Number the Stars

Name: Number the Stars
Author: Lois Lowry

Safe for the age band

Age-appropriate with no significant concerns.

Pages: 137
Published: 1989
Reading level: middle-grade
Ages: 9–13
Grades: 4–7

About the book

A ten-year-old Danish girl helps her Jewish best friend escape the Nazis.

AI summary

Newbery-winning WWII story. Handles serious themes with age-appropriate care.

Why parents choose this book

What makes Number the Stars worth choosing

An honest, parent-first look at who this book suits, what it offers, and what to know before you buy.

Best for

Age range: 9–13 (fits siblings across a range).
Reading maturity: Middle grade — richer plots and vocabulary with age-appropriate themes.
Kids who tend to love it: Courage, War & Conflict, Friendship, Historical Fiction.
Personality fit: social readers who love character-driven stories.

Parents love this book because

Age-appropriate content for the 9–13 band with no significant flags.
Reinforces values many families care about: service, Courage.
Written by Lois Lowry, whose books parents return to for consistently thoughtful storytelling.

Your child will probably enjoy Number the Stars if they…

Care about characters and friendships
Are curious about history
Prefer shorter chapters they can finish quickly

This book helps develop

Service
Courage

Things parents should know

Violence: clear on-page conflict without lingering detail.

Reading commitment

Estimated reading time

About 3 hours of total reading

Length

137 pages

Difficulty

Middle grade

Works as read-aloud

Usually read independently

Good for independent readers

Yes — suits confident readers in the age band

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Why we recommend it

We think Number the Stars is a confident pick for the 9–13 age band. It leans into historical fiction in a way that feels genuine, not formulaic. Lois Lowry's voice is what makes it stick: readable, respectful of kids, and easy to hand to the next child in the family.