I had not read this book in my elementary years, but it was one that came up over and over again on the top lists of middle grade reads. I don't know how or why it was never one I picked up. This is a beautiful read with such a masterful way of telling a difficult story in a way appropriate for the age of the intended audience. There is keen attention to the development of mystery in a way that a young child would have perceived the events in the book and the revelation of historical fact is very well done. The depth of investigation into the activities of WWII is fairly light, well-constructed as an introductory text to the happenings of the Holocaust while remaining correctly voiced. There is enough here to demonstrate the prejudice and violence that took place without becoming overly graphic. That is a difficult balance to make while still remaining powerful in delivering the message of the age, but Number the Stars achieves it well. It now ranks among my favorite middle grade level reads.