Major Theme:

Courage, Friendship

Summary:

Set in Denmark in the 1940's, this is the story of a family who makes the choice to help their Jewish friends escape from the Nazis.

Question #1

Question #2

Question #3

What is the setting of the story?

Explain why Ellen's family was in trouble.

Where was Uncle Hendrik taking the Jews?

Question #4

Compare the relationship of Annemarie and Ellen to that of Pink and Say.

Question #5

What was in the package that Mr. Rosen dropped?

Question #6

Question #7

Question #8

Question #9

Tell what might have happened if the soldiers had kept the handkerchief.

What does "number the stars" mean?

Do you agree with Uncle Hendriks' definition of "brave" (page 123)?

What really happened to Lise?  How did that affect the family?

Question #10

Is Annemarie a hero?  Why or why not?

Question #11

Question #12

Question #13

Question #14

Question #15

Question #16

Question #17

Question #18

Extension #1

Extension #2

Extension #3

Go with your class on a visit to the Holocaust Museum in St. Louis County.

Pretend you are Ellen.  Write a letter to the Johansen family telling them what happened after you reached Sweden.
 

Research the customs surrounding the observance of the Sabbath in Jewish homes.  Have a rabbi come and explain the meaning to the class.

Extension #4

Netsearch the monarchy of Denmark.  What happened to King Christian X?  Is there a present day king or queen of Denmark?

Extension #5