Number the Stars

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lowry, Lois. NUMBER THE STARS. 1989. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN: 0395510600.

2. PLOT SUMMARY

Annemarie Johansen and her dear friend Ellen have been playmates for years and have much in common. Yet Ellen is different in one critical way—she is Jewish. In NUMBER THE STARS, author Lois Lowry describes the bravery of one ten-year-old girl, as well as the dedication of the Danes to help the Jews during the 1943 Nazi occupation of Denmark. When German troops attempt to relocate all Jews from Denmark, the Johansens help to smuggle Ellen and her family to the safe shores of Sweden. Annemarie is at first confused by all that is happening and the tactics needed to shelter her friend. However, as her Uncle Henrik explains: “it is much easier to be brave if you do not know everything.” When the plan to bring Ellen and her family to safety is threatened, Annemarie discovers her own bravery and ultimately saves their lives.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

In the 1990 Newbery Medal winning book NUMBER THE STARS, Lowry tells the gripping tale of Annemarie, a young Danish girl, who must quickly grow up when German soldiers begin to infiltrate her home of Copenhagen, Denmark. Annemarie’s neighbor and best friend is Ellen Rosen. Both girls attend the same school and spend hours playing paper dolls and running footraces together. However, in 1943, the increasing presence of Nazis threatens the safety of Ellen and her family because they are Jewish. Lowry expertly writes the urgency felt by ten-year-old Annemarie and her family as they attempt to rescue their dear neighbors. Lowry also realistically depicts the thoughts and concerns of a young girl faced with confusing and dire circumstances.

Lowry provides a frank description of the heroism many Danes displayed during the Nazi occupation without sharing the graphic horrors that are often portrayed in many books set in this time period. Through prose and dialog, Lowry provides significant background information about the historical events that occurred in 1943, helping young readers gain a clear understanding of their significance. For example, when Annemarie’s younger sister Kristi complains that she wants pink frosted cupcakes, her mother explains that “there hasn’t been any butter, or sugar for cupcakes, for a long time.” Similarly, at the beginning of the novel, Annemarie tries to understand why German soldiers have increased their presence in the city. Lowry writes: “…she knew what resistance meant…The resistance fighters were Danish people—no one knew who, because they were very secret—who were determined to bring harm to the Nazis however they could.”

The resonating theme of the novel is that heroism and selfless acts often occur during times of turmoil. Such was the story of many Danes who risked their own lives to save those of their Jewish countrymen during World War II. While Annemarie doubts her own bravery, her Uncle Henrik insists that she was courageous. He explains that “…you were very brave…you risked your life…that’s all that brave means—not thinking about the dangers.”

In an afterward, readers will be fascinated to learn that many of the events occurring in the novel are indeed factual. For example, Lowry explains that the Danes sinking their own naval fleet and the ingenious method used to thwart Nazi searches for Jews on fishing vessels are true. She also shares a letter excerpt written by an actual Danish resistance fighter, which she discovered during her research. Stories of the Danes' courage is less heralded than those of other occupied nations during World War II. Readers are sure to learn much in this short, fast-paced novel. Lowry’s riveting story provides a remarkable glimpse of the heroic acts often described during this significant period in world history.

4. AWARDS WON AND REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

• Kirkus Review (starred): “A deftly told story that dramatizes how Danes appointed themselves bodyguards--not only for their king, who was in the habit of riding alone in Copenhagen, but for their Jews.”
  
  
• Publisher’s Weekly: "The whole work is seamless, compelling, and memorable -- impossible to put down; difficult to forget."
  
  
• School Library Journal: “Readers are taken to the very heart of Annemarie's experience, and, through her eyes, come to understand the true meaning of bravery.”
  
  
• 1990 Newbery Medal Winner
  

5. CONNECTIONS

• Recommended for readers ages 12 and up.
  
