Did you know that about 56,125,262 people died in World War Two? A young girl, named Annemarie has seen it happen. She is a Christian girl, escaping her home town, heading towards Sweden. She brings her friend Ellen who is Jewish, along. Together they do the impossible, and grow friendship along the way.

Just like Annemarie, there is another character in this story that I really like, his name is Peter and he is a member of the resistance. He visits the Johansens at nighttime, breaking the rules that the Nazis made to see them. Peter is my favorite character in this book. He is so brave, and will do anything to save others, even if he could get killed in the process. He has no family that we know of and the Germans killed his fiancé, hitting her with a car. In the book, Peter Nelson is very serious and loving. He’s the guy who will never stop fighting for something that is right. He is determined to help the Jews and he doesn’t care what the Nazis say. Throughout the book Peter does the impossible and once he gets down to one of his lowest points, he gathers his thoughts and remembers what he’s fighting for, and gets back up.

The Star of David is mentioned several times during the book in Number the Stars. This is a symbol of the Jewish religion. Until the end of the war, Annemarie keeps the Star of David necklace that Ellen wears. Ellen’s necklace symbolizes Annemarie's devotion to her friend. Stars also appear in the psalm that her friend Peter reads before the voyage to Sweden, a free country. The star demonstrates great friendship towards others.

Although this story is depressing at times, it is very inspiring. Annemarie and Ellen fight through one of the most challenging times in history, and build up their friendship. I believe you can do anything with the help of your friends and family.