Number the Stars by Lois Lowry is a powerful historical fiction novel that gives upper-elementary and middle-grade students an opportunity to explore courage, friendship, resistance, empathy, and standing up against injustice.
Set in Denmark during World War II, the novel follows Annemarie Johansen and her family as they help their Jewish friends escape the Nazi occupation. Through Annemarie’s eyes, students encounter a difficult period in history while experiencing a story that is accessible, engaging, and filled with opportunities for meaningful discussion.
If you’re planning a Number the Stars novel study for your 4th, 5th, or 6th grade students, this guide will give you ideas for connecting the novel to reading comprehension, vocabulary, critical thinking, history, and social-emotional learning.
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Why Teach Number the Stars?
One of the greatest strengths of Number the Stars is that it allows students to encounter history through the experiences of a child.
Rather than simply reading facts about World War II, students follow Annemarie as she begins to understand what is happening around her. This creates natural opportunities to discuss questions such as:
What does it mean to be courageous?
Why do people sometimes have to make difficult choices?
How can ordinary people respond when others are being treated unfairly?
What makes someone a good friend?
How do fear and courage influence the decisions people make?
Why is it important to learn about difficult moments in history?
These questions can move students beyond simple recall and toward deeper reading comprehension and critical thinking.
Teaching Historical Fiction Through Number the Stars
Number the Stars works particularly well as a historical fiction novel because students can examine both the story and the historical context surrounding it.
As students read, encourage them to distinguish between what is happening in the fictional story and what they can learn about the real historical events that inspired it.
You can explore:
World War II
Nazi-occupied Denmark
The Danish Resistance
The rescue of Danish Jews
The Holocaust
Geography of Denmark and Sweden
Courage and resistance
Friendship and loyalty
Prejudice and discrimination
Human rights
This makes Number the Stars an excellent choice for connecting ELA and social studies.
Number the Stars Reading Comprehension
A novel study shouldn’t turn a great book into a stack of worksheets.
The goal is to help students think more deeply about what they’re reading while still allowing them to become immersed in the story.
When teaching Number the Stars, comprehension questions can focus on:
Character motivations
Making inferences
Cause and effect
Predicting
Making connections
Identifying themes
Using text evidence
Analyzing character development
Understanding historical context
I recommend using a small number of thoughtful questions rather than overwhelming students with questions after every few pages.
The questions should encourage students to explain why they think something happened—not simply identify what happened.
Vocabulary and Grammar in Context
Number the Stars also provides an excellent opportunity to teach vocabulary in context.
Instead of giving students a long list of unrelated vocabulary words, have them encounter words as they appear within the story.
Students can:
Determine meaning from context
Identify parts of speech
Use new words in sentences
Practice spelling
Explore synonyms and related words
Apply vocabulary through writing
This approach allows vocabulary instruction to become part of the reading experience rather than something completely separate from the novel.
The unit can be used with a whole class, small reading group, homeschool student, or independent reader. It includes both printable materials and digital resources for Google Drive.
What’s Included?
The complete Number the Stars Novel Study includes:
Teacher Resources
Detailed daily lesson plans
Pacing and Standards Guide
Chapter/Section Guide
Vocabulary Word Wall Cards
Answer Keys
Parent Letter
Student Resources
Spelling list
Vocabulary activities
Grammar activities
Chapter-by-chapter comprehension questions
Short-answer questions designed to encourage deeper thinking
Book-related extension activities
End-of-book activities
Story Elements Interactive Notebook activities
Assessment Resources
Part 1 assessment covering Chapters 1–6
Part 2 assessment covering Chapters 7–end
Vocabulary questions
Comprehension questions
Essay questions
Digital assessment options
The unit also includes Common Core Standards alignment for grades 4–6.
Print or Digital? You Get Both!
Today’s classrooms aren’t one-size-fits-all, so this novel study includes both printable and Google Drive-compatible formats.
