The Book Thief Lesson Plans The Book Thief by Markus Zusak Contents The Book Thief Lesson Plans ........................................................................................................................ 1 Contents........................................................................................................................................................ 2 Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 4 Lesson Calendar............................................................................................................................................ 8 Chapter Abstracts ....................................................................................................................................... 18 Character Descriptions ............................................................................................................................... 26 Object Descriptions .................................................................................................................................... 28 Daily Lessons .............................................................................................................................................. 30 Fun Activities .............................................................................................................................................. 55 Essay Topics ................................................................................................................................................ 58 Short Essay Questions ................................................................................................................................ 62 Short Essay Questions Key ......................................................................................................................... 71 Multiple Choice .......................................................................................................................................... 84 Multiple Choice Key ................................................................................................................................. 113 Short Answer Questions .......................................................................................................................... 114 Short Answer Questions Key ................................................................................................................... 140 Oral Reading Evaluation Sheet ................................................................................................................ 166 Reading Assignment Sheet ...................................................................................................................... 167 Writing Evaluation Form .......................................................................................................................... 168 One Week Quiz A...................................................................................................................................... 169 Two Week Quiz A ..................................................................................................................................... 172 Four Week Quiz A ..................................................................................................................................... 175 Four Week Quiz B ..................................................................................................................................... 178 Eight Week Quiz A .................................................................................................................................... 181 Eight Week Quiz B .................................................................................................................................... 184 Eight Week Quiz C .................................................................................................................................... 187 Eight Week Quiz D .................................................................................................................................... 190 Eight Week Quiz E .................................................................................................................................... 193 Eight Week Quiz F..................................................................................................................................... 196 2 Eight Week Quiz G .................................................................................................................................... 199 Mid-Book Test - Easy ................................................................................................................................ 202 Final Test - Easy ........................................................................................................................................ 208 Mid-Book Test - Medium ......................................................................................................................... 214 Final Test - Medium .................................................................................................................................. 221 Mid-Book Test - Hard ............................................................................................................................... 