen experience a fleeting return to childhood pleasures, but the atmosphere is tense. The adults clean and prepare the house, and Annemarie overhears cryptic conversations about a funeral for a Great-aunt Birte she's never heard of. Sensing deception, Annemarie confronts her uncle, who explains that sometimes not knowing everything is a form of bravery. The house becomes a gathering place for other Jews in hiding, and Annemarie realizes the depth of the danger and the courage required from everyone involved.

The Invented Funeral

A fake funeral is staged for the nonexistent Great-aunt Birte, providing cover for the gathering of Jews who will be smuggled to Sweden. The tension escalates when German soldiers arrive, suspicious of the unusual activity. Annemarie, coached to lie, claims Birte was her great-aunt. The soldiers demand to see the body, but Mama's quick thinking—claiming Birte died of typhus—dissuades them. The casket, actually filled with clothing and supplies, is left unopened. The episode highlights the necessity of deception in the face of evil and the courage required to maintain it.

The Casket's Secret

After the soldiers leave, Peter distributes the contents of the casket—coats, food, and a mysterious packet—to the hidden Jews. The packet is entrusted to Mr. Rosen, with instructions to deliver it to Henrik. The group prepares for their escape, and Peter leads the first group to the boat. Annemarie says a difficult goodbye to Ellen, promising to keep her necklace safe. The family's home becomes a waypoint in a network of resistance, and Annemarie's role as a helper and witness deepens.

The Midnight Crossing

Mama leads the Rosens through the dark woods to Uncle Henrik's boat, where they will be smuggled to Sweden. On her return, Mama is injured, and Annemarie discovers the crucial packet was dropped. Realizing its importance, Annemarie bravely volunteers to deliver it, disguising it in a lunch basket. On the path, she is stopped by soldiers and dogs, but her quick thinking and feigned innocence allow her to pass. The packet, containing a drug-laced handkerchief to disable the dogs' sense of smell, ensures the refugees' safe passage.

The Handkerchief's Power

Annemarie learns from Uncle Henrik that the handkerchief was essential to the escape, as it neutralized the dogs used by the Nazis to sniff out hidden Jews. The ingenuity of the Resistance and the bravery of ordinary people like Annemarie are celebrated. The Rosens and others reach Sweden safely, and Annemarie's actions are recognized as heroic, even though she felt only fear at the time. The episode underscores the power of small acts of courage and the importance of collective effort in the face of oppression.

The War's Long Shadow

The war drags on for two more years. Annemarie's family, like many Danes, cares for the homes and belongings of their Jewish neighbors. Peter is executed by the Nazis, and Annemarie learns the truth about her sister Lise's death—she was part of the Resistance and was killed by the Nazis. The cost of courage is high, but the community's solidarity endures. The end of the war brings relief and mourning, as the survivors honor the memory of those lost and look forward to the return of friends.

The Promise of Return

With the war over, Annemarie retrieves Ellen's Star of David necklace, which she had hidden for safekeeping. She asks her father to repair it, vowing to return it to Ellen when she comes home. The gesture symbolizes the enduring bond between the girls and the hope for a future free from fear. Annemarie's journey from innocence to maturity is complete, and she stands as a testament to the quiet heroism of ordinary people.

Truths Revealed

Annemarie learns the full truth about her sister Lise's involvement in the Resistance and the circumstances of her death. The family's sacrifices and the risks they took are brought into sharp relief. Annemarie reflects on the meaning of bravery, the pain of loss, and the importance of standing up for what is right. The revelations deepen her understanding of her family's legacy and the collective struggle of her nation.

The Stars Remember

As Denmark celebrates liberation, Annemarie looks to the stars, recalling the psalm Peter read and the promise that the scattered sons of Israel would be gathered. The story ends with a sense of hope and renewal, as Annemarie prepares to return Ellen's necklace and rebuild a world where decency and courage prevail. The stars, once a symbol of fear and hiding, become a symbol of remembrance and the enduring light of humanity.

Characters

Annemarie Johansen

Annemarie is a ten-year-old Danish girl whose journey from innocence to maturity forms the heart of the story. Initially preoccupied with school and friendship, she is thrust into the adult world of danger and moral choices by the Nazi occupation. Her loyalty to Ellen and her family's quiet resistance force her to confront fear and uncertainty. Annemarie's psychological development is marked by her struggle to understand bravery—not as the absence of fear, but as action in spite of it. Her quick thinking and willingness to risk herself for others reveal a deep well of courage, and by the end, she embodies the resilience and decency that the novel celebrates.

Ellen Rosen

Ellen is Annemarie's best friend and a Jewish girl whose life is imperiled by the Nazi occupation. Her presence in the Johansen household catalyzes the family's involvement in the Resistance. Ellen's vulnerability and trust in Annemarie highlight the power of friendship and the human cost of prejudice. She is resourceful and brave in her own right, enduring fear and uncertainty with quiet strength. Ellen's relationship with Annemarie is central, representing the bonds that transcend religious and cultural divides.

