This week, I read a book called "Number the Stars". I read this book a year ago, and I'm reading this again in 6th grade. By reading twice, I was able to get more insight.
(Picture is from the movie "Number the Stars")
In 1940, Denmark, Copenhagen was invaded by the Nazis of Germany. The German soldiers took over the place, and many Jews were killed during that time. The author (who was born at a similar time) creates the two little girls' wonderful friendship through books from that dark period.
The story begins with 10 years old lanky Annemarie and 10 years old stocky Ellen the two best friends racing, but getting caught by the German soldiers. The two friends couldn’t have the same daily life as before because they had to get around every time they go to school to avoid them but most of all, the soldiers ‘relocated’ all the materials such as leather, or coffee. When the two moms heard that Ellen also was caught by the soldiers, they decided Ellen stay at Annemarie’s home for days because she was Jews and she knew that soldiers are trying to get the Jews out. But on that night, soldiers found Ellen. They went back again because the father lied that they are sisters, but still, Annemarie’s father decided to send them to Annemarie’s uncle because soldiers can be still suspicious. But the actual reason was to get into Sweden, where it’s still safe from Nazis. Her uncle Henrick was a fisherman, and with him and her dead sister’s once-boyfriend Peter, mother made a plan to go to Sweden without getting discovered. Because there will be lots of people getting together, they made a false circumstance so that it will be less suspicious; the death of the Great-aunt Birte. And because of that, soldiers actually came in but they didn’t get discovered. It was dark in the night, and finally, mom and Peter started to move. They divided the people into two, and mom and Peter each took one group over. But while mom was coming back, she got hurt and she was not able to take the important packet that can help disturb the soldier’s dog’s smell. Annemarie, who was Ellen’s best friend decided to take it herself even though her life can be dangerous. While she was going, she was halted again by the soldiers but she was able to get out by acting like a silly little girl. She completed her mission well, and because of her braveness, her friend was able to get into Sweden. By looking at this story, I think this book is mainly talking about friendship, bravery, courage, and even related to human dignity.
Annemarie had a lot of situations that she can get afraid or frightened of but she was rather calm and brave. What if I were in her situation? I guess that the feeling of fear does not affect everyone. Firstly there was a situation in which Ellen had to come over to Annemarie’s house because she was Jews and had to be concealed from the German soldiers. Also, there was a situation where Annemarie’s family all went together and helped Jews to get out of Denmark. These both require a lot of courage to do and if I were Annemarie, I would be scared to do it and be in that situation because even though the soldiers are only looking for Jews, being with Jews can also put you into trouble. It’s sorry for Ellen but if I become more truthful, I would rather think about why I have to be in danger but not feel thankful that Ellen can be safer in my house. And it’s not even me that soldiers are looking for anyway. Secondly, when Annemarie was in uncle Henrick’s house, she begins to know that her mama and uncle had lied to her so that she would not say anything, which can help her to be braver. If I were her, I would feel disappointed in adults because they lied to me and I would think that they are underrating me and that I’m too young to know what they know. But at the same time, I would feel thankful because I can feel that they are caring for me; I would never be able to speak to soldiers nor be able to be scared of being with Ellen all the time if I knew the exact truth. Thirdly, when I was Annemarie when she was taking the packet to uncle Henrick, I would feel so terrified and hopeless because I don’t have any idea what should I do. But seeing Annemarie acting like nothing had happened, I learned a lot of things by seeing her.
While I was writing about ‘what would I feel if I were in that situation, I felt that I was not as kind as I thought before, and many other people as well if they think about what would I do in that circumstance. And I think that’s why young Annemarie was so special to me; she had enough courage to make herself brave enough and instinctively cares for others but not thinking of my own sake and my own life, which most people can easily do. From this book, Annemarie thought me to be brave when you need to by not thinking about the dangers but just thinking about what you must do as uncle Henrick said. Also, she thought me to understand and cares for others. What she did for her friends; risking her life just for her came out from a true understanding about the situation that her friend is lying in, that she must go to Sweden without getting caught. This story provided an opportunity for me to think once again about human’s dignity and their own values of life.
Writer: Danielle Lee
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