Number the Stars

Although numerous characters in the book commit brave acts, Annemarie's character development demonstrates how both large and small actions can be brave. Early in the book, when Annemarie positions all of Denmark as being the bodyguard for Jewish people, she wonders if she would have enough courage to protect them and die for them if necessary. She finds this overwhelming. Later, when Uncle Henrik asks if she is brave, she responds that she doesn't think she is. Yet she undoubtedly is brave as she runs through the forest to deliver the package to her uncle.

The key to this theme lies in Ellen’s Star of David necklace and in Peter's reading of the psalm that gives the book its title. During the psalm, Annemarie is overwhelmed by the number of stars and the size of the world. However, when it comes to saving her friend, Annemarie doesn’t think twice about taking Ellen’s necklace and hiding it in her palm, showing incredible courage in such a small action. In this sense, the book centers around the idea that we do not have to set out to save the world: it is sufficient to commit small acts of bravery and build upon them in order to have a positive effect.