229 Final Test - Hard........................................................................................................................................ 236 3 Introduction Teaching The Book Thief The Book Thief lesson plan contains a variety of teaching materials that cater to all learning styles. Inside you'll find 30 Daily Lessons, 20 Fun Activities, 180 Multiple Choice Questions, 60 Short Essay Questions, 20 Essay Questions, Quizzes/Homework Assignments, Tests, and more. The lessons and activities will help students gain an intimate understanding of the text, while the tests and quizzes will help you evaluate how well the students have grasped the material. Target Grade: 7th-12th (Middle School and High School) Length of Lesson Plan: Approximately 138 pages. Page count is estimated at 300 words per page. Length will vary depending on format viewed. Browse The Book Thief Lesson Plan: Introduction Lesson Calendar Chapter Abstracts Character Descriptions Object Descriptions Daily Lessons Fun Activities Essay Topics 4 Short Essay Questions Multiple Choice Short Answer Questions Worksheets and Evaluation Forms Quizzes Tests Quiz/Test Generator Full Lesson Plan Overview Completely Customizable! The Book Thief lesson plan is downloadable in PDF and Word. The Word file is viewable with any PC or Mac and can be further adjusted if you want to mix questions around and/or add your own headers for things like "Name," "Period," and "Date." The Word file offers unlimited customizing options so that you can teach in the most efficient manner possible. Once you download the file, it is yours to keep and print for your classroom. Lesson Plan Calendars The Lesson Plan Calendars provide daily suggestions about what to teach. They include detailed descriptions of when to assign reading, homework, in-class work, fun activities, quizzes, tests and more. Use the entire The Book Thief calendar, or supplement it with your own curriculum ideas. Calendars cover one, two, four, and eight week units. Determine how long your The Book Thief unit will be, then use one of the calendars provided to plan out your entire lesson. Chapter Abstracts Chapter abstracts are short descriptions of events that occur in each chapter of The Book Thief. They highlight major plot events and detail the important relationships and characteristics of important characters. The Chapter Abstracts can be used to review what the students have read, or to prepare the students for what they will read. Hand the abstracts out in class as a study guide, or use them as a "key" for a class discussion. They are relatively brief, but can serve to be an excellent refresher of The Book Thief for either a student or teacher. Character and Object Descriptions Character and Object Descriptions provide descriptions of the significant characters as well as objects and places in The Book Thief. These can be printed out and used as an individual study guide for students, a "key" for leading a class discussion, a summary review prior to exams, or a refresher for an educator. The character and object descriptions are also used in some of the quizzes and tests in this lesson plan. The longest descriptions run about 200 words. They become shorter as the importance of the character or object declines. 5 Daily Lessons This section of the lesson plan contains 30 Daily Lessons. Daily Lessons each have a specific objective and offer at least three (often more) ways to teach that objective. Lessons include classroom discussions, group and partner activities, in-class handouts, individual writing assignments, at least one homework assignment, class participation exercises and other ways to teach students about The Book Thief in a classroom setting. You can combine daily lessons or use the ideas within them to create your own unique curriculum. They vary greatly from day to day and offer an array of creative ideas that provide many options for an educator. Fun Classroom Activities Fun Classroom Activities differ from Daily Lessons because they make "fun" a priority. The 20 enjoyable, interactive classroom activities that are included will help students understand The Book Thief in fun and entertaining ways. Fun Classroom Activities include group projects, games, critical thinking activities, brainstorming sessions, writing poems, drawing or sketching, and countless other creative exercises. Many of the activities encourage students to interact with each other, be creative and think "outside of the box," and ultimately grasp key concepts from the text by "doing" rather than simply studying. Fun activities are a great way to keep students interested and engaged while still providing a deeper understanding of The Book Thief and its themes. Essay Questions/Writing Assignments These 20 Essay Questions/Writing Assignments can be used as essay questions on a test, or as stand-alone essay topics for a take-home or in-class writing assignment on The Book Thief. Students should have a full understanding of the unit material in order to answer these questions. They often include multiple parts of the work and ask for a thorough analysis of the overall text. They nearly always require a substantial response. Essay responses are typically expected to be one (or more) page(s) and