adolecent readers

Number the Stars is written by Lois Lowry. This book is meant for adolescent readers. The story is of a young girl named Annemarie who loves in demark during the time of the Nazi regime. She and her family are desperately trying to hide one of her friends, who is Jewish, from the Nazi soldiers all while keeping their own family safe.

Six elements of Social Justice Curriculum Design are contained within this book. Self-love and knowing are shown in this book as Annemarie understands herself and others around her. She comes to terms with her responsibility to her friend. Her and her family have a true respect for others, they try to help who they can against a tyrannical system who does not believe everyone had value. The issue of social justice is, as a whole, the Holocaust. The social justice on a more individual level is having to decide what level of involvement the family and Annemarie play in the Holocaust and if they will help or hurt those around them. Within the book the Nazi social movement and call for social change are seen. It is imperative to show children that social movements can be both good and bad and that it is our job to understand which is which. The awareness raising in the book is also critical. The awareness about the holocaust must be shown as well as other instances of holocausts occurring, from the past to the recent present. Social action is shown by Annemarie as she and her family decide that they must do what is right instead of what is easy.

Number the Stars can be incorporated into the curriculum during holocaust remembrance week, when learning about the Nazi Regime, or when talking about social justice. This book is a good conduit to help talk about the tough topic of genocide.

~AE