Teaching Number the Stars in 2025: Why Lois Lowry’s WWII Classic Still Matters in a World at War

For Teachers of World Literature, History, and International Studies

In an age where students encounter daily news about war and displacement—from the Israel-Iran conflict to global refugee crises—Lois Lowry’s Number the Stars remains a gentle yet powerful tool for helping young readers understand the human face of conflict.

Set in 1943 Copenhagen, this Newbery Medal-winning novel follows Annemarie Johansen, a 10-year-old girl whose family risks their lives to save their Jewish neighbors. It’s a story of quiet resistance, moral courage, and the bonds of friendship in the face of fascism.

Why Number the Stars Still Belongs in the 2025 Classroom

Teachers of high school world history, international studies, Holocaust education, or world literature will find that this novel:

• Introduces students to civilian resistance movements during World War II

• Encourages empathy by exploring war through the eyes of a child

• Sparks rich discussion about moral responsibility and personal choice in times of crisis

• Connects past events to current humanitarian and political conflicts

Teaching Tip:

Connect the novel to current events by assigning news articles about the Middle East conflict or recent refugee stories. Ask students:
Who are the helpers today? What does resistance look like now? This brings history into the present and builds global awareness.

If You Liked Number the Stars, Read These Next:

1. For Teaching: They Called Us Enemy by George Takei

This graphic memoir recounts actor George Takei’s childhood in a Japanese American internment camp. Pair it with Number the Stars to explore different perspectives on WWII, including themes of racism, government overreach, and resilience.

✅ Great for visual learners
✅ Sparks discussion on civil liberties and fear-based policy
✅ Accessible for 8th–12th grade

Keywords: WWII memoirs, internment camps, graphic novels for history class, Japanese American literature, teaching civil rights

2. For Sheer Pleasure: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Narrated by Death itself, this beautifully written novel follows a German girl who steals books and learns the power of words during the Holocaust. A perfect companion for students who enjoy literary fiction with emotional depth.

✅ Ideal for independent reading or literature circles
✅ Encourages metaphor analysis and critical thinking
✅ Appeals to advanced readers in grades 9–12

Keywords: WWII fiction for teens, books about Nazi Germany, young adult historical novels, empathy through literature

Discussion Questions for the Classroom

Here are five flexible questions you can use in literature, history, or social studies classes:

1. Why do you think the author chose a young girl as the narrator?

2. How do Annemarie’s small acts of courage compare to more dramatic forms of resistance?

3. How do the Johansens’ choices reflect or challenge the idea of “ordinary” heroism?

4. What parallels can we draw between WWII Denmark and today’s global conflicts?

5. In what ways does literature help us understand the emotional cost of war?

Final Thoughts: Teaching Empathy Through History

In a world where students often feel overwhelmed by violence and uncertainty, Number the Stars remains a beacon of hope, empathy, and moral courage. By inviting students to explore history through literature, we give them tools to understand today’s global conflicts with nuance and compassion.

Whether you’re planning a unit on WWII, building a global studies syllabus, or simply looking for a novel that fosters critical thinking and empathy, Number the Stars continues to deliver.