Use the printable version for traditional instruction, or assign the digital activities through your classroom platform.
The digital format can be especially helpful for:
1:1 classrooms
Paperless classrooms
Students working from home
Absent students
Small-group instruction
Independent work
The assessments also include digital options, with multiple-choice Google Forms quizzes available for self-grading.
Save Time With a Ready-to-Teach Novel Unit
Teaching an entire novel is rewarding, but the planning can be time-consuming.
This Number the Stars novel unit was created to give you a complete framework so you don’t have to create every comprehension question, vocabulary activity, lesson plan, and assessment yourself.
It is designed to be low-prep and ready to teach, while still giving you flexibility to adjust the pacing and activities for your students.
You can purchase this novel study at the following locations:
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Some of my most vivid childhood memories of school were the novel studies I read for various subjects. It was my favorite way to learn skills, history, and any topic! I love books, and being allowed to read an entire book from cover to cover as a school assignment put me in heaven! I am sure this is a major reason why, as a teacher, my passion is to create and teach novel studies! I love introducing new books to my class, and as a community, being immersed in the book together. I love it when a student pulls us off the schedule with a question or comment from something they read and leads the class into a lively discussion. That’s where the real memorable learning takes place, after all!
I create novel studies more than any other product line simply because I like to focus on what I love. I want to work with my passion! I often get questions from readers asking how I would set up novel studies in my classroom. I decided to write a small series explaining my methods. For the most part, my novel studies include comprehension questions, vocabulary/grammar skill work, extension activities, and assessments. Today’s post, part 1, deals with the comprehension aspect of the novel studies.
Novel Studies Part 1: Comprehension
One of the most compelling reasons to use whole novels in your reading instruction is to boost comprehension skills. A complete novel allows the student to delve deep into the characters’ minds and work through the plot from a detailed beginning to an end. You can’t achieve this level of deep understanding and thinking using short passages only. Students should be exposed to all methods of reading instruction, and complete novel studies fulfill a critical piece of the puzzle.
For students to dig deep into comprehension, they need the time to get lost in the narrative. Complete chapters will help them fall into the world of their book. The goal here is for students to think at the higher levels of the analysis and evaluation levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy.
To achieve this, I only use narrative questioning for my novel studies. The student needs to write out a complete statement in order to answer the question. Multiple-choice questions are not adequate to get the student to move beyond the lowest level of knowledge questioning of Bloom’s. You don’t want students doing quick guessing games to show what they’ve learned as they move through the book!
You can see that the questions will not allow the student to quick-skim the book. They can only answer if they’ve read, and the questions force them to think through what the character is thinking and put themselves into the character’s shoes. This type of questioning will take the student to the highest levels of both the cognitive and affective domains of Bloom’s Taxonomy.
You can also see that there are only five questions for the chapter. The questioning I use in my novel studies is usually only 1-6 questions per chapter. Students shouldn’t be inundated with questions in order to dig deep and show an understanding of what they’ve read. If the questioning is thorough, only a few questions are needed. I try to have at least one question per chapter, no matter how small it is. Of course, sometimes it is not necessary to assign a question just for the sake of assigning work if the chapter is too short.
Another reason for not overburdening the students with questions is to minimize the disruptions as they read. The more often they have to stop to answer questions, the less likely they are to get lost in the story. You want them to go all in!
All of my novel studies offer a Google Drive™ format, in addition to the printable format, shown above, to use with your students. This allows you to use novel studies in a 1:1 classroom, save paper, and easily engage students who are absent. Here’s an example page from the Google Drive™ format of my Esperanza Rising Novel Study.
Going through a story in this manner in regard to comprehension has worked very well for me. It forces those reluctant readers to put forth the effort to let themselves read deeply. The non-reluctant readers will be thrilled to be reading a complete book, so you’ve already hooked them!
Join me for part 2 in my series to learn the methods I use to try to turn my students into book detectives with vocabulary/grammar skill work using novel studies.
Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!
Genesis Begins Again by Alicia D. Williams, quite deservedly, is the winner of the 2020 Newbery Honor and the 2020 Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award for New Talent. This modern novel stands out for its powerful themes and relatable narrative.
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Published in 2019, it is written in a modern language that middle schoolers will relate to. It is written by a Black author with a Black female protagonist and is a great way to bring diverse voices into your classroom, not just for representation, but for all students to learn from and relate to. Genesis has been dealt a hard hand in life and with her issues and those of her friends, just about every student will find something to relate to.
Benefits of Using Genesis Begins Again in Your Classroom:
Explores Diversity and Identity: Genesis Begins Again offers a poignant exploration of identity and self-acceptance, making it a valuable tool for promoting diversity and inclusion in the classroom. Through the protagonist Genesis’s journey of grappling with her skin tone and family dynamics, students are exposed to discussions on race, identity, and the impact of societal standards on self-worth.
Fosters Empathy and Understanding: The novel’s narrative intricately weaves themes of empathy and understanding, encouraging students to walk in someone else’s shoes and develop a deeper sense of compassion. By empathizing with Genesis’s challenges and triumphs, students gain valuable insights into the complexities of human emotions and experiences.
Addresses Relevant Social Issues: Genesis Begins Again tackles important social issues such as bullying, colorism, and family dynamics, providing a platform for meaningful classroom discussions on these topics. Through these discussions, students not only enhance their critical thinking skills but also gain a broader perspective on societal issues affecting diverse communities.
Promotes Resilience and Self-Discovery: Genesis’s resilience in the face of adversity serves as an inspiring example for students, encouraging them to navigate their own challenges with courage and determination. The novel’s emphasis on self-discovery and embracing one’s uniqueness empowers students to embrace their individuality and build confidence in their abilities.
Enhances Literacy and Language Skills: Genesis Begins Again is rich in literary elements and language nuances, offering ample opportunities for students to enhance their literacy skills through close reading and analysis. Engaging with the novel’s vivid imagery, symbolism, and character development enables students to sharpen their comprehension, interpretation, and communication skills.
It is vital to use literature in your classroom that is diverse and represents all voices. Students should see themselves in the literature they read, and it’s also a way for other students to learn from and understand people who are different from them. Learning from different cultures enhances our empathy as humans to open minds and hearts.
Genesis Begins Again tackles issues of poverty, being evicted and having to move homes and schools frequently, having an alcoholic and untrustworthy parent, and at the root of Genesis’s hurt is the colorism that she faces from her peers, her father, her grandmother, and most of all herself. The novel shines a light on how our American culture and media have a set image of what “beauty” is and how, all too often, most of us don’t fit that mold. Genesis Begins Again is a relatable tale of how Genesis learns to trust others and love herself for who she is instead of striving for some unattainable image that could never be. This book is worthy of all the accolades that it has received and is a valuable novel for middle school students to use in their classrooms.
I offer a complete novel study to accompany Genesis Begins Again for use in the classroom or homeschool. The unit includes printable and Google Drive™ formats for use in a paperless classroom or with Google Classroom.
Try a free sample of the novel study for Genesis Begins Again
You can purchase this novel study at the following locations:
Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!
Over forty years ago Louis Sachar brought us the wacky Wayside School with Sideways Stories From Wayside School. He followed up with Wayside School is Falling Down and Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger. Reading these books for read-aloud was one of my favorite things to do as a teacher. The laughter they’d bring out of all students was infectious and the joy really bonded our classroom into a community. I was overjoyed to learn that after forty years Louis the yard teacher (Louis Sachar) has returned to Wayside School with Wayside School Beneath the Cloud of Doom and it’s just as wacky and funny as ever before! Wayside School Beneath the Cloud of Doomby Louis Sachar stands out as a gem to engage and inspire students.
