Author: Lois Lowry
Date of Publication: February 1998
Title: Number the Stars
ISBN – 13: 9780440227533
The level (what grade level): Read Aloud or Very high individual reading
Topic (what it is about): Life for a ten year old during WWII.
The storyline: A ten year old, Annemarie Johansen is growing up in 1943 in Copenhagen. Nazi soldiers march up and down the streets in her town. The Nazis will not stop. Her best friend Ellen moves in with her and pretends to be part of her family. Then Annemarie is asked to go on a dangerous mission. Somehow she must find the strength and courage to save her best friend’s life.
Why you liked it: I love anything that deals with WWII. This story is one that children can read to enjoy but also learn a bit of history as well.
What you might be able to do with it in a class: I would incorporate this book into a history lesson on WWII and Nazis. Maybe have the class do a little more research in the school library on this subject.
Author: Lois Lowry
Date of Publication: September 2002
Title: The Giver
ISBN – 13: 9780440237686
The level (what grade level): Read Aloud or Very high individual reading
Topic (what it is about): Memories being shared
The storyline: Jonas receives memories that are shared by only one other. He quickly discovers how his society works. The truths are astounding.
Why you liked it: At first, this book seemed odd but the more I read into it the more I liked it. You didn’t know what was coming next or why he was having these memories. This is a very interesting storyline.
What you might be able to do with it in a class: We may read this as a class when our lesson pertains to community and everything that goes with that.