consist of multiple paragraphs, although it is possible to write answers more briefly. These essays are designed to challenge a student's understanding of the broad points in a work, interactions among the characters, and main points and themes of the text. But, they also cover many of the other issues specific to the work and to the world today. Short Essay Questions The 60 Short Essay Questions listed in this section require a one to two sentence answer. They ask students to demonstrate a deeper understanding of The Book Thief by describing what they've read, rather than just recalling it. The short essay questions evaluate not only whether students have read the material, but also how well they understand and can apply it. They require more thought than multiple choice questions, but are shorter than the essay questions. 6 Multiple Choice Questions The 180 Multiple Choice Questions in this lesson plan will test a student's recall and understanding of The Book Thief. Use these questions for quizzes, homework assignments or tests. The questions are broken out into sections, so they focus on specific chapters within The Book Thief. This allows you to test and review the book as you proceed through the unit. Typically, there are 5-15 questions per chapter, act or section. Evaluation Forms Use the Oral Reading Evaluation Form when students are reading aloud in class. Pass the forms out before you assign reading, so students will know what to expect. You can use the forms to provide general feedback on audibility, pronunciation, articulation, expression and rate of speech. You can use this form to grade students, or simply comment on their progress. Use the Writing Evaluation Form when you're grading student essays. This will help you establish uniform criteria for grading essays even though students may be writing about different aspects of the material. By following this form you will be able to evaluate the thesis, organization, supporting arguments, paragraph transitions, grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc. of each student's essay. Quizzes/Homework Assignments The Quizzes/Homework Assignments are worksheets that can be used in a variety of ways. They pull questions from the multiple choice and short essay sections, the character and object descriptions, and the chapter abstracts to create worksheets that can be used for pop quizzes, in-class assignments and homework. Periodic homework assignments and quizzes are a great way to encourage students to stay on top of their assigned reading. They can also help you determine which concepts and ideas your class grasps and which they need more guidance on. By pulling from the different sections of the lesson plan, quizzes and homework assignments offer a comprehensive review of The Book Thief in manageable increments that are less substantial than a full blown test. Tests Use the Test Summary page to determine which pre-made test is most relevant to your students' learning styles. This lesson plan provides both full unit tests and mid-unit tests. You can choose from several tests that include differing combinations of multiple choice questions, short answer questions, short essay questions, full essay questions, character and object matching, etc. Some of the tests are designed to be more difficult than others. Some have essay questions, while others are limited to short-response questions, like multiple choice, matching and short answer questions. If you don't find the combination of questions that best suits your class, you can also create your own test on The Book Thief. 7 Lesson Calendar Definitions Review Chapter Abstracts: Chapter abstracts are synopses of each chapter that you can use to review the reading assignments with your students. Daily Lessons: There are 30 daily lessons detailed in this lesson plan. Select a new daily lesson for each day. Fun Activities: There are 20 fun activities in this lesson plan. They serve as a way for students to interact with the material in an enjoyable, educational way. Read Aloud in Class: Ask students to take turns reading aloud from where they left off in their most recent reading assignment. Use the Oral Reading Evaluation Form in this lesson plan to evaluate their reading skills. In-Class Handout: An in-class handout can be one of the quizzes/homework assignments, vocabulary games, worksheets, or an essay/writing assignment. It's something the students can complete and turn in during class, or begin in-class and take home to finish as a homework assignment. One Week Lesson Calendar Before the unit begins: Homework Assignment: Read through Part Three, Mein Kampf Day 1 Day 2 - Review Day 3 - Quiz Day 4 - Review Introduce Unit Unit Unit Review Chapter Abstracts up to Part Three, Mein Kampf Review Chapter Abstracts up to Part Six, The Dream Carrier 1 Lesson from Daily Lessons 18 1 Lesson from Daily Lessons 915 1 Fun Activity from Fun Activities 1-10 Students Read Aloud in Class 1 In-Class Handout Homework Assignment: Read through Part Nine, The Last Human Review Chapter Abstracts up to Part Nine, The Last Human Stranger Quiz 1 Lesson from Daily Lessons 16-23 1 In-Class Handout 8 Review Chapter Abstracts up to Epilogue, The Last Color 1 Lesson from Daily Lessons 24-30 1 In-Class Handout Homework Assignment: Study for the test