Lois Lowry's Number the Stars is a cornerstone of children's literature, a powerful introduction to the Holocaust through the eyes of ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen. Its exploration of friendship, bravery, and quiet resistance leaves a lasting impact on young readers. If its blend of historical gravity and heartfelt storytelling resonated with you or a young reader in your life, you're likely searching for more books like Number the Stars that capture that same spirit.
Where do you turn when you want to explore similar themes of courage in the face of injustice? This curated list provides a roadmap. We've selected six exceptional middle grade and young adult novels that, like Lowry's classic, don't shy away from difficult history but handle it with grace and a focus on human resilience. Each title offers a unique window into a different historical moment, from Nazi Germany and Soviet-occupied Lithuania to the refugee crises of the 20th and 21st centuries.
This guide is designed to help you discover your next meaningful read. For fans of Annemarie's story, these recommendations provide perfect follow-up adventures that continue the conversation about compassion, sacrifice, and the strength of the human spirit during challenging times.
1. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
For readers seeking another profound story set during World War II, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak offers a powerful and unforgettable experience. This novel stands out as one of the quintessential books like Number the Stars for its exploration of humanity, courage, and the quiet acts of defiance that define a person's character in the face of overwhelming evil. It tells the story of Liesel Meminger, a young foster girl in Nazi Germany who discovers the transformative power of words.
Narrated by Death itself, the novel provides a unique and haunting perspective on life and mortality during the war. Liesel’s journey begins when she steals her first book, a gravedigger’s manual, and her passion for literature grows from there. Her foster parents, Hans and Rosa Hubermann, harbor a Jewish man named Max Vandenburg in their basement, creating a dangerous and secret world within their home. The bond that forms between Liesel and Max, built on shared stories and nightmares, is a central and deeply moving part of the narrative.
Why It's a Great Follow-Up to Number the Stars
While Number the Stars focuses on the Danish Resistance and the rescue of Jewish citizens, The Book Thief provides a poignant look at life for ordinary German citizens under Nazi rule. This offers a complementary perspective, showing how individuals grappled with the regime’s ideology and the moral complexities of their time.
- Shared Themes: Both novels highlight the innocence of children thrust into adult conflicts, the importance of family (both biological and found), and the courage required to do what is right.
- Literary Power: Just as stories and fairy tales provide comfort in Number the Stars, the written word becomes a tool for survival, connection, and rebellion for Liesel.
- Emotional Depth: Zusak's novel, though often heartbreaking, is filled with moments of love, beauty, and resilience that will resonate deeply with readers who appreciated the emotional weight of Lois Lowry's classic.
Tips for Readers
Due to its mature themes, including loss and the grim realities of war, The Book Thief is generally recommended for readers aged 12 and up. Its sophisticated narrative and rich vocabulary make it a compelling choice for young adults and a staple in many school curricula. Its inclusion on reading lists, much like those you can explore for younger grades, speaks to its literary merit. Pairing the book with discussions about the historical context of Nazi Germany can greatly enhance the reading experience.
2. The Devil's Arithmetic by Jane Yolen
For those looking for a book that bridges contemporary life with the historical weight of the Holocaust, The Devil's Arithmetic by Jane Yolen is a compelling and essential choice. This novel stands out among books like Number the Stars for its unique time-travel element, which serves to make the past horrifyingly immediate for both the protagonist and the reader. It tells the story of Hannah Stern, a modern Jewish-American girl who is tired of hearing about the past.
During her family’s Passover Seder, Hannah is chosen to perform the ritual of opening the door for the prophet Elijah. When she does, she is mysteriously transported back in time to a Polish village in 1942, finding herself in the body of her own great-aunt, Chaya. Stripped of her modern identity, she is captured by Nazis along with the other villagers and sent to a concentration camp. Hannah’s initial apathy is replaced by a desperate fight for survival, memory, and dignity.
Why It's a Great Follow-Up to Number the Stars
While Number the Stars depicts the brave efforts of rescuers, The Devil's Arithmetic immerses the reader directly into the experience of those who were captured. This powerful narrative device makes history personal and tangible, forcing readers to confront the realities of the Holocaust from an unforgettable first-person perspective.
- Shared Themes: Both novels explore the importance of memory, heritage, and the immense courage found in sacrifice. The central theme of remembering those who were lost is critical to both stories.
- A Bridge to History: Yolen’s novel acts as a powerful educational tool, connecting a modern-day protagonist’s indifference to the harsh lessons of the past. It highlights why understanding history is not just an academic exercise but a vital human responsibility.
- Emotional Resonance: Readers who connected with Annemarie's journey of understanding will find Hannah’s transformation equally moving. The story’s conclusion is both heartbreaking and profound, leaving a lasting impact on the importance of family stories and remembrance.