  
• There are numerous other fiction books about the Holocaust for this age group. Some examples include:
  -Baylis-White, Mary. SHELTERING REBECCA. 1991. New York: Penguin Group. ISBN: 9780525673491.
  -Drucker, Malka and Halperin, Michael. JACOB’s RESCUE: A HOLOCAUST STORY. 1994. New York: Random House Children’s Books. ISBN: 9780440409656.
  -Kerr, Judith. WHEN HITLER STOLE PINK RABBIT. When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit. 1972. New York: Penguin Group. ISBN: 9780698201828.
  -Matas, Carol. LISA’S War. 2007. New York: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing. ISBN: 9781416961635.
  -Orgel, Doris. THE DEVIL IN VIENNA. 1988. New York: Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated. ISBN: 9780140325003.
  -Orlev, Uri. ISLAND ON BIRD STREET. 1992. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. ISBN: 9780395616239.
  -Suhl, Yuri. UNCLE MISHA’S PARTISANS: THE STORY OF YOUNG FREEDOM FIGHTERS IN NAZI-OCCUPIED EUROPE. 1975. London: Hamish Hamilton. ISBN: 9780241891575.
  

• To learn more about Lois Lowry visit her Web site and read her blog at: http://www.loislowry.com/

• Lois Lowry has written numerous books; several examples include:
  -Nine books within her ANASTASIA series and four books about Anastasia’s brother Sam (e.g., ALL ABOUT SAM).
  -Lowry, Lois. AUTUMN STREET. 1980. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. ISBN: 9780395278123.
  -Lowry, Lois. FIND A STRANGER, SAY GOODBYE. 1978. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. ISBN: 9780395264591.
  -Lowry, Lois. THE SILENT BOY. 2005. New York: Random House Children's Books. ISBN: 9780440419808.
  -Lowry, Lois. A SUMMER TO DIE. 2007. New York: Random House Children's Books. ISBN: 9780385734202.
  -Lowry, Lois. TAKING CARE OF TERRIFIC. 1983. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. ISBN: 9780395340707.
  -Lowry, Lois. THE GIVER. 1993. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. ISBN: 9780395645666.
  -Lowry, Lois. GATHERING BLUE. 2000. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. ISBN: 9780618055814.
  -Lowry, Lois. MESSANGER. 2004. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. ISBN: 978061840441.
  

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Avi. THE TRUE CONFESSIONS OF CHARLOTTE DOYLE. 1997. New York: HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN: 9780380728855.
(first published in 1990)

2. PLOT SUMMARY

In THE TRUE CONFESSIONS OF CHARLOTTE DOYLE by Avi, the main character Charlotte Doyle recounts her transatlantic journey aboard the Seahawk in 1832. Charlotte, whose father is an officer of the company that owns the Seahawk, is leaving from her boarding school in England to return to her family in Providence, RI. Charlotte is a well-groomed schoolgirl who feels misplaced sailing among a boorish crew. At first, Charlotte is enamored by Captain Jaggery’s gentlemanly and fastidious ways. However, Zachariah, an old sailor aboard the ship, befriends Charlotte and warns her of potential danger lurking among the crew and Captain Jaggery. Not long after, Charlotte discovers a darker side to Jaggery. She ultimately takes the side of the mutinous crew and transforms herself into a sailor, donning canvas shirt and pants. Jaggery feels threatened by young Charlotte and is determined to regain control at any cost. When Jaggery accuses Charlotte of murder, she must find a way to prove her innocence before it’s too late.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

In the Newbery Honor Book THE TRUE CONFESSIONS OF CHARLOTTE DOYLE, Avi, an awarding-winning author of many children’s books, writes a thrilling tale of high seas adventure, deception, and redemption. Charlotte Doyle, a thirteen-year-old schoolgirl from a prominent family, is traveling alone aboard the Seahawk merchant ship. Avi writes the book as a first person narrative in which Charlotte shares her personal account of the eventful transatlantic voyage. He provides vivid descriptions of Charlotte’s inner thoughts, as well as her emotional and physical transformation throughout the novel. For example, when Charlotte finally switches loyalty from Captain Jaggery to the crew, Charlotte explains: “…I told myself I must accept my responsibility so as to prove to those men that it had been my head that was wrong, not my heart…with fumbling hands I put on the seaman’s clothing.”

