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Adolf Hitler becomes chancellor of Germany.
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Laws defining who is a Jew according to racial theory, banning marriage between Jews and non-Jews, and making Jews second-class citizens.
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Nazi troops invade Denmark and begin to set up post in Copenhagen.
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Hitler decides to begin sending Jewish residents of ghettos in the Denmark to concentration camps.
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Lois Lowry's novel begins with Annemarie living in Copenhagen, Denmark. She and her friend Ellen were walking to school when stopped by Nazi soldiers.
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The Johansen's learn that one of their neighbors, the Hirsch family, has had their shop closed by the Gestapo because it is a Jewish business.
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Historical:
The Gestapo begins the round-up of the Jewish residents of the Netherlands the evening and mornings of October 1st and 2nd. A total of 481 people were sent to Theresienstadt. Most members of the population were rescued by non-Jews who smuggled them across the border in boats. Novel:
Soldiers come to the house, and Annemarie helps Ellen take off her Star of David necklace. The family tricks the officers into thinking Ellen is her sister. -
Annemarie, Ellen, and Mrs. Johansen leave to stay with Annemarie's uncle in Gilleleje, Denmark. That night, a coffin is brought to the property for the supposed death of Aunt Birte. However, many families, including the Rosens, appear. Ellen is reunited with her family.
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Annemarie is searched by Nazi soldiers while bringing a package to her uncle who is smuggling the Jews, including Ellen's family, out to Sweden. Annemarie's true intentions are not discovered, and she is later praised for her bravery and all of her help in saving the lives of her friends.
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The Rosens flee Copenhagen but leave Ellen to live with the Johansen family.
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Eva Heyman records in her diary the story of her friend, Marta, who was taken that evening. Her entry, a non-fiction piece, can be found at: http://www.yadvashem.org/odot_pdf/Microsoft%20Word%20-%203689.pdf.
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Axis surrenders to the Allies. End of World War II.