Tips for Readers
The Devil's Arithmetic is ideal for introducing the history of the Holocaust to readers aged 10 to 14. Its unique premise makes it a frequent selection in middle school classrooms and a winner of the National Jewish Book Award. Discussing the story in the context of one's own family history can make the themes of memory and heritage even more powerful.
3. Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
For those searching for books like Number the Stars that explore a lesser-known facet of World War II history, Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys is an essential and heart-wrenching read. This powerful novel shines a light on the brutal Soviet occupation of the Baltic states, telling a story of survival, hope, and art as a form of resistance. It follows fifteen-year-old Lina Vilkas, an aspiring artist whose life is shattered when Soviet secret police deport her and her family from Lithuania to a Siberian labor camp in 1941.
Based on the true and often silenced history of Baltic deportations under Stalin's regime, the novel chronicles Lina’s harrowing journey. Facing starvation, disease, and relentless cruelty, she uses her art to document the atrocities, embedding clues in her drawings with the hope that they will find their way to her father in a separate prison camp. Lina's fierce determination to preserve her family’s dignity and tell their story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable suffering.
Why It's a Great Follow-Up to Number the Stars
While Number the Stars details the rescue of a people from Nazi persecution, Between Shades of Gray offers a parallel narrative of a people targeted for annihilation by the Soviet regime. This provides a crucial and eye-opening historical perspective on the widespread devastation of the era, moving beyond the Western Front.
- Shared Themes: Both novels feature a courageous young female protagonist who risks everything for her family. They explore themes of injustice, the loss of innocence, and the immense strength found in quiet acts of defiance.
- Historical Significance: Sepetys’s book illuminates a tragic chapter of history that is not widely taught, much like how Number the Stars brought the Danish Resistance to the forefront for many young readers.
- Emotional Resonance: The deep emotional core of Lina’s story, her unwavering hope, and her profound love for her family will deeply affect readers who connected with Annemarie Johansen’s journey.
Tips for Readers
Due to its intense subject matter, including depictions of starvation and brutality, Between Shades of Gray is recommended for more mature readers, typically ages 14 and up. Reading the author’s note first can provide valuable historical context about Stalin’s deportations and enhance understanding. This novel is not only a gripping story but also a powerful coming-of-age narrative, making it a compelling choice for those exploring the best coming-of-age novels that tackle serious themes.
4. Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
For readers ready for a more complex and intense narrative, Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein is an exceptional choice. This gripping World War II thriller is one of the most sophisticated books like Number the Stars, delving into the harrowing experiences of two best friends caught in the war. The story centers on a young British spy captured in Nazi-occupied France who is forced to write a confession, detailing her mission and her friendship with a brilliant female pilot.
The novel unfolds through this confession, a document filled with codes, memories, and half-truths. Queenie, the captured spy, recounts her deep bond with Maddie, the pilot who flew her into France. Their story is one of profound loyalty, courage, and sacrifice, painting a vivid picture of the roles women played in the war effort, from espionage to flying for the Air Transport Auxiliary. As Queenie's narrative progresses, the lines between truth and fiction blur, creating a puzzle that the reader must solve alongside her captors.
Why It's a Great Follow-Up to Number the Stars
While Lois Lowry's novel explores resistance from a child's perspective on the home front, Code Name Verity thrusts its young adult protagonists directly into the heart of wartime operations. It elevates the themes of bravery and friendship to a new level of intensity, showcasing the ultimate sacrifices made in the name of freedom.
- Shared Themes: Both books are powerful explorations of friendship and loyalty under extreme pressure. They highlight how ordinary people, including young women, can demonstrate extraordinary courage.
- Perspective on Resistance: This novel provides a detailed look at the organized resistance and espionage networks, complementing the civilian-led rescue efforts shown in Number the Stars.
- Emotional Depth: The fierce, unbreakable bond between Queenie and Maddie is the core of the story. Readers who were moved by the friendship between Annemarie and Ellen will find the relationship in Code Name Verity deeply affecting and unforgettable.
Tips for Readers
Winner of the Michael L. Printz Award, this book is best suited for advanced readers aged 14 and up due to its non-linear structure and mature themes. The narrative requires close attention to detail. Keeping a small notepad to track characters and timeline shifts can be helpful. Post-reading discussions about the nature of truth, loyalty, and the moral ambiguities of war can greatly enrich the experience.