At the beginning of the book, Avi cleverly draws the reader into the story and provides details about the book’s setting and character’s history with a short prologue titled “An Important Warning.” Specifically, Charlotte, warns readers that the events they are about to read are truthful and that “if strong ideas and action offend you, read no more.” Readers quickly discover that the year is 1832, that Charlotte was American born and has been living in England for several years, and that her father is a prominent agent for an American business. Throughout the remainder of the book, Avi subtly provides the historical context in which well-bred girls of the day were expected to be refined in speech, dress, and manners. Captain Jaggery tries hard to use Charlotte’s unconventional actions aboard ship to his advantage, such as when he describes Charlotte as “a girl who, we all agree, is unnatural in every way she acts…Is it not our duty, our obligation to protect the natural order of the world?”

Avi uses authentic vernacular for all the characters, including Charlotte’s refined dialect from her proper upbringing in an English school, as well as the more rough and slang-infused language of the sailors. These varying voices add a rich flavor to the characters, yet are easy to understand for young readers. Avi also takes great care to use authentic language to describe the various parts of ship and how nautical time is kept. In the first chapter, Charlotte explains that she uses “words during my account that might not be readily familiar” and points the readers to an informative appendix where diagrams and definitions of boating terms are presented.

Throughout the novel, Charlotte struggles to do what is right and to find her suitable place in society. She at first seeks acceptance from Captain Jaggery, but is stunned to discover his deceptive and cruel ways. She then pledges her allegiance to the crew, donning a sailor’s garb and working among them. However, when she meets her family in Providence, she must return to her formal attire and cloistered existence. When Charlotte’s father reads her journal, she is forbidden to speak again of her “outlandish, not to say unnatural tales.” Charlotte will forever remember her old sailor friend Zachariah when he said “a sailor chooses the wind that takes the ship from a safe port. Be careful, Charlotte, careful of the wind you choose.” Readers will relish Avi’s surprise ending in which Charlotte follows the wind in her heart.

4. AWARDS WON AND REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

• School Library Journal (starred review): "A breathtaking, seafaring adventure.... Awash with shipboard activity, intense feelings, and a keen sense of time and place, the story is a throwback to good old-fashioned adventure yarns on the high seas. "
  
  
• Publisher’s Weekly: “Charlotte's story is a gem of nautical adventure… Never wavering from its 19th century setting, the novel offers suspense and entertainment modern-day readers will enjoy.”
  
  
• Newbery Honor Book Award 1991
  

5. CONNECTIONS

• Recommended for ages 12 and up.
  
  
• Avi had written over 60 books for children, many of which have received major awards. His books cover a variety of genres—historical fiction, animal tales, picture books, early readers, young adult books, etc. To learn more about Avi and to read is daily updated blog, visit: http://www.avi-writer.com/
  
  
• Avi has written numerous historical fiction novels; several examples include:
  -Avi. CRISPIN: THE CROSS OF LEAD. 2003. New York: Hyperion. ISBN: 9780786808281 (winner of the 2003 Newbery Medal) (Book 1)
  -Avi. CRISPIN: AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD. 2006. New York: Hyperion. ISBN: 9780786851522 (Book 2)
  -Avi. CRISPIN: THE END OF TIME. 2010. New York: Balzer & Bray. ISBN: 9780061740800. Coming June 2010 (Book 3).
  -Avi. DON’T YOU KNOW THERE’S A WAR ON? 2001. New York: HarperCollins. ISBN: 9780380978632.
  -Avi. FIGHTING GROUND. 1984. New York: HarperCollins. ISBN: 9780380730223.
  -Avi. HARD GOLD: THE COLORADO GOLD RUSH OF 1859. 2008. New York: Hyperion. ISBN: 9781423105190.
  -Avi. THE SECRET SCHOOL. 2001. New York: Harcourt. ISBN: 9780152163754.
  

