Number The Stars Writing Prompts

Alright, gather 'round, folks! Let's talk about Number the Stars, that book that probably made you cry in elementary school. I know, I know, history class disguised as fiction? Sneaky! But also, incredibly powerful. And guess what? It's ripe for some seriously awesome writing prompts. Forget staring blankly at a screen; we're about to unleash our inner Annemarie Johansen... or maybe just our inner German soldier, depending on how dark you're feeling. Don't worry, I won't judge. Much.

Why Number the Stars is Prompt Gold

Okay, so why this book? Well, Number the Stars is a goldmine of conflict, character, and ethical dilemmas, all wrapped up in a gripping historical setting. It's like a literary piñata filled with story ideas! Plus, Lois Lowry's writing is so evocative, it practically begs you to imagine what happens between the lines. It’s the perfect springboard to launch your own creative ship – no Nazi torpedoes allowed, of course. Unless that's your thing, then go wild. Just kidding… mostly.

Setting the Stage: Prompts that Explore Copenhagen

Let's start with the setting. Copenhagen in 1943 wasn't exactly a tourist hotspot. It was a city under occupation, where everyday life was tinged with fear and uncertainty. That's fertile ground for stories! Here are some prompts to get you thinking:

• What if you were a member of the Danish Resistance, hiding Jewish families? Describe a typical day, focusing on the constant risks and the small acts of defiance that kept hope alive. Bonus points for adding a talking squirrel. (Okay, maybe not the squirrel).
• Imagine you are a German soldier stationed in Copenhagen. Write a journal entry detailing your observations of the city and its people. Are you sympathetic to their plight, or do you believe in the Nazi ideology? Is there a delicious Danish pastry you are particularly fond of? Details, people, details!
• Create a scene where Annemarie and Ellen are playing in the park, but the game is interrupted by the arrival of soldiers. How do they react? What secrets are they desperately trying to hide? What if they found a discarded Nazi helmet and decided to play dress-up? Risky move!

Character Studies: Dive Deep into Their Minds

Number the Stars is full of compelling characters. Let's get inside their heads (figuratively, of course. I'm not advocating any creepy brain surgeries here).

• Write a letter from Annemarie to her best friend, Ellen Rosen, after Ellen has escaped to Sweden. What does she say? What fears does she express? What does she not say, because it's too dangerous to write down? Maybe she uses a secret code involving knitting patterns!
• Imagine you are Uncle Henrik. Write a monologue explaining your decision to help the Rosen family. What are your motivations? What are you willing to risk? Are you secretly a superhero in disguise? (Probably not, but it's fun to think about!)
• Create a scene where Mrs. Johansen is teaching Annemarie a lesson about courage. What does she say? How does Annemarie react? Does it involve a particularly stubborn button and a very sharp needle? Metaphors, people!
• Explore the perspective of Peter Neilsen. Before his tragic death, what were his hopes and dreams for Denmark? Was he secretly in love with Lise Johansen? The feels! Think of the angst!

Ethical Dilemmas: What Would You Do?

The book throws some serious ethical curveballs at its characters. Let's explore some of those tough choices:

• What if Annemarie had been caught by the soldiers while delivering the handkerchief to her uncle? How would she have reacted? Would she have revealed the truth to protect her family, or would she have maintained her cover, even at the risk of her own life? What if the handkerchief had accidentally fallen into a puddle of mud? Comedy gold! (Okay, maybe not. But the possibilities!).
• Imagine you are a member of the Danish police force. You know that the Nazis are rounding up Jewish citizens. Do you cooperate with the occupation forces, or do you risk your life to help the Jewish community escape? Write a scene where you have to make that impossible choice. Bonus points for including a conflicted mustache twirl.
• Explore the moral implications of lying to protect others. Is it ever right to lie, even when it means potentially saving a life? Write a dialogue between Mrs. Johansen and Annemarie about this very question. Does it involve a particularly delicious, and therefore persuasive, piece of cake?

Beyond the Book: Expanding the Universe

Let's get really creative! What if we took the story in a completely different direction?

• Write a sequel to Number the Stars. What happens to Annemarie and Ellen after the war? Do they stay in touch? What scars do they carry from their experiences? Do they become international spies? (Okay, maybe I'm getting carried away.)
• Imagine that Number the Stars is a science fiction story. The Nazis are aliens who have invaded Earth. Annemarie and Ellen are part of a resistance movement fighting for humanity. Now that's a plot twist!
• Write a scene from the perspective of Kirsti. What does she understand about what's happening around her? Does she have any secret insights? Is she secretly a genius who is just pretending to be a child? (Anything is possible!)

Bonus Prompt: The Power of Ordinary People

The heart of Number the Stars is the idea that ordinary people can do extraordinary things in the face of adversity. Write a story about a time when you or someone you know stood up for what was right, even when it was difficult. Maybe it was as simple as helping an elderly person cross the street, or maybe it was as courageous as speaking out against injustice. The point is, small acts of kindness and courage can make a big difference.

So there you have it! A whole arsenal of Number the Stars writing prompts to get your creative juices flowing. Now go forth and write! And remember, even if your story doesn't win the Nobel Prize, at least you had fun doing it. And maybe, just maybe, you'll create something truly special. Just don't forget to thank me in your acceptance speech.

And seriously, watch out for those talking squirrels. They're trickier than you think.