Grade Five students have been exploring the trait of Conventions in Writer’s Workshop. We learned that conventions are the techniques employed by good writers to ensure that their writing is understood properly by the reader. The trait of conventions covers grammar, spelling and punctuation. This week, we put our conventions to use in exploring how to write a proper letter to an author. As we had just finished Lois Lowry’s novel, Number the Stars, we decided to write to her. The students submitted questions which which we then edited and drafted into letter.

We were thrilled to receive her response just now. Here’s our letter and her response to our class!

 

Dear Ms. Lowry,

We are the Fifth Grade at Berkshire Country Day School in Massachusetts. We just finished reading your phenomenal book, Number the Stars. We learned about the Holocaust from your story and we were touched by Annemarie’s journey through this difficult time.

Our class was deeply inspired, and we wanted to ask you a few questions. We understand that the some of the characters were inspired by real people–for example, Ellen? and Kirsti? We were wondering why you chose to write the book from Annemarie’s perspective rather than from the point of view of a Jewish person? In addition, where do you think the Rosens end up? Did they ever return to Copenhagen?

We also have a few personal questions for you regarding your opinions on the book.  What would you have done if you had been in Annemarie’s position faced with the soliders in the final chapter? We also would like to know which chapter was your favorite? And finally, which character was your favorite and why?

We look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely,

Dr. Lederman’s Fifth Grade Class

(Keely, Esme, Rory, Sammy, Abbey, Halle, Irini, Symaira, Chase, Ryan, Anje, Alex, Henry, Sean, Jamie)

Greetings, Class.

I am happy to know you enjoyed NUMBER THE STARS.  I wrote the book from Annemarie’s perspective because I based the story on my friend’s recollections and she was not Jewish.  She was an observer and as a writer I am often in the position of being an observer.

I am an optimist so I like to think the Rosens ended up in a  safe place, most likely Israel or the United States.

I, like most people, would like to believe that had I been in Annemarie’s position I would have been as brave and resourceful as she was.  The problem is we never really know how we will react until we are faced with adversity. I do believe though that we all have a greater capacity for bravery than we can imagine.  We just need to find it when we need it.

I can’t choose a favorite character or chapter.  My writings are all my creations and choosing favorites is a bit like choosing a favorite child!

Keep reading!

Lois Lowry