Discussion Questions for February 20

Discussion Questions: “Historical Fiction” and Number the Stars

Small Group Work/Class Discussion

1.     Hintz and Tribunella explain that historical children’s fiction frequently intersects with trauma theory (239). What kinds of trauma are being worked through in this text? Consider both cultural and personal (i.e. familial) forms of trauma.

a.     The authors add that children are often portrayed, in stories concerning trauma, as either “extremely vulnerable” or “especially resilient and adaptable” (239). Is Annemarie portrayed as more “extremely vulnerable” or “especially resilient and adaptable”? Ellen? Kirsti?

2.     A great deal of the national and familial trauma that sets the stage for the book has taken place in the past and is revealed through stories and memory. Why might Lowry have chosen to take this approach?

3.     What is the significance of food in the text?

4.     Describe the threat of the Nazis as it is portrayed in the book. How frightening are they? Do you find this level of fear appropriate for intermediate readers?

5.     More than any other text we have read so far, Number the Stars depicts the sudden maturation of a protagonist from childhood to adulthood (or at least something beyond childhood). Find at least one instance of this and discuss what it implies about the difference between childhood and adulthood.

6.     What statements is the book making about the relationship between bravery and ignorance? Do you agree with these statements?

7.     Do you sense any other didacticism in the text? If so, where?

8.     Part of Annemarie’s ability to “save the day” comes from her ability to perform the part of a “silly, empty-headed little girl” (105). What is the significance of this in terms of themes within the text? Within the larger scope of our study of children’s literature and notions of childhood?

9.     Where are adults made to seem reliable and steadfast in this text? Where are they made to seem vulnerable? What effect does this have on you as adult readers, and what adult do you think it may have on intermediate readers?

10.                        In what ways does the Afterword change your understanding of the text?

11.                        What is the significance of the text’s title, and how does this relate to its overall themes?

12.                        Hintz and Tribunella ask, “Does historical fiction have a responsibility to remain completely faithful to the historical record? […] What makes certain inaccuracies acceptable and others not?” (250). Discuss these questions.

13.                        Hintz and Tribunella state that nationalism is a large part of historical fiction. In what ways is this text nationalistic?

14.                        Do you sense any examples of presentism in this text?

15.                        Overall, do you find this to be a “believable” story? Would you assign it in a unit on World War II? Why or why not?