Mrs. Johansen (Inge)

Annemarie's mother is a model of calm courage and resourcefulness. She orchestrates the family's efforts to protect Ellen and guides Annemarie through the complexities of resistance. Her ability to lie convincingly to soldiers and her willingness to risk her safety for others demonstrate her moral clarity and strength. Mrs. Johansen's nurturing presence anchors the family, and her injury during the escape underscores the physical and emotional toll of resistance.

Mr. Johansen

Annemarie's father is a thoughtful, principled man who supports the Resistance in subtle ways. His quick thinking during the soldiers' search and his coded conversations reflect his intelligence and commitment to justice. He provides Annemarie with stories and guidance that shape her understanding of courage and responsibility. His grief over Lise's death and his care for Ellen's family reveal his deep empathy.

Kirsti Johansen

Kirsti, Annemarie's younger sister, is too young to fully grasp the dangers around her. Her innocence and stubbornness provide moments of levity and highlight what is at stake—the preservation of childhood and normalcy. Kirsti's unfiltered reactions and questions often diffuse tension, and her presence reminds the others of the world they are fighting to protect.

Peter Neilsen

Peter, Lise's former fiancé, is a member of the Danish Resistance. His bravery and resourcefulness are instrumental in the escape of the Rosens and others. Peter's secretive activities and ultimate execution by the Nazis underscore the risks faced by those who opposed the occupation. He serves as a mentor and inspiration to Annemarie, embodying the ideal of selfless sacrifice.

Uncle Henrik

Uncle Henrik is a fisherman who uses his boat to ferry Jews to safety in Sweden. His calm demeanor and practical wisdom provide reassurance to Annemarie and her family. Henrik's explanations about bravery and the necessity of secrecy help Annemarie understand the complexities of resistance. His home becomes a sanctuary, and his actions are crucial to the success of the escape.

Lise Johansen

Lise, Annemarie's older sister, is a haunting presence throughout the novel. Her mysterious death is later revealed to be the result of her involvement in the Resistance. Lise's memory shapes her family's actions and serves as a reminder of the personal cost of standing up to tyranny. Her legacy inspires Annemarie's own acts of courage.

The Rosens (Mr. and Mrs. Rosen)

Ellen's parents represent the plight of Danish Jews during the occupation. Their trust in the Johansens and their resilience in the face of danger highlight the importance of solidarity and community. Their escape is a testament to the power of collective action and the decency of ordinary people.

King Christian X

Though not a direct participant in the plot, King Christian X embodies the spirit of Danish resistance. His daily rides through Copenhagen and the legend of Denmark as his bodyguard inspire courage and unity among the people. He serves as a moral touchstone for Annemarie and her family.

Plot Devices

Child's Perspective

The story is told through Annemarie's eyes, allowing readers to experience the events with a mixture of naivety and growing awareness. This perspective heightens the tension, as the reader often knows more than the protagonist, and underscores the loss of innocence brought by war. The child's viewpoint also makes the moral choices and acts of bravery more poignant, as they are filtered through a developing sense of right and wrong.

Symbolism of Stars and the Necklace

The title and recurring imagery of stars evoke both the Star of David and the biblical promise of counting the stars—representing the Jewish people and the hope for deliverance. Ellen's necklace, hidden and later returned, symbolizes the preservation of identity and the enduring bonds of friendship. The stars also serve as a reminder of the vastness of the world and the possibility of a better future.

Foreshadowing and Suspense

Lowry uses foreshadowing to build suspense, from the early encounters with soldiers to the mysterious preparations at Uncle Henrik's house. The gradual revelation of secrets and the constant threat of discovery keep the reader engaged and heighten the emotional stakes. The use of coded language and hidden meanings reflects the necessity of secrecy in times of oppression.

The Handkerchief as Plot Device

The handkerchief containing a drug to disable dogs' sense of smell is a crucial plot device, blending historical fact with narrative ingenuity. Its delivery by Annemarie is the climax of her journey from innocence to heroism, and its effectiveness ensures the success of the escape. The handkerchief represents the intersection of ordinary objects and extraordinary courage.

Narrative Structure

The novel follows a linear structure, moving from the relative safety of Copenhagen to the perilous escape to Sweden. Each chapter builds on the previous one, with escalating risks and deepening character development. The structure mirrors Annemarie's transformation and the collective journey of the Danish people from occupation to liberation.

Analysis

Number the Stars is a powerful exploration of courage, morality, and the resilience of ordinary people in extraordinary times. Through the eyes of a child, Lois Lowry examines the complexities of resistance, the necessity of deception, and the cost of standing up to injustice. The novel celebrates the quiet heroism of those who risked everything to save their neighbors, emphasizing that bravery is not the absence of fear but the willingness to act in spite of it. The use of symbolism, particularly the stars and Ellen's necklace, reinforces themes of hope, identity, and the enduring bonds of friendship. By grounding the story in historical fact and focusing on the experiences of a single family, Lowry makes the Holocaust accessible and relatable to young readers, while offering timeless lessons about empathy, solidarity, and the importance of doing what is right, even when it is difficult. The novel's message—that a world of human decency is possible when individuals choose compassion over indifference—remains as urgent and inspiring today as it was in 1943.

Last updated: May 4, 2025