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The Benefits of Using Wayside School Beneath the Cloud of Doom in Your Classroom:
Sparks Imagination and Creativity:Wayside School Beneath the Cloud of Doom transports readers to the zany and imaginative world of Wayside School, a place where the unusual becomes the norm. By integrating this novel into their teaching, educators can tap into the boundless creativity of their students. The book’s absurd and unpredictable scenarios encourage young minds to think outside the box, fostering an environment where imaginative ideas are embraced. Students are given the opportunity to explore unconventional solutions, break away from traditional thinking, and unleash their innate creativity.
Develops Critical Thinking Skills: At its core, the Wayside School series is filled with puzzles, mysteries, and unexpected twists. This offers an excellent platform for teachers to foster critical thinking skills in their students. As the story unfolds, readers are presented with perplexing situations that require them to analyze, deduce, and problem-solve. Teachers can guide their students in deciphering clues, predicting outcomes, and engaging in lively discussions that challenge their reasoning abilities. This novel provides a valuable opportunity for educators to encourage students to think critically and approach problems from multiple perspectives.
Enhances Language Skills: A well-written book is a treasure trove for language development, and Wayside School Beneath the Cloud of Doom is no exception. Sachar’s masterful storytelling captivates readers with vivid descriptions, clever wordplay, and humorous dialogue. By incorporating this novel into their curriculum, teachers can elevate language skills through activities like vocabulary exploration, character analysis, and writing exercises. The book’s engaging narrative will encourage students to expand their vocabulary, improve their reading comprehension, and develop a love for language.
Promotes Social and Emotional Learning: Education is not just about academics; it also encompasses the emotional growth of students. Wayside School Beneath the Cloud of Doom portrays a diverse cast of characters, each with their own quirks and challenges. This provides an opportunity for teachers to facilitate discussions about empathy, compassion, and inclusivity. Students can reflect on the characters’ emotions and experiences, cultivating social and emotional learning skills. By exploring themes such as friendship, resilience, and problem-solving, educators can foster a positive and supportive classroom environment.
Enhancing Teamwork and Collaboration: Collaboration and teamwork are integral skills that prepare students for success in the real world. Wayside School Beneath the Cloud of Doom portrays a group of students who must work together to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Teachers can utilize the book to inspire cooperative learning activities, encouraging students to collaborate, communicate, and contribute their unique strengths to solve problems. Through the experiences of the characters, students learn the value of teamwork, effective communication, and the power of collective effort.
Encourages a Love for Reading: One of the greatest gifts a teacher can give their students is a love for reading. Wayside School Beneath the Cloud of Doom is an enchanting and hilarious tale that captivates young readers and instills in them a passion for literature. By immersing students in a world filled with laughter, adventure, and whimsy, teachers can ignite a lifelong love for reading. This novel serves as a gateway to further exploration of literature and encourages students to explore other works by Louis Sachar and beyond.
Wayside School Beneath the Cloud of Doom by Louis Sachar is an exceptional resource for teachers seeking to create an engaging and enriching learning environment. From nurturing creativity and critical thinking to promoting empathy and teamwork, this whimsical novel offers a multitude of benefits for both educators and students. By incorporating this book into their classrooms, teachers can spark imagination, encourage analytical thinking, foster emotional intelligence, and enhance collaboration among their students. Embrace the magic of Wayside School Beneath the Cloud of Doom and unlock a world of endless possibilities in education.
I offer a complete novel study to accompany Wayside School Beneath the Cloud of Doom for use in the classroom or homeschool. The unit includes both a printable format and a Google Drive™ format for use in a paperless classroom or with Google Classroom.
Try a free sample of the novel study for Wayside School Beneath the Cloud of Doom
You can purchase this novel study at the following locations:
You can also buy all four units together in a discounted bundle!
Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!
The reality of educational research is this: if you look hard enough, you can find support for almost any teaching strategy. Rarely is there a clear-cut answer about what works best. In most cases, effective teaching comes down to a teacher’s professional judgment, their students’ needs, and the flexibility they are given in the classroom.
