Number the Stars

by Lois Lowery

Page 1 of 2

Number the Stars, by Lois Lowry, won the Newbery Award in 1990. This moving, well-written book, helps children to see the effects of courage and caring. The factually-based story is set in Denmark during World War II and tells of that country's efforts to save their Jewish citizens. Two young girls are the focus - each having poignant tales to tell. Look at our collection of ideas and resources to enhance this important book.

Enrichment Activities
Internet Resources
Books by Lois Lowry

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Enrichment Activities

Mapmakers
• Have the students color and label a map of Europe locating Denmark, Copenhagen, Germany, and Sweden.
  
  Recipe for Peace
• Have the students create a "Recipe for Peace". Introduce this by asking the whole class, "What does it take to make peace?" You can aid their brainstorming by giving a few examples (kindness, understanding, laughter). Have the students create a sign or a poster (using a recipe format of ingredients, procedure, servings) of their "Recipe for Peace".
  
  Little Red Riding Hood
• Read the story Little Red Riding Hood. Have students make a Venn Diagram comparing and contrasting it with Number the Stars.
  
  Symbols
• In the story, Number the Stars, there are symbols which represent different people - the Star of David, the swastika. Have students think about their most important characteristics and create a symbol to represent it. They might want to consider what thare their strengths or interests. They can make the symbol out of art materials and write a description of the meaning behind it.
  
  World War II Research Project
• Students can research (using the Internet sites below) and write a report on some facet of World War II which interests them.
  
  Number the Stars - Character Jeopardy
• Have students play the game Character Jeopardy. To extend this activity, you can tell the students to write new answers/questions.

Internet Resources

World War II Facts
Grade Levels: Intermediate, Middle, Secondary
Detailed information in a chronological order.
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0001288.html

World War II Links
Grade Levels: Intermediate, Middle, Secondary
Hundreds of links, categorized by topic.
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Oracle/2691/links.htm

The History Place - World War II
Grade Levels: Intermediate, Middle, Secondary
Photos and maps of World War II in the Pacific.
http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/pacificwar/index.html

Denmark Facts
Grade Levels:Intermediate, Middle, Secondary
All the facts, maps, and statistics you need to know about Denmark!
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0107460.html

Lois Lowry
Grade Levels: Intermediate, Middle, Secondary
This site has a biography of Lois Lowry, a bibliography, and reviews of her best-loved books.
http://www.scils.rutgers.edu/special/kay/lowry.html

The Children's Writing SuperSite
Grade Levels: Intermediate, Middle, Secondary
You will love this extensive interview of Lois Lowry because the questions were developed by kids!
http://www.write4kids.com/answer2.html