Truth

Truth is a common value stressed in children's literature. As a society, we generally agree that we want to teach our young people the value of honesty. Lois Lowry's approach to teaching about truth is quite different from the typical kids' book, and in some ways, more mature. She speaks to the grey areas in life, where the truth may best be served by lying. The most clear-cut example of this is the Danish Resistance members' interactions with the German soldiers. Peter, Mama, and Uncle Henrik all lie to the soldiers and take pride in their courage for having lied so well. In this way, the adult characters in Number the Stars teach young Annemarie that truth is about integrity and standing up for what one knows is right, even if it involves lying. If it is necessary to lie to the German soldiers in order to save...