Activity Overview
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.
The Danish Rescue Effort
Number the Stars
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.
Real Life
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.
Nazi Detainment
Number the Stars
People were collected from the streets and sent to detainment camps, simply for being Jewish.
Real Life
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.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard comparing Number the Stars to history.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Select two (or more) historical events from the book.
- In the first column, identify those events, along with a quote from the book.
- In the second column, describe the event as it happens in Number the Stars.
- In the third column, describe the event as it happens in history.
- Illustrate each event with appropriate scenes, characters, and items. Alternatively, use Photos for Class for historical images.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison Analysis | Text and images include a clear explanation of similarities and/or differences between the categories or topics. These comparisons go beyond superficial elements and show strong understanding of the story elements. | Text and images include an explanation of similarities and/or differences between the categories or topics, but the explanation may lack clarity or show only superficial understanding in some squares. | Text and images may include no explanation of similarities and/or differences, or they may make only superficial or inaccurate comparisons. |
| Textual Explanation | The text clearly and accurately describes all the scenes and concepts depicted. | The text clearly and accurately describes most of the scenes and concepts depicted. | The text fails to describe most of the scenes clearly and accurately. |
| Storyboard Image and Effort | Student clearly shows effort to convey the setting, characters and specific scene of the book. The scene is clearly identifiable based on the graphic depiction. | Student attempts to convey the setting, characters, and specific scene through use of graphics, but the depiction may be confusing, disordered, or lack some detail. | Student does not clearly convey the setting, characters, and scene. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Student uses exemplary spelling and grammar. There are no errors. | Student makes one or two minor errors in spelling and grammar. | Student makes multiple errors in spelling and grammar. |
Activity Overview
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.
The Danish Rescue Effort
Number the Stars
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.
Real Life
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.
Nazi Detainment
Number the Stars
People were collected from the streets and sent to detainment camps, simply for being Jewish.
Real Life
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.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard comparing Number the Stars to history.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Select two (or more) historical events from the book.
- In the first column, identify those events, along with a quote from the book.
- In the second column, describe the event as it happens in Number the Stars.
- In the third column, describe the event as it happens in history.
- Illustrate each event with appropriate scenes, characters, and items. Alternatively, use Photos for Class for historical images.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison Analysis | Text and images include a clear explanation of similarities and/or differences between the categories or topics. These comparisons go beyond superficial elements and show strong understanding of the story elements. | Text and images include an explanation of similarities and/or differences between the categories or topics, but the explanation may lack clarity or show only superficial understanding in some squares. | Text and images may include no explanation of similarities and/or differences, or they may make only superficial or inaccurate comparisons. |
| Textual Explanation | The text clearly and accurately describes all the scenes and concepts depicted. | The text clearly and accurately describes most of the scenes and concepts depicted. | The text fails to describe most of the scenes clearly and accurately. |
| Storyboard Image and Effort | Student clearly shows effort to convey the setting, characters and specific scene of the book. The scene is clearly identifiable based on the graphic depiction. | Student attempts to convey the setting, characters, and specific scene through use of graphics, but the depiction may be confusing, disordered, or lack some detail. | Student does not clearly convey the setting, characters, and scene. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Student uses exemplary spelling and grammar. There are no errors. | Student makes one or two minor errors in spelling and grammar. | Student makes multiple errors in spelling and grammar. |
How Tos about Number the Stars - Comparing the Book to History
Engage students with a primary source analysis activity
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.
Select relevant primary sources for your lesson
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.
Guide students in analyzing the sources
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.
Facilitate a comparison discussion
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.
Encourage reflection through a short writing activity
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Number the Stars - Comparing the Book to History
What are the historical events depicted in Number the Stars?
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.
How is Number the Stars different from actual history?
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.
Why is it important to compare Number the Stars to real history?
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.
What is the Danish Resistance Movement in Number the Stars and in real life?
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.
How can students create a lesson comparing Number the Stars to history?
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.
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