By Lois Lowry Julie Mayo

 The book tells a story of a young girl that lived during 1943 in Denmark. The author brings the experience to life through the eyes of 10-year- old Annemarie Johannesen, whose family harbors her best friend, Ellen Rosen, on the eve of the round-up and helps smuggles Ellen's family out of the country.

 This story gives a realistic picture of what it was like to live during this time period.  The book often talks about soldiers walking the streets carrying rifles.  The books talks about different stations, items and events that happened or were popular - during this time.  Klampenborg Station  Star of David  The Danes destroying their own navy fleet.

 German words are used often as well as words such as Resistance and illegal newspapers such as De Frie Danske.  “ Halte!” the soldier ordered in a stern voice.  The names used are appropriate of the time Annemarie, Ellen, Rosen, and Henrik.

 The story takes place in Denmark as the German troops begin their campaign to “relocate” all the Jews. The story gives and very good historical interpretation of the feel of this place during this time. The story is told through the eyes of a child making it very relatable to students. The presence of Nazi soldiers and the feelings expressed by those around Annemarie gives a clear picture of the life that a child of this time period and place may have lived.

 The story is pretty much set in Denmark the details of the war outside of Denmark are left by the waste side quite a bit. I would have liked for the story to have explored different places as well, however I think that they get a better feel of what life was like for Annemarie and all the unknown that the people of this time had hidden from them.

 This book speaks to issues that relate to the students now because it talks about standing up for what is right. And doing what you believe in even when others are doing something different. It shows how even one family can make a big  difference in the face of war.

 Lois Lowry is known for her versatility and invention as a writer and is the author of more then thirty books for young adults. She studied for several years at Brown University.

 Daily Word from this time period.  Online book blog  Group talks about the book.  Relating yourself to a child living in this time period.  Writing letters to Annemarie or Ellen  Map Ellen’s travels, write a story on what you think happened on the boat ride? Where did Ellen end up, do you think her and Annemarie ever saw each other again?