by Lois Lowry
1989
Age ranges: Grades 4-6
Genre(s): Historical Fiction, multicultural
John Newbery Award
John Newbery Award
Story summary:
Annemarie and Ellen are best friends that spend as much time together as possible, but something is changing in their lives that will put that friendship to the test. It is 1943 and Denmark is in the throes of World War II. Ellen is a Jew and the Germans have occupied Denmark and are beginning to deport the Jewish people. Annemarie's parents and many other Danes are instrumental in saving the lives of their Jewish friends and neighbors. With much drama and suspense, this story gives the reader a look into what life was like for these Danish people and the Jews they were striving to rescue in the telling of Annemarie's story and how she and her family and friends snuck Ellen's family and others to safety in Sweden.
Annemarie and Ellen are best friends that spend as much time together as possible, but something is changing in their lives that will put that friendship to the test. It is 1943 and Denmark is in the throes of World War II. Ellen is a Jew and the Germans have occupied Denmark and are beginning to deport the Jewish people. Annemarie's parents and many other Danes are instrumental in saving the lives of their Jewish friends and neighbors. With much drama and suspense, this story gives the reader a look into what life was like for these Danish people and the Jews they were striving to rescue in the telling of Annemarie's story and how she and her family and friends snuck Ellen's family and others to safety in Sweden.
My reaction:
This a a very powerful story. It brings to light the seriousness of what people went through when the Germans sought to destroy the Jewish nation. Many laid their lives on the line to save others and some made the ultimate sacrifice. This is a good story for teaching all of us to stand for what is right no matter the cost.
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