5. Refugee by Alan Gratz
For those who appreciated the harrowing journey and themes of escape in Number the Stars, Alan Gratz's Refugee expands the lens to encompass the universal and timeless struggle for safety. This powerful novel is one of the most compelling books like Number the Stars because it masterfully connects historical and contemporary crises, showing that the desperate search for a safe home is a story that repeats throughout history. It follows the intertwining paths of three young protagonists separated by time and geography.
The narrative weaves together three distinct yet parallel stories: Josef, a Jewish boy fleeing Nazi Germany in 1938 aboard the M.S. St. Louis; Isabel, a Cuban girl escaping the turmoil of Fidel Castro's rule in 1994 on a makeshift raft; and Mahmoud, a Syrian boy whose family must leave their war-torn home in 2015. Each character faces unimaginable dangers, from persecution and political instability to treacherous journeys across land and sea. Gratz skillfully alternates between their perspectives, building suspense and drawing powerful connections that culminate in a stunning, interconnected conclusion.
Why It's a Great Follow-Up to Number the Stars
While Number the Stars provides a deep dive into one specific historical rescue mission, Refugee offers a broader, more global perspective on the experience of being a child refugee. It highlights the shared humanity and courage that transcend different eras and conflicts, making it a vital read for developing empathy and historical understanding.
- Shared Themes: Both novels center on the bravery of young people forced to confront immense danger. Themes of family sacrifice, the loss of home, and the desperate hope for a better life are central to both narratives.
- Historical Context: Just as Lowry's book illuminates the Danish Resistance, Gratz’s work educates readers on three major world events: the Holocaust, the Cuban rafter crisis, and the Syrian civil war, promoting a deeper understanding of world history.
- Emotional Resonance: The feeling of suspense and the high emotional stakes that define Annemarie Johansen’s story are amplified across the three storylines in Refugee, creating a deeply moving and unforgettable reading experience.
Tips for Readers
Refugee is a New York Times bestseller and is widely used in middle school classrooms to discuss history, social justice, and current events. It is best suited for readers aged 9 to 12, but its resonant themes make it powerful for teens and adults as well. Using maps to trace each character's journey can help readers visualize the immense distances and obstacles they faced.
The following timeline visualizes the distinct eras and journeys of the novel's three protagonists.
This visualization highlights how the refugee experience, while unique to each context, is a recurring global event spanning decades. The novel powerfully illustrates that while the circumstances change, the human desire for safety and dignity remains constant. For those interested in how such stories contribute to a more inclusive literary landscape, you can learn more about representation in children's books and its importance.
6. Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai
For readers drawn to stories of displacement and resilience, Inside Out and Back Again offers a beautifully rendered and deeply personal narrative. While it moves beyond the World War II setting, this novel is a powerful choice for those looking for books like Number the Stars because it masterfully captures a child’s experience of losing her home and finding her way in a new, unfamiliar world. The story follows ten-year-old Hà as her family flees Saigon during its fall in 1975 and begins a difficult new life as refugees in Alabama.
Written in a series of poignant free-verse poems, the novel chronicles Hà's year of turmoil and transformation. The unique format provides an intimate glimpse into her mind as she navigates the pain of leaving her homeland, the challenges of learning a new language and culture, and the cruelty of schoolyard bullies. The narrative voice is authentic and compelling, showing Hà’s struggle to hold onto her identity while everything around her changes. This semi-autobiographical work won both the National Book Award and a Newbery Honor, solidifying its place as a modern classic.
Why It's a Great Follow-Up to Number the Stars
Though set during the Vietnam War, Inside Out and Back Again explores universal themes that will feel familiar to readers of Lowry’s novel. It shifts the focus from an act of rescue to the aftermath of conflict, exploring what happens to a family after they are forced to flee. This provides a crucial and complementary perspective on the enduring impact of war on children.
- Shared Themes: Both books delve into the loss of innocence, the strength of family bonds in times of crisis, and the profound challenge of finding hope and normalcy amidst chaos.
- A Child's Perspective: Like Annemarie, Hà is a young girl whose life is irrevocably altered by historical events beyond her control. Her story is told with a similar focus on the small, personal moments that define a larger historical tragedy.
- Emotional Depth: The spare, poetic language powerfully conveys Hà's feelings of grief, frustration, and eventual resilience. Readers who connected with the quiet emotional weight of Number the Stars will find a similar, deeply moving experience here.
Tips for Readers
The novel’s verse format makes it highly accessible and a quick, impactful read, perfect for readers aged 8 to 12. Its unique structure is an excellent entry point for young readers to engage with poetry. Educators often use the book to open discussions about the Vietnam War from a civilian perspective and to foster empathy for the immigrant and refugee experience. Connecting Hà’s journey to contemporary stories of displaced people can make for a powerful and relevant learning opportunity.
