Number the Stars: What Does Courage Really Mean? Courage Theme Investigation

Number the Stars: What Does Courage Really Mean?Courage Theme Investigation | Grades 5–8

Help students move beyond the simple idea that Number the Stars is “about courage” and investigate what courage actually means in the novel. Students examine how Lois Lowry develops the idea that courage is not the absence of fear, but choosing to act despite genuine fear and danger.
Students trace this idea through Annemarie and other characters, gather textual evidence, compare courage vs. fearlessness, and develop an evidence-based thematic argument. The lesson culminates in a collaborative Courage Theme 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
- Moves beyond general theme identification
- Develops evidence-based literary analysis
- Helps students distinguish courage from fearlessness
- Examines character choices, fear, risk, and consequences
- Connects Annemarie’s character development to the novel’s larger meaning
- Combines individual analysis with collaborative project work

Perfect For
- Number the Stars novel studies
- Theme analysis
- Author’s craft
- Textual evidence
- Close reading
- Collaborative ELA projects

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, 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. 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 resource does not include a copy of the novel and does not grant permission to reproduce, distribute, scan, upload, or otherwise share the novel. All original worksheets, organizers, questions, activities, and instructional materials included in this resource are © 2026 GR Creative Creations and licensed for single-classroom use only.