Number+the+Stars+Podcast

//Light Music//

(Dan H) Narrator: What is it that truly defines a friend? Is it the willingness to share lunch or play games together?

(Christina) Annemarie: "I'll race you to the corner Ellen, ready? (1)

(Amy) Ellen: "No! You know I can't beat you-my legs aren't as long. Can't we just walk like civilized people?" (1)

(Dan) Narrator: Often times friendship is defined by these minor characteristics, but is not really indicative of what true friendship consists of.....sometimes you can't really understand what true friendship is until you're placed in the most dire circumstances.

//Light Music//

(Dan) Narrator: Lois Lowry's novel "Number the Stars" strikes at the heart of the true meaning of friendship by displaying the willingness to sacrifice in times of desperate need. Taking place during the German occupation in 1943, the novel focuses on Annemarie Johansen, a to year old girl caught in the midst of a struggle of epic proportions. Set in Copenhagen, Denmark, the story provides a unique depiction of the events surrounding World War II, displaying a point of view that is not commonly acknowledged, the perspective a young girl who is not Jewish. Based on their ethnicity, the Johansens were not subject to the persecution. Sadly, not all of Annemarie's friends were so lucky....

//Darker Music begins to fade in//

(Christina) Annemarie: "Mama! Papa! The Rosens are Jewish!" (24)

(Amy) Narrator: The Rosens are the Johanssens next door neighbors and their daughter Ellen, is Annemarie's best friend. Along with Annemarie's sister Kirsti, the three provide a bulk of the perspective throughought the story showing what life as a child was like during the occupation. An increased German presence forces the Rosens and Johansens to begin making very important decisions about their lives. Within the story Ellen, Annemarie and Kirst first encounter the Germans on their way home from school.

(Christina) Annemarie: "The German word was as familiar as it was frightening." (2)

(Amy) Narrator: This terrifying first encounter would not be the last as the story leads Annemarie, Ellen and Kirsti on a life-changing journey in which Annemarie is forced to confront fear in order to save her best friend's life.

(Scott) Mr. Johanssen: "Annemarie, Peter Tells us that the Germans have issued orders closing many stores run by Jews." (23)

//More of the dark music//

(Dan) Peter: "It is their way of tormenting. For some reason, they want to torment Jewish people. It happened in other countries. They have taken their time here--have let us relax a little. But now it seems to be starting." (24)

//Short musical interlude//

(Christina) Narrator: Forced with this difficult situation it becomes clear that action must be taken in order to prevent the Germans from harming the Rosens, the amazing part is that the the Johansens are willing to go to excruciating lengths for their friends. With the collaboration of friends and family the true expressions of friendship and sacrifice are brought forth. Showing individuals committed to a cause, even though it may put them in the way of danger.

//More dark music//

(Amy) Voice: Friends will take care of them. That's what friends do." (24)

(Scott) Narrator: Take care of the Rosens is exactly what the Johansens do. Combined with their efforts from other family members the Rosens put together a brilliant plan, with every detail thought out to the fullest....however you can't always plan for the unexpected.

//Dark Music//

(Amy) Mama: "My God. It may have all been for nothing." (104)

(Dan) Narrator: A plan carried out to perfection may all be lost, a left behind packet maybe a fatal mistake. With Mama having a broken ankle, Annmarie appears to be the only option. Being the true friend Annemarie decides that she is going to go, run down the path through the woods and deliver the packet to her Uncle at the waterfront. Mama and Annemarie carefully conceal the packet in the bottom of a basket filled with bread and cheese.

(Amy) Mama: "Annemarie, you understand how dangerous this is. If any soldiers see you, if they stop you, you must pretend to be nothing more than a little girl. A silly, empty-headed little girl, taking lunch to a fisherman." (105)

//Dark Music//

(Scott) German Guard: "What are you doing here?" (113)

(Dan) Narrator: Annemarie's biggest fear has now become a reality... The Germans who she feared so deeply now stadn between her and the Rosens well being and all that separates the two are the Germans and their dogs....

(Scott) German Guard:"Your uncle has a pretty lunch"...."What's that? There, in the bottom?" (116)

(Dan) Narrator: What will Annmarie do? How will she react. Lois Lowry provides a suspenseful tale that leaves the reader on the edge of their seat.

Notes

(Actor whose voice represents character on podcast) Speaker of Quote in Book, or Narrator- Quote or Narrator (page numbers quotes appear on)

Scott Cripe, Dan Hazekamp, Amy Yarian, and Christina Imgrund Podcast Music Provided by: Sydney Poma and DJ Ma3x