• Examples of other children’s novels with strong female heroines include:
  -Creech, Sharon. WALK TWO MOONS. 1996. New York: HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN: 9780064405171.
  -George, Jean Craighead. JULIE OF THE WOLVES. 2003. New York: HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN: 9780060540951. (first published 1973).
  -Paterson, Katherine. BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA. 1987. New York: HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN: 9780064401845.
  -Paterson, Katherine. JACOB HAVE I LOVED. 1990. New York: HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN: 9780064403689.
  -O’Dell, Scott. ISLAND OF THE BLUE DOLPHINS. 1987. New York: Random House Children's Books. ISBN: 9780440439882.
  -West, Clare. ANNE OF GREEN GABLES. 1982. New York: Random House Children's Books. ISBN: 9780553213133.
  

The River Between Us

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Peck, Richard. THE RIVER BETWEEN US. 2003. New York: Dial Books. ISBN: 9780803727359.

2. PLOT SUMMARY

In THE RIVER BETWEEN US, Peck begins the novel in 1916 through the eyes of Howard Hutchins, a teenage boy traveling in a model T Ford with his father and two younger brothers. Together, they drive to Grand Tower, Illinois, where Howard meets several relatives for the first time and learns about his grandma Tilly Pruitt’s life during the Civil War. Tilly describes how her life changed forever in 1861 when two mysterious women from New Orleans—Delphine Duval and her companion Calinda—arrived in Grand Tower by steamboat. Tilly had never met a woman more glamorous and flamboyant than Delphine. Even more puzzling was the dark-skinned Calinda, who many speculated was Delphine’s slave. When Tilly’s mother offers to house the two newcomers, scandal erupts among the town folk. As fighting continues to surge between the North and South, Tilly’s twin brother, Noah, runs off to join the Union Army. Tilly and Delphine set off to find him and soon discover the horrors of war. Amid all the chaos, Tilly learns of Delphine’s true identity and an unlikely bond is forged between to the two young women that lasts a lifetime.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Award-winning author, Richard Peck, tells a riveting story that incorporates mystery, war, friendship, and love. The story begins in 1916 through the eyes of Howard Hutchins, a fifteen-year-old boy on his way to visit his elderly grandparents, great aunt, and great uncle in Grand Tower, Illinois. Upon his arrival to his relatives’ home, he feels “the weight of its history, and mystery.” Peck switches narrators and the novel then flashes back to 1861, when Howard’s grandmother, Tilly Pruitt, was only a teenager herself. Tilly recounts living in the small settlement of Grand Tower along the Mississippi River and how her life shifted when two newcomers arrived to town.

Through Tilly’s eyes, Peck carefully provides the historical context in which the characters live. The nation was in the midst of the Civil War, Lincoln was president, neighbor was fighting neighbor, and mothers were terrified that their young sons would disappear one day to fight in the war. In addition, Peck depicts the prejudice endured by “people of color” and the means many of mixed heritage took to hide their true identity. While Peck weaves details relevant to this pivotal time in our nation’s history, young readers will be not be overwhelmed with the prose. Peck creates realistic characters with authentic voices of the time. As Tilly describes, “you had to set fire to the woods and sift the ashes to find a Republican around here. But Lincoln was an Illinois man, one of us.”

Peck also takes great care in writing realistic descriptions of the clothing, living conditions, and language of his characters. For example, Peck vividly depicts Tilly’s first impressions of the newcomer Delphine: “heavens, I’d never seen such skirts—rustling taffeta stretched wide over hoops. Her top part was encased in a cut-plush cape, with tassels.” In addition, Delphine’s New Orleans French Creole and haughty dialog is peppered throughout the novel. Peck also reveals the horror of war when Tilly and Delphine set out to find Tilly’s twin brother who is injured and suffering in Camp Defiance in Cairo, Illinois—a hospital tent city in deplorable condition. As Peck writes, “they lay where they’d been sick…In the afternoon light slanting through the canvas, they looked like old men.”

