Number the Stars — Chapter 9

About This Passage

This passage was chosen because it sets the chapter's careful, hushed scene — the room where the night of mourning is staged. It teaches the reader to slow down and notice small, deliberate things: the gleam of the wood, the papery dryness of the flowers, the flickering of the candles. Lowry uses precise, gentle nouns to make a serious place feel handmade.

Narration Prompt

Tell what happens in this chapter, from Annemarie walking out to the barn after supper to the very end when Ellen is carried inside in her father's arms. Be sure to include what Annemarie says to Uncle Henrik in the barn and what Uncle Henrik teaches her about being brave.

Discussion Questions

1. Annemarie marches into the barn and tells Uncle Henrik, 'You are lying to me. You and Mama both,' her voice cold. Uncle Henrik does not argue with her. He just keeps milking, looks at her with kind eyes, and says, 'You are angry.' What in the story tells you Uncle Henrik takes Annemarie seriously instead of brushing her off? How do you know that being LISTENED to, even when you are angry, is part of being treated as someone who matters?
2. Uncle Henrik kneels down so his face is level with hers and says, 'it is much easier to be brave if you do not know everything... We know only what we need to know.' What in the story tells you that the grown-ups are choosing, on purpose, to keep parts of the plan hidden? How do you know Uncle Henrik is trying to give Annemarie a gift, even though the gift is something missing — a piece of knowledge she will not be carrying tonight?

+ 3 more questions in the complete study guide