Number the Stars
by Lois Lowry
1989
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- friendship
- resistance
- family
- sacrifice
- identity
- hope
- standing up to injustice
About this book
In Nazi-occupied Copenhagen, ten-year-old Annemarie must find her courage when her best friend Ellen, who is Jewish, is in danger. Annemarie’s family joins the Danish effort to protect their neighbors, teaching her what bravery looks like in everyday choices. This historical novel is suspenseful yet accessible, with a strong emphasis on friendship and doing what’s right. It’s a powerful read for middle graders who enjoy true-to-life stories filled with heart and heroism.
Setting: Copenhagen and the Danish coast, 1943 (World War II)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Number the Stars right for my child?
Yes — Number the Stars is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.5, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include courage, friendship, resistance.
How long does it take to read Number the Stars?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Number the Stars takes around 3.0h to finish. The book has 27,168 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Number the Stars have an AR quiz?
Yes — Number the Stars has an AR quiz available, worth 4 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Number the Stars?
Number the Stars has an AR reading level of 4.5, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.