In the author’s note, Peck discusses his comprehensive research while writing the novel. He provides background on Illinois’ role in the Civil War, as well as the history, culture, and attitude toward “people of color” in New Orleans during the nineteenth century and earlier times. Readers will be captivated by the excitement and mystery experienced by the young characters in THE RIVER BETWEEN US and also gain a fascinating perspective of our nation’s history.

4. AWARDS WON AND REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

• Booklist (starred review) (2003): “Peck's spare writing has never been more eloquent than in this powerful mystery in which personal secrets drive the plot and reveal the history…It's a riveting story that shows racism everywhere and young people facing war, not sure what side to be on or why.”

• Horn Book (starred review) (2003): “The harsh realities of war are brutally related in a complex, always surprising plot that resonates on multiple levels.”

• Kirkus Review (starred) (2003): “Peck writes beautifully…deftly handling themes of family, race, war, and history. A rich tale full of magic, mystery, and surprise.”

• School Library Journal (2003): “In this thoroughly researched novel, Peck masterfully describes the female Civil War experience, the subtle and not-too-subtle ways the country was changing, and the split in loyalty that separated towns and even families.”

• Finalist for the 2003 National Book Award, Young People's Literature

• Winner of the 2004 Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction

5. CONNECTIONS

• Recommended for readers age 12 and up.

• Readers can learn more about Richard Peck by visiting his Web site at: http://www.richardepeck.com/
  

• There are numerous other historical fiction novels about the American Civil War for older children and young adults. Several examples include:
  -Banks, Sandra. ABRAHAM’S BATTLE: A NOVEL OF GETTYSBURG. 1999. New York: Simon & Schuster Children's. ISBN: 9780689817793.
  -Beatty, Patricia. TURN HOMEWARD, HANNALEE. 1999. New York: HarperCollins Publisher. ISBN: 9780688166762.
  -Brenaman, Miriam. EVVY'S CIVIL WAR. 2004. New York: Penguin Group (USA). ISBN: 9780142400395.
  -Clapp, Patricia. THE TAMARACK TREE. 1986. New York: HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN: 9780688028527.
  -Crane, Stephen. THE RED BADGE OF COURAGE. 1981. New York: Random House Publishing Group. ISBN: 9780553210118.
  -Hahn, Mary Downing. HEAR THE WIND BLOW. 2003. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. ISBN: 9780618181902.
  -Matas, Carol. THE WAR WITHIN: A NOVEL OF THE CIVIL WAR. 2002. New York: Simon & Schuster Children's. ISBN: 9780689843587.
  -Paulson, Gary. A SOLDIER'S HEART: A NOVEL OF THE CIVIL WAR. 2000. New York: Random House Children's Books. ISBN: 9780440228387.
  

• Other books for children and young adults by Richard Peck include:
  -Peck Richard. A LONG WAY FROM CHICAGO. 2000. New York: Penguin Group. ISBN: 9780141303529 (winner of the Newberry Honor).
  -Peck, Richard. ON THE WINGS OF HEROES. 2008. New York: Penguin Group. ISBN: 9780142412046.
  -Peck, Richard. REMEMBERING THE GOOD TIMES. 1986. New York: Random House Children's Books. ISBN: 9780440973393.
  -Peck, Richard. A SEASON OF GIFTS. 2009. New York: Penguin Group. ISBN: 9780803730823.
  -Peck, Richard. SOMETHING FOR JOEY. 1983. New York: Random House Children's Books. ISBN: 9780553271997.
  -Peck, Richard. THE TEACHER’S FUNERAL. 2006. New York: Penguin Group. ISBN: 9780142405079.
  -Peck, Richard. A YEAR DOWN YONDER. 2002. New York: Penguin Group. ISBN: 9780142300701 (winner of the Newberry Award)