Often, we have background knowledge about a subject, or research the subject over the course of time in which we read our books. Historical fictions are books that use a real place and time as the setting of a fictional story. These stories often seem realistic and may be based on real accounts of something that actually happened. It's important for students to have context while they read Number the Stars, and this activity combines research with the novel, as students will have to select important events in the book and research their historical counterparts.
In Number the Stars, the occupation of Denmark by Germany and their intended seizure of all Jewish people really happened. The Danish Resistance Movement was also real. Lowry’s characters, though doing many of the things that Danes did to help Danish Jews, are fictional. They were based on real people, but unlike the account in The Diary of Anne Frank, these characters never actually lived.
In the book, there are many fishermen who also helped to save the lives of people being hunted by the Nazis. Peter was an active member of the Danish Resistance, and Uncle Henrik was one of the fishermen who sailed people to Sweden for safety.
Over 7,200 Jewish citizens of Denmark were saved because of the efforts of the Danish Resistance Movement. Fishermen did smuggle Jewish Danes to Sweden.
People were collected from the streets and sent to detainment camps, simply for being Jewish.
Nazis did hunt and imprison Jews. They segregated people based on religion, gender, and race. Many people the Nazis did not like were sent to prison camps.
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Student Instructions
Create a storyboard comparing Number the Stars to history.
Boost critical thinking by having students examine actual historical documents or photos from World War II. Comparing primary sources with scenes from Number the Stars helps students deepen their understanding of fiction versus reality and encourages evidence-based discussion.
Choose age-appropriate letters, photos, or newspaper articles from WWII that connect to events in the novel. Use museum websites or educational archives to find materials that are easy for students to understand and discuss.
Model how to observe details, ask questions, and infer meaning from each source. Encourage students to look for clues about daily life, emotions, and historical context.
Lead a class or small-group conversation where students compare what they learned from the primary sources to events in Number the Stars. Prompt students to note similarities, differences, and surprises for a richer understanding.
Ask students to write a quick paragraph or journal entry describing how the primary source analysis changed their view of the novel’s historical accuracy. This solidifies learning and builds critical literacy skills.
Number the Stars illustrates real historical events like the German occupation of Denmark, the efforts of the Danish Resistance Movement, the rescue of over 7,200 Jewish citizens, and the involvement of fishermen helping Jews escape to Sweden. While the main characters are fictional, their actions are based on true stories from World War II.
While Number the Stars is rooted in real events, its main characters are fictional, unlike historical figures such as Anne Frank. The book’s plot mirrors true acts of bravery but uses imagined individuals to represent the experiences of many real Danes and Jews during the Nazi occupation.
Comparing Number the Stars to actual history helps students gain context, deepen understanding of World War II, and distinguish between fiction and fact. This approach encourages critical thinking and empathy by connecting the novel’s events to real-life experiences.
In the book, the Danish Resistance Movement is shown through characters like Peter, who secretly oppose the Nazis. Historically, this group helped save thousands of Jews in Denmark, organizing escapes and sabotaging German efforts during the occupation.
Students can make a comparison chart by selecting events from the book, finding matching historical facts, and illustrating each. This activity supports research skills and helps students visualize connections between fiction and real events.