Number the Stars: Darkness & LightImagery and Mood Investigation | Grades 5–8

Number the Stars: Darkness & LightImagery and Mood Investigation | Grades 5–8

Help students investigate how Lois Lowry uses darkness and light imagery throughout Number the Stars to shape mood and develop meaning. Rather than simply identifying imagery, students trace the pattern across multiple scenes and analyze how literal darkness and light take on deeper figurative meanings connected to danger, fear, hope, safety, courage, and uncertainty.

Students examine specific scenes, gather textual evidence, distinguish between literal and figurative imagery, compare the moods created across the novel, and determine what the recurring contrast between darkness and light reveals about Lowry’s craft. Groups then use their findings to create and present an Imagery and Mood Investigation.

Included
- Teacher Directions & Student Overview
- Mini Research Questions & Online Resources
- 5-Step Group Activity
- 3 Research, Analysis & Planning Pages
- Color + Black-and-White Student Pages

Why Teachers Love This
- No prep and ready to use
- Designed for 1–2 class periods of 45–60 minutes
- Builds close-reading and textual-evidence skills
- Moves students from imagery → mood → theme → author’s craft
- Helps students distinguish literal and figurative meaning
- Encourages deeper analysis across multiple scenes
- Combines independent thinking with collaborative investigation

Perfect For
- Number the Stars novel studies
- Imagery and mood lessons
- Author’s craft analysis
- Theme instruction
- Figurative language
- Textual evidence practice
- Collaborative projects
- Grades 5–8 ELA

Important Disclaimer
This is an independently created educational resource designed to accompany the novel Number the Stars by Lois Lowry. It is not affiliated with, authorized by, endorsed by, or sponsored by Lois Lowry, the publisher of Number the Stars, or any related rights holder.

Number the Stars and its characters, storylines, settings, and other elements originating from the novel remain the intellectual property of their respective copyright holders. References to the novel, its characters, events, themes, imagery, and literary techniques are included solely for educational instruction, literary analysis, discussion, and classroom activities.

No text from the novel is reproduced or included in this resource, and this product is not intended to replace the novel. Students and teachers must have access to legally obtained copies of Number the Stars to complete activities requiring reading, textual evidence, or reference to the text.
Purchase of this educational resource does not include a copy of the novel and does not grant permission to reproduce, distribute, scan, upload, or otherwise share the novel.