When the Nazi's put their boots on the soil of Denmark, they decreed that all people of Jewish descent hae to wear a yellow star.

Watching the night stars, King Christian X, saw how specific stars are mixed in with all others. He has the idea to ride atop his horse throughout town while wearing a yellow star.

In addition to mandating the wearing of the yellow star, the Nazi's removed the Danish flag and replaced it with the Nazi swastika flag. King Christian immediately had a soldier remove the flag and re install the Danish flag. When the Nazi solider burst in his office demanding to know who did this, he boasted that the next day he will again remove the countries flag, and replace it. Unafraid of the boastfulness of the Nazi leader, he said that he would continue to replace the Nazi flag with the country flag. There also was a threat for the person who replaced the legit flag, or that person will be killed. Whereupon King Christian said "Then be prepared to shoot the King -- for I will be that soldier. "

.While there is no proof for this act of rebellion. But, as the author notes the following:

.The beloved King did indeed ride unescorted and unprotected throughout the streets of Copenhagen.
Stories of his bravery circulated throughout Europe.

.No Jews within Denmark were forced to wear the yellow star

. Among Nazi-occupied countries, only Denmark rescued the overwhelming majority of its Jews.

. Incredibly over 7,00 Danish Jews were smuggled to Sweden in fishing boats, carrying 12-14 each time.The group of rescuers where called Helsingor Sewing club.

Remarkably,

. Of the almost 500 Jews deported to the Nazi camp Theresienstadt, all but 51 survived.

Indeed it was the bravely of the Danish King, but also the people of that union who were incredibly brave, strong and successful.

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For more information regarding saving lives by carrying Jews out of the country in fishing boats, read the incredibly written Number the Stars by Lois Lowry, who is one of my favorite authors. ( )

I love this story! When the Nazis invade Denmark, King Christian has an idea to protect them. He takes daily rides through town on his big horse. One day, while on his ride, his subjects see something new added to his lapel. The next day, everyone is wearing a similar addition to their lapels. All the citizens of Denmark chose to wear the yellow Star of David in order to protect their Jewish friends and neighbors. ( )

Independent Reading Level: Grade 4

This book was beautiful and made me cry.

Because it is historical fiction.

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

In 1940, Nazis occupied Denmark and King Christian X, beloved amongst his people, has to find some way to resist their overwhelming power. When the order goes out that all Jews must wear a yellow star on their clothes, the king has an idea that might just work. But it would take the faith and commitment of all Danes.

In this retelling of a World War II legend, New York Times best-selling author Carmen Agra Deedy poignantly remind us of the power of a good, wise leader. Paired with Henri S�rensen's arresting full-color portraits, this is a powerful and dignified story of heroic justice.