Coming Soon to Theaters

Ellen, Anne and Eva presents an exclusive sneak peek of the upcoming film Number the Stars, arriving in 2013!

The Ocean: Is it Really Big and Cold?

"My mother is afraid of the ocean," she said, laughing. "She says it is too big for her. And too cold." When Ellen giggled about her mother's fear in Number the Stars, a simile popped into my head: The Nazis were as big and cold as the ocean. After all, the dominant German army was monstrous in size, taking over any puny Resisting country that seemed merely a roadblock to them. And if citizens were asked to describe the Nazi soldiers with one adjective, I'm sure a majority of the people would say "cold." The cruel, merciless soldiers seemed to have no sympathy for any victims that they murdered.  

Selection

Though Eva's Story was moving and influential, there was one scene that was amazingly powerful. It takes place during the selection of workers, when babies, young children and the elderly were "selected." Though the Germans do not explain outright, this is the innocent group that will soon be gassed.
"I want to go with him!" The mother was screaming out, but she was pulled back roughly. The baby started to howl pitifully. "I won't recognize him again," she pleaded, trying to calm down and make a reasonable protest. The guards looked on impassively. As you readers can see, the cruel and merciless Germans could care less if families were ripped apart, young lives were wasted and mothers lost everything they had. When the helpless mother pleads "I won't recognize him again", it shows that once the "dehumanization" begins, a mother will not be able to recognize even her own child, therefore losing her son forever. Overall, though the entire book was incredibly well written, I think this quotation makes you comprehend how horrific the Holocaust really was.

The Complete Double E Showdown: Ellen vs. Eva

Without a doubt, I think Eva Schloss is far braver than Ellen Rosen. I think my perspective can be supported with evidence in many ways. For example,in the very first chapter of Number the Stars, when in the presence of Nazi soldiers, "Ellen's face, usually rosy-cheeked, was pale, and her dark eyes were wide." This severely contrasts with Eva, who, in the concentration camp, defied the Kappos by breaking rules multiple times (stealing valuable objects, taking work shortcuts), and seemed to accept the Germans' authority, and long as she was with her dearest Mutti.

A Coat and Hat

Interestingly enough, Eva would not have lived past signing into a concentration camp had it not been for her dreaded coat and hat. I read in awe when Eva stated in her narration "Ridiculous though it had looked on me, that hat and long coat had saved my life." This proves that though the Germans did not know Eva's strength or durability, they were unwilling to accept young looking children. Mature children were merely acceptable, and Eva luckily scraped by, thanks to her mother Mutti's clever disguise for her.

Mama or Mutti?

In my opinion, I feel that Mutti is a better protector of Eva than Mama is towards Annemarie. For example, in Eva's Story, Mutti kept Eva close by her side until it was crucial for survival to separate. But unlike Mutti, Mrs. Johansen persuaded Annemarie to "Run! As fast as you can!" into the dark woods where monstrous Nazis could await. And though Mama is only risking her daughter for the escape of her close Jewish friends, I think Mutti is far more protective, close, honest and caring of her youngest child Eva.

The Chatterbox Child

In Chapter 17 in Number the Stars, Annemarie describes her little sister Kirsti as "no longer a lighthearted chatterbox of a child, but more serious". Do you feel the war forced her to grow up to quickly, or that she simply matured? Respond in the comments with your thoughts and explanation.