Number the Stars

The questions inside

One per chapter, across all 17 chapters — every question is editable before you print.

1. Chapter 1: How do Annemarie, Ellen, and Kirsti react when the soldiers stop them on the street? What do their reactions show about each girl?
2. Chapter 2: Annemarie thinks about King Christian X and the story of the bodyguard. What does this chapter help you understand about how the Danish people feel about their king and their country?
3. Chapter 3: Mrs. Hirsch's button shop is suddenly closed. What clues show that something serious has happened, and how do the adults try to protect the children?
4. Chapter 4: Why do the Rosens need Ellen to stay with Annemarie's family? How does the mood of the chapter change from the beginning to the end?
5. Chapter 5: When the soldiers come to the Johansens' apartment at night, how do Annemarie and her parents help protect Ellen? Which action do you think is the bravest?
6. Chapter 6: Papa speaks in code on the telephone to Uncle Henrik. What do you think some of the code words mean, and why is it important that he does not say the real message?
7. Chapter 7: How is Uncle Henrik's house by the sea different from Copenhagen? How might this setting help Annemarie, Ellen, and the others feel both safer and more worried?
8. Chapter 8: The adults say there has been a death, but Annemarie has never heard of Great-aunt Birte. What do you predict is really happening, and what details support your prediction?
9. Chapter 9: Uncle Henrik tells Annemarie it is easier to be brave if you do not know everything. Do you agree with him? Why or why not?
10. Chapter 10: During the fake funeral, the soldiers demand that the casket be opened. How do Mama and Peter handle this dangerous moment, and what does it show about them?
11. Chapter 11: The word 'contempt' means a feeling that someone or something is not worthy of respect. How does Peter show contempt for the soldiers, and why might that be risky?
12. Chapter 12: Mama has not returned from taking the Rosens to the boat. What do Annemarie and the reader learn when Annemarie looks outside, and how does this create suspense?
13. Chapter 13: Annemarie must take the important packet to Uncle Henrik. What challenges does she face, and how does she begin to act more like a grown-up?
14. Chapter 14: As Annemarie walks through the woods, she remembers the story of Little Red Riding Hood. How does that fairy tale connect to what is happening to her?
15. Chapter 15: The soldiers and their dogs stop Annemarie on the path. How does Annemarie use Kirsti's behavior as a model, and why does acting like a silly little girl help her?
16. Chapter 16: Uncle Henrik explains the secret plan and the special handkerchief. How does this new information change your understanding of earlier events in the story?
17. Chapter 17: At the end of the book, Annemarie learns more about Lise, Peter, and the Resistance. What message do you think the author wants readers to remember about courage and friendship?

Example answers

Printed at the front of the booklet, so your reader can see what a strong answer looks like.

Chapter 5: When the soldiers come to the Johansens' apartment at night, how do Annemarie and her parents help protect Ellen? Which action do you think is the bravest?

I think Annemarie and her parents protect Ellen by pretending she is part of their family. Annemarie yanks off Ellen's Star of David necklace so the soldiers will not see it. Papa also uses the baby pictures to make the soldiers believe Ellen is Lise. I think Annemarie's action is the bravest because she has to think quickly even though she is terrified.

Chapter 9: Uncle Henrik tells Annemarie it is easier to be brave if you do not know everything. Do you agree with him? Why or why not?

I partly agree with Uncle Henrik because knowing every danger might make a person too scared to act. Annemarie can help more when she only knows what she needs to know. However, I also think it can be hard when adults keep secrets, because Annemarie feels confused and worried. In this chapter, I think Uncle Henrik is trying to protect her and help her be brave.

Chapter 16: Uncle Henrik explains the secret plan and the special handkerchief. How does this new information change your understanding of earlier events in the story?

This information helps me understand why the packet was so important. Before, I knew Annemarie had to deliver it, but I did not know it could keep the people hidden from the dogs. Now the trip through the woods seems even more dangerous and important. It also shows that many people worked together in a clever way to save the Rosens and the other Jewish families.