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Number the Stars

Lois Lowry

Type

Novel

Published

1989

Questions

3 with answers

Access

Free

AP LiteratureCommon Core ElaMiddle School Ela

Curated set · answers marked

At the end of Number the Stars, what does Annemarie find hidden in the handkerchief packet that Peter gave to Uncle Henrik for the boat?

AA map of the Swedish coastline
BA small amount of money for the Jewish refugees
CA special powder that destroys dogs' sense of smell✓
DA letter of safe passage signed by Danish officials

Rationale

The handkerchief held a specially prepared powder, a mix of dried blood and cocaine, which dulled the guard dogs' sense of smell. This was crucial for helping the hidden Jewish refugees escape to Sweden.

*Quiz Question: Number the Stars by Lois Lowry*

At the end of the novel, Annemarie finds a small packet that her friend Ellen's father unintentionally left behind. What does she discover inside the packet, and why is it important to the Danish resistance effort?

A) A forged German travel pass that allows Jews to cross the border freely B) A handkerchief treated with a special powder that neutralizes the Nazis' trained dogs' ability to smell hidden people C) A map of secret underground tunnels used to smuggle Jewish families into Sweden D) A list of Swedish families willing to shelter Jewish refugees upon arrival

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The packet contains a handkerchief coated with dried rabbit's blood and cocaine, which disables the scent-tracking ability of the German patrol dogs. Annemarie hurries to deliver it to her Uncle Henrik's boat in time, making her courageous act crucial to the successful escape of the Jewish passengers hidden aboard.

At the end of the novel, Annemarie learns that the handkerchief she gave to Henrik's boat had a unique purpose. What was that purpose?

AIt was used as a disguise to help Ellen fit in with the Danish soldiers
BIt contained a powder that nullified the Nazis' ability to smell, making their trained dogs unable to find the Jewish refugees hiding on the boat✓
CIt was a coded message to the Swedish government asking for safe harbor
DIt was soaked in medicine to prevent the hidden passengers from coughing during the crossing

Rationale

The handkerchief was treated with a special mixture of dried blood and cocaine that temporarily hindered the dogs' sense of smell, preventing them from detecting the Jewish refugees hidden below deck on Henrik's boat.

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