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  • Hardcover: $16.95
  • ISBN: 978-1-56145-208-8
  • Total Pages: 32
  • Size: 9 1/2 x 11
  • Language: English
  • Rights: World, except UK, Denmark, Norway, Korea, and Dutch & French languages
  • Status: active
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  • Leveling Information
  • Accelerated Reader
  • AR Quiz#: 43505
  • AR Reading Level: 3.7
  • AR Points: 0.5
  • F&P (Fountas & Pinnell)
  • F&P Level: S
  • F&P Grade: 4-5
  • Reading Counts
  • Reading Counts Level: 3.5
  • Reading Counts Points: 2
  • Reading Counts Interest Level: 3-5
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  • Color Info: Full color throughout
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  • History
  • Nonfiction
  • Picture Books

Yellow Star, The


Without the yellow star to point them out, the Jews looked like any other Danes.

For centuries, the Star of David was a symbol of Jewish pride. But during World War II, Nazis used the star to segregate and terrorize the Jewish people. Except in Denmark. When Nazi soldiers occupied his country, King Christian X of Denmark committed himself to keeping all Danes safe from harm.

The bravery of the Danes and their king during that dangerous time has inspired many legends. The most enduring is the legend of the yellow star, which symbolizes the loyalty and fearless spirit of the king and his people.

Award-winning author and storyteller Carmen Deedy has poignantly recreated this legend, which is accompanied by Danish illustrator Henri Sørensen's arresting full-color portraits. The result is a powerful and dignified story of heroic justice, a story for all people and all times.

For more details about the Nazi occupation of Denmark during World War II and the Danish resistance movement, please click here.

Author & Illustrator


Author Photo

Carmen Agra Deedy is a New York Times bestselling author and has been writing and traveling around the world telling stories for more than twenty years. Her books, including 14 Cows for America, The Library Dragon, The Yellow Star, and Martina the Beautiful Cockroach have received numerous awards and honors. Carmen has performed in many prestigious venues, but children are her favorite audience. Born in Havana, Cuba, she came to the United States as a refugee and like most immigrants sees the world from multiple perspectives.

You can visit Carmen Agra Deedy’s website here.

Author Photo

Henri Sorensen has illustrated over twenty books for children, including The Yellow Star, The Printer, and Christmas in the Trenches. He is also the author-illustrator of two children's books, New Hope and Your First Step. Sorensen lives in Denmark.

You can visit Henri Sorensen’s website here.


Reviews


“...interesting and thought-provoking....” ―School Library Journal

“...delightful... a perfect introduction for young readers to the difficult story of the Holocaust. The story is surprisingly moving because it is told so simply.... suspenseful and inspiring.... and excellent addition to the many recent books on tolerance and human rights.” ―Five Owls

“Professional storyteller Deedy retells this legend in unadorned, effective language that lends currency to history.... The spare but resonant storytelling is given an authoritative setting in Danish illustrator Sorensen's paintings; his formal style and balanced compositions reinforce the mood and dignity of the story.... this tale will find heavy use as a readaloud and discussion starter, whether the topic is truth, history, heroism, or moral dilemmas.” ―Bulletin for the Center for Children's Books

“...I loved this picture book. The story is simple, yet powerful. The message of peace and unity is very clear... I would call this a "5 star" book.” ―Maestra-Amanda blog

“...a beautiful and moving tale about one of the few glimmers of humanity to emerge from the Holocaust...it reminds us all of the power of the individual against injustice as well as the lasting effects of kindness...” ―Herreras blog

Awards


Read Alouds too Good to Miss (ageless) ―AIME 2001