Unfortunately, in today’s test-driven educational climate, teachers are often given less freedom than ever before. Rigid curriculum guidelines and scripted programs can make it difficult to adapt instruction, leaving little room for meaningful engagement or enrichment.
My Experience Using Novel Studies in the Classroom
I experienced this challenge firsthand while teaching 4th grade in a high-poverty, low-performing school. Many of my students entered my classroom reading at a 1st–2nd grade level, and very few were on grade level.
The biggest obstacle wasn’t just skill; it was motivation.
Our district relied heavily on a basal reading program that felt unrelatable and uninspiring to students. The stories lacked emotional connection, and students saw reading as a chore rather than something enjoyable or rewarding.
I knew something had to change.
How Read-Alouds Spark a Love of Reading
I started small by implementing a daily read-aloud time. My goal wasn’t rigorous analysis; I simply wanted students to enjoy a story.
This shift made a huge difference.
Upper elementary students are often overlooked when it comes to being read to, yet they benefit tremendously from it. By choosing high-interest, often humorous books, I was able to create a positive reading experience. Soon, read-aloud became one of the most anticipated parts of our day.
Why Novel Studies Work Better Than Basal Readers
Once I saw the impact of read-alouds, I began incorporating novel studies alongside our required curriculum.
Instead of limiting students to short excerpts, I introduced full novels connected to the themes in our basal program. The results were immediate and powerful:
Students reading below grade level began attempting more challenging texts
Engagement and participation increased dramatically
Discussions became deeper and more meaningful
Students started choosing to read independently
It became clear that reading an entire book provides a richer, more rewarding experience than isolated passages.
Improved Critical Thinking Through Deeper Reading
One of the biggest advantages of novel studies is the ability to promote higher-order thinking.
With a full-length text, students can:
Analyze character development
Explore complex themes
Make predictions and connections
Engage in meaningful discussions
Using Bloom’s Taxonomy becomes far more natural when students are immersed in a complete story rather than a short excerpt.
Building Real-World Connections and Empathy
Perhaps the most powerful benefit of novel studies is their ability to build empathy and awareness.
Through literature, students can explore real-world issues in a meaningful and age-appropriate way. For example:
These stories stay with students far longer than any worksheet ever could.
Do Novel Studies Improve Test Scores?
While I didn’t conduct formal research, I can confidently say this: My students’ test scores did not decline, and their love of reading increased significantly.
And that matters.
Because when students enjoy reading, they read more. And when they read more, their skills naturally improve.
Key Benefits of Using Novel Studies in the Classroom
Incorporating novel studies into your curriculum offers numerous advantages:
Improved Reading Skills: Students build comprehension, vocabulary, and fluency through sustained reading.
Increased Student Engagement: Novels capture interest and create emotional investment in learning.
Stronger Critical Thinking Skills: Students analyze, infer, and evaluate as they explore complex texts.
Enhanced Writing and Communication: Discussions and written responses deepen understanding and expression.
Greater Cultural Awareness: Literature exposes students to diverse perspectives and experiences.
Development of Empathy: Students connect with characters and better understand others’ experiences.
Encouragement of Independent Reading: Engaged students are more likely to read on their own.
Final Thoughts: Why Novel Studies Matter
Using novel studies in the classroom is one of the most effective ways to transform reading instruction.
While standardized programs may check boxes, novels create meaningful learning experiences. They engage students, deepen understanding, and foster a lifelong love of reading.
And ultimately, that’s what great teaching is all about.
Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!
Novel Studies Part 1: Comprehension
All of my novel studies offer a Google Drive™ format, in addition to the printable format, shown above, to use with your students. This allows you to use novel studies in a 1:1 classroom, save paper, and easily engage students who are absent. Here’s an example page from the Google Drive™ format of my 
