Number the Stars

Sample Lesson - Introduction

Lesson 1.04: No Cupcakes, No Coffee

Meet Annemarie and her family. Like most families, they have fun together and joke around—like when Mama laughs remembering how Kirsti used to wet the bed. In fact, their silliness and teasing reminds us a bit of all these parents.

 

We're not sure if we would rather live in Nazi-occupied Denmark or Gotham. At least Gotham would have more law and order. (Source)

Although the Johansens all have a good sense of humor, their story is much more serious than silly. That's because they live in Copenhagen, Denmark, in the middle of World War II. Imagine having all the normal family problems, like fights between sisters and not getting what you want for dinner, but then add in the extra pressure of dealing with scary Nazi soldiers on nearly every corner—plus the worry that your beloved neighbors will be captured and taken away.

As you read, you'll focus closely on learning about Annemarie's family. Who are they? What do they care about? What do they fear? And what happened to Lise, the dark-haired oldest sister?

Denmark might not be the safest place in this story, but at least this family has each other. And since they're not a dysfunctional family like the Simpsons, that's a good thing.

Sample Lesson - Reading

Reading 1.1.04: Number the Stars, Chapters 1–3

Read Chapters 1–3 in your Number the Stars book. As you do, take notes on the characters in your Character Note-Catcher.

Here are some suggestions on where to focus your note-taking:

• Character traits (or words describing what characters are like)
  • For example: bossy, friendly, jealous. For even more examples, click here.
• Character actions
  • stole a cookie and put it in her pocket
• Character feelings
  • angry, joyful, frustrated
• Character dialogue (what they say)
  • "Leave me alone! You're so annoying."

Remember, you only want to record important info. Rather than writing down every little thing a character does, says, or thinks, try to limit yourself to one note for each character every couple of pages or so. That way your notes will be more useful later.

After you read, make sure to check out Shmoop's summaries of Chapters 1–3:

• Chapter 1
• Chapter 2
• Chapter 3

Sample Lesson - Activity

Activity 1.04a: Make a Prediction

Although you're only a few chapters in, you're already familiar with the most important characters in the book—Annemarie and her family. Remember how in the last lesson, we talked a lot about suspense and foreshadowing?

Well, from what you know about how authors structure stories, you've probably figured out that the characters will face a problem at some point. Guess what? Lowry has already dropped some hints about the problems that might be coming up next.

Skim back over the three chapters you just read and ask yourself about what hints of foreshadowing you see. Where is the author including clues about what might happen later in the story?

Hint—pay close attention to Chapter 3, especially toward the end.

Sample Lesson - Activity