Ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen and her best friend Ellen Rosen are forced to come to terms with the treatment of Jews in Denmark during World War II. Annemarie and her family are drawn into the resistance movement, transporting Jews from Denmark to the safety of neutral Sweden. In an effort to help the Rosens flee their homeland, Annemarie discovers the meaning of bravery.

The unit examines the Holocaust, the history of the Jewish people, World War II, and anti-Semitism, as well as Jewish and Danish culture. On a more personal level, students examine the lessons learned from the Holocaust and apply them to their own lives. The values of courage, compassion, pride, resisting evil, and standing up for what one believes are reinforced.

Students focus on cultural and historical setting, mood, plot, theme, descriptive language, characterization, and symbolism; examine pride and courage to develop critical thinking skills; respond to poetry; create and interpret maps; analyze character development; write paragraphs; role-play; and appreciate the courage of the Danish people.

Lessons include chapter-by-chapter study guide questions that may be used as comprehension checks, reviews, or discussion guides. Supplementary materials include essay prompts and a research project.