Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

A young girl learns about courage as she and her family help her friend escape to freedom.
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Resource: Chapter Book, Historical Fiction
Time: 1940-1945
Place: Denmark

Summary:
Annemarie lived in German occupied Copenhagen, Denmark.  Her best friend  Ellen, who lived in the same apartment building, was a Jew.  Word leaked out that the Jews of Denmark were scheduled to be relocated by the Nazis.  The people of Denmark, with the help of the Resistance, took those Jews and smuggled them across the sea to Sweden, almost 7,000 people. Annemaire watched and even helped as her mother, father and uncle helped with the endeavor.  Annemarie shows great courage in the face of danger as she played her small part.  The author does an outstanding job of teasing out the fact from fiction in the afterward.

Potentially Objectionable Content:
none

Reading Level: grade 4 - 7
Lexile Measure: 670L
Guided Reading Level: U


Format Links
Audiobook 
Kindle
Book

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The Perfect Wizard Hans Christian Anderson by Jane Yolan

An ugly duckly who wrote amazing flights of fancy.
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Resource: picture book, biography
Time: 1805 - 1875
Place: Denmark

Summary:
Hans Christian Anderson was a homely boy with a big imagination.  Born into poverty, his upbringing and education were unusual.  Though he suffered many setbacks and disappointments he persevered until he was successful.  He found success as a playwright and with fairy tales.  He wrote over 150 fairy tales in all.  This biography is interesting in that at the bottom of each page of prose there is a quote and usually an illustration to go with it from one of Anderson's stories.  The quotes fit in with the period of life being described.  It is illustrated in full color by Dennis Nolan.

Potentially Objectionable Content:
none

Reading Level: grade 3 - 5
Lexile Measure: 870L
Guided Reading Level: S

Format Links
Book

Additional Resources:

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