Historical Fiction Books Comparison
| Title | Implementation Complexity 🔄 | Resource Requirements ⚡ | Expected Outcomes 📊 | Ideal Use Cases 💡 | Key Advantages ⭐ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Book Thief by Markus Zusak | Moderate: historical & magical realism blend | Medium: requires mature readers | Deep emotional impact, historical perspective | Young adults and adults interested in WWII themes | Unique narration, lyrical style, awards |
| The Devil's Arithmetic by Jane Yolen | Low to moderate: straightforward time-travel narrative | Low: accessible to middle schoolers | Increased historical awareness and empathy | Introducing Holocaust history to ages 10-14 | Engaging plot, educational, character growth |
| Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys | Moderate: historical research & emotional narrative | Medium: suited for mature teens | Awareness of lesser-known WWII tragedies | Mature young readers learning about Soviet deportations | Historically accurate, strong protagonist |
| Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein | High: dual narratives with complex plot twists | High: demands attentive, advanced readers | Intellectual engagement and emotional depth | Advanced readers studying WWII espionage | Strong female leads, sophisticated storytelling |
| Refugee by Alan Gratz | Low: multiple simple interconnected storylines | Low: accessible to younger readers | Broad understanding of refugee experiences | Classroom discussions on immigration & refugees | Contemporary relevance, multiple perspectives |
| Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai | Low: poetic verse format, semi-autobiographical | Low: short and accessible | Empathy for immigrant experience via poetry | Readers interested in refugee narratives & poetry | Unique poetic form, authentic cultural insight |
Beyond the List: Continuing the Journey Through History
The journey that begins with Annemarie Johansen’s quiet act of bravery in Copenhagen doesn't have to end with the final page of Number the Stars. The stories we've explored, from Liesel Meminger’s word-stealing defiance in The Book Thief to Lina Vilkas’s artistic resilience in Between Shades of Gray, are threads in a much larger tapestry of human history. Each novel serves as a powerful testament to the extraordinary courage found in ordinary people, especially young people, who are caught in the crosscurrents of conflict and injustice.
These narratives are more than just historical fiction; they are empathy engines. By walking in the shoes of characters like Hannah in The Devil's Arithmetic or the trio of protagonists in Alan Gratz's Refugee, young readers gain a profound, personal connection to events that might otherwise feel distant and abstract. The books act as safe, yet unflinching, entry points into some of humanity's most challenging chapters, fostering a deeper understanding of resilience, loss, and the enduring power of hope.
Key Takeaways from These Stories
The common thread weaving through all these books like Number the Stars is the exploration of courage in its many forms. It’s not always about grand, heroic gestures. More often, it's about the small, consistent choices that define a person's character.
- Courage is Quiet: Annemarie’s bravery was in her silence and her swift, unquestioning action. Similarly, Hà’s quiet observation in Inside Out and Back Again is its own form of strength.
- Friendship is a Lifeline: The bond between "Maddie" and "Queenie" in Code Name Verity and the unlikely friendship between Liesel and Max demonstrate how human connection can be a powerful act of resistance against dehumanizing forces.
- Hope is Essential for Survival: Whether it’s Lina drawing to preserve her family’s memory or Mahmoud fighting for visibility in Refugee, hope is the fuel that keeps the human spirit moving forward against impossible odds.
Your Next Steps: From Reading to Understanding
Transforming reading into a truly impactful experience involves taking the stories off the page and into real-world conversations. For parents, educators, and young readers alike, the journey continues with these actionable steps:
- Start a Dialogue: Use these books as a springboard for conversations. Ask open-ended questions like, "What would you have done in Annemarie's situation?" or "How did Lina’s art help her survive?" This helps connect the historical context to personal values and ethical choices.
- Explore Further: Let one book lead to another. If Refugee resonated, seek out other stories about the contemporary refugee experience. If Code Name Verity sparked an interest in women’s roles in WWII, find nonfiction accounts or other novels that explore that specific theme.
- Connect to the Present: Discuss how the themes in these historical novels, such as prejudice, displacement, and social justice, are still relevant today. This vital step helps young readers understand that history is not just a collection of past events but a living force that continues to shape our world.
By actively engaging with these powerful narratives, you are not just consuming stories; you are building a foundation of empathy, critical thinking, and historical awareness. The search for books like Number the Stars is a search for understanding, and it’s a journey that makes us all more compassionate, informed, and courageous global citizens.
At Number 6 Publishing, we are dedicated to discovering and sharing stories that carry the same emotional weight and historical importance as the books on this list. We believe that powerful narratives from diverse and underrepresented voices are essential for building a more empathetic world. Explore our curated collection of middle grade and YA fiction to find your next unforgettable read at Number 6 Publishing.