Number the Stars — Chapter 4

About This Passage

This is the last line of chapter four — and one of the most important in the whole book. Papa is hugging Annemarie and Ellen at the same time. He says, 'Once I had three daughters' because Lise, his oldest daughter, is dead. 'Tonight I am proud to have three daughters again' is his quiet promise that Ellen is now part of the family — not pretend, but real. Copying this passage trains the scout to notice how much love can be packed into very few words: a kiss on the head, the word 'softly,' and a sentence that says I-will-take-care-of-you without using those words.

Narration Prompt

Retell chapter four in your own words. Begin with Annemarie and Ellen playing paper dolls; then Kirsti's new fish-skin shoes and Ellen's idea to dye them black; then Tivoli and the memory of the fireworks. Then Mrs. Rosen at the door, telling Mama something quietly. Then dinner, with Ellen quiet and afraid. Then Papa's news that the Nazis are coming for the Jews tonight, and that Annemarie and Ellen must pretend to be sisters. End with Papa kissing both their heads and saying, 'Once I had three daughters. Tonight I am proud to have three daughters again.'

Discussion Questions

1. Kirsti hates her new fish-skin shoes because they are green and ugly. Ellen says her father can paint them shiny black with ink. What in the story tells you Ellen wanted to make Kirsti happy? How can you tell this is the kind of thing a real friend does?
2. Papa says the soldiers may come and that Annemarie and Ellen must pretend to be sisters. Why is this a good plan? What in the story tells you the family is ready to do something brave to keep Ellen safe?

+ 2 more questions in the complete study guide