Number the Stars — Chapter 6

About This Passage

This is the last sentence of chapter six. The family has just walked through the woods from the train station. Annemarie wants to run ahead because she loves Uncle Henrik's house and wants to see it first. Mama lets her go — but she does something special. She tells Annemarie to tell the HOUSE that they have come home — as if a house could listen and be glad. Then she puts her arm around Ellen and tells Annemarie to say they have brought a friend. This is Mama's way of saying that Ellen is welcome here, that this house — the one Mama grew up in — will keep her safe. Copying this passage trains the scout to notice that sometimes a house can feel like a person who loves you, and that bringing a friend with you is the kindest thing a family can do.

Narration Prompt

Retell chapter six in your own words. Begin with the family talking quietly after the soldiers have left. Tell about Papa deciding the girls cannot go to school today, because the soldiers might be looking for Jewish children there. Then Papa's puzzling phone call to Uncle Henrik about 'a carton of cigarettes' — which Annemarie figures out is really about Ellen. Tell about the train ride north, with Kirsti almost saying the wrong thing to a soldier and then talking about her shiny shoes instead. Tell about the long walk through the woods, with Mama remembering her childhood dog Trofast. End with Annemarie running ahead, and Mama putting her arm around Ellen and telling Annemarie to say they have brought a friend.

Discussion Questions

1. After the soldiers leave, Ellen says, 'I'm sorry I have dark hair. It made them suspicious.' Mama takes Ellen's hand and tells her, 'You have beautiful hair, Ellen, just like your mama's. Don't ever be sorry for that.' What in the story tells you Mama wants Ellen to feel proud, not sorry? How do you know the family loves Ellen for exactly who she is?
2. Papa calls Uncle Henrik on the phone and says strange things — 'Is the weather good for fishing?' and 'I'm sending Inge to you with a carton of cigarettes.' Annemarie knows this is not really about cigarettes. What in the story tells you Papa is speaking in a kind of code? Why might grown-ups need to use code instead of saying what they really mean?

+ 2 more questions in the complete study guide