“Early in the year 1940, in the country of Denmark, there were only Danes. Tall Danes. Short Danes. Old Danes. Silly Danes. Cranky Danes . . . and even some Great Danes. But no matter how different from each other they seemed, the Danes held one thing in common. All were loyal subjects of their beloved King Christian.” At one point during the World War II occupation of Denmark, the Nazis required all Jews to identify themselves by wearing a yellow Star of David on their outer clothes. According to legend, King Christian X of Denmark became frightened on behalf of his Jewish subjects. “Without the yellow star to point them out, the Jews looked like any other Danes. Gentiles and Jews were all Danish subjects who worshiped God in different ways. If King Christian called on the tiny Danish army to fight, Danes would die. If he did nothing, Danes would die.” The king appeared unescorted in public the next day wearing a yellow star. Other Gentiles were inspired to wear yellow stars, too, and so the Nazi edict lost its frightful power. Sørensen’s full-color paintings expand the bold act of solidarity in this account. In two pages at the end of the picture book, Deedy lists documented facts and points out a universal truth in the legend. (Ages 6-9)

At one point during the World War II occupation of Denmark, the Nazis required all Jews to identify themselves by wearing a yellow Star of David on their outer clothes. According to legend, King Christian X of Denmark became frightened on behalf of his Jewish subjects and, because of this, appeared unescorted in public wearing a yellow star. Other Gentiles were inspired to wear yellow stars, too, and so the Nazi edict lost its frightful power. Full-color paintings expand the bold act of solidarity in this account that points out a universal truth in an oft-repeated legend.

Carmen Agra Deedy’s award-winning retelling of a powerful World War II legend.

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 Sørensen’s arresting full-color portraits, this is a powerful and dignified story of heroic justice.

Teacher’s Guide available!

Bologna Ragazzi Award for Children’s Non-Fiction

Christopher Award (Books for Young People)

Jane Addams Peace Prize (Honor Book)

ABC Children’s Booksellers’ Choices (Non-fiction)

Notable Books for a Global Society