Number the Stars — Chapter 2

About This Passage

This passage opens chapter two with two sisters in one bed at night — the warm, safe, ordinary world of a bedtime story. It is the gentlest possible opening, and it tells the reader something important: even with German soldiers on the corners of Copenhagen, Annemarie and Kirsti still curl up together in the dark and ask for fairy tales. Copying this passage trains attention to the words snuggled, wrapped, smiled — small soft words that show love between sisters.

Narration Prompt

Retell chapter two in your own words. Begin with Kirsti asking for a story in bed, then the made-up tale of Princess Kirsten with cupcakes at the feasts, then Annemarie remembering King Christian riding alone on his horse Jubilee, then the brave boy who said 'All of Denmark is his bodyguard,' and finally Annemarie thinking quietly about her older sister Lise who died.

Discussion Questions

1. What in the story shows you that Annemarie loves Kirsti? Look for the moments when Annemarie wraps her arms around her sister, makes up a story just for her, and finishes the tale even after Kirsti has fallen asleep. How do you know these are signs of love?
2. When the German soldier asks 'Where is his bodyguard?' the boy answers, 'All of Denmark is his bodyguard.' What makes you think this answer was brave? What in the story tells you the boy was not afraid?

+ 2 more questions in the complete study guide