Day 5 - Test Test Homework Assignment: Read through Part Six, The Dream Carrier Stranger and choose a homework assignment from one of the Daily Lessons 1 Fun Activity from Fun Activities 11-20 Homework Assignment: Read through Epilogue, The Last Color and assign an essay, due the week following the test Two Week Lesson Calendar Before the unit begins: Homework Assignment: Read through Part Two, The Shoulder Shrug Day 1 Day 2 - Review Day 3 - Review Day 4 - Review Introduce Unit Unit Unit Unit Review Chapter Abstracts up to Part Two, The Shoulder Shrug Review Chapter Abstracts up to Part Three, Mein Kampf Review Chapter Abstracts up to Part Four, The Standover Man Review Chapter Abstracts up to Part Five, The Whistler 1 Lesson from Daily Lessons 14 1 Lesson from Daily Lessons 58 1 Lesson from Daily Lessons 912 1 Lesson from Daily Lessons 13-15 Students Read Aloud in Class 1 Fun Activity from Fun Activities 1-5 1 In-Class Handout 1 Fun Activity from Fun Activities 6-10 Homework Assignment: Read through Part Three, Mein Kampf Homework Assignment: Read through Part Four, The Standover Man Homework Assignment: Read through Part Five, The Whistler 9 Review for the quiz Homework Assignment: Read through Part Seven, The Complete Duden Day 5 - Quiz Review Chapter Abstracts up to Part Seven, The Complete Duden Dictionary and Thesaurus Quiz Homework Assignment: Read through Part Eight, The Word Shaker and assign an essay, due the week following the final test Dictionary and Thesaurus and study for the quiz Day 6 - Review Unit Day 7 - Review Unit Day 8 - Review Unit Day 9 - Review Unit Day 10 - Final Test Review Chapter Abstracts up to Part Eight, The Word Shaker Review Chapter Abstracts up to Part Nine, The Last Human Stranger Review Chapter Abstracts up to Part Ten, The Book Thief Review Chapter Abstracts up to Epilogue, The Last Color Test 1 Lesson from Daily Lessons 24-27 1 Lesson from Daily Lessons 28-30 1 In-Class Handout 1 In-Class Handout 1 Fun Activity from Fun Activities 16-20 Review for the test 1 Lesson from Daily Lessons 16-19 1 Fun Activity from Fun Activities 11-15 Homework Assignment: Read through Part Nine, The Last Human Stranger and choose a homework assignment from one of the Daily Lessons 1 Lesson from Daily Lessons 20-23 1 In-Class Handout Students Read Aloud in Class Homework Assignment: Read through Part Ten, The Book Thief and choose a homework assignment from one of the Daily Lessons Homework Assignment: Read through Epilogue, The Last Color Homework Assignment: Study for the test Four Week Lesson Calendar Before the unit begins: Homework Assignment: Read through Prologue, A Mountain Range of Rubble, and Part One, The Grave Digger's Handbook Day 1 Day 2 - Review Day 3 - Review Day 4 - Review Day 5 - Quiz Introduce Unit Unit Unit Unit 10 Review Chapter Abstracts up to Prologue, A Mountain Range of Rubble, and Part One, The Grave Digger's Handbook Review Chapter Abstracts up to Part Two, The Shoulder Shrug Students Read Aloud in Class 1 In-Class Handout Homework Assignment: Read through Part Two, The Shoulder Shrug Homework Assignment: Choose from one of the Daily Lessons 1 Lesson from Daily Lessons 12 Review Homework 1 Lesson from Daily Lessons 34 1 Fun Activity from Fun Activities 1-3 Homework Assignment: Read through Part Three, Mein Kampf and choose a homework assignment from one of the Daily Lessons Review Chapter Abstracts up to Part Three, Mein Kampf Review Chapter Abstracts up to Part Four, The Standover Man Review Homework Quiz 1 Lesson from Daily Lessons 56 1 Fun Activity from Fun Activities 4-5 1 In-Class Handout Homework Assignment: Read through Part Four, The Standover Man 1 Lesson from Daily Lessons 78 Students Read Aloud in Class Homework Assignment: Choose from one of the Daily Lessons Day 6 - Review Unit Day 7 - Review Unit Day 8 - Review Unit Day 9 - Review Unit Day 10 - Mid Unit Test Review Homework Review Chapter Abstracts up to Part Five, The Whistler Review Homework Review Chapter Abstracts up to Part Six, The Dream Carrier Review Chapter Abstracts up to Part Seven, The Complete Duden Dictionary and Thesaurus Daily Lesson 9 1 Fun Activity from Fun Activities 6-7 Homework Assignment: Read through Part Five, The Whistler and choose a homework Review Homework 1 Lesson from Daily Lessons 10-11 1 In-Class Handout 1 Lesson from Daily Lessons 12-13 1 Fun Activity from Fun Activities 8-9 Homework Assignment: Read through Part Six, The Dream Carrier 11 Review Homework 1 Lesson from Daily Lessons 14-15 1 In-Class Handout Test Homework Assignment: Assign an essay, due the week following the final test assignment from Students Read one of the Daily Aloud in Class Lessons Homework Assignment: Choose from one of the Daily Lessons and choose a homework assignment from one of the Daily Lessons Review for the test Day 11 - Review Unit Day 12 - Review Unit Day 13 - Review Unit Day 14 - Review Unit Day 15 - Quiz Review the test Review Chapter Abstracts up to Part Eight, The Word Shaker Review Homework Review Chapter Abstracts up to Part Nine, The Last Human Stranger Review Chapter Abstracts up to Part Ten, The Book Thief Daily Lesson 16 Students Read Aloud in Class Homework Assignment: Read through Part Eight, The Word Shaker 1 Lesson from Daily Lessons 17-18 1 Fun Activity from Fun Activities 10-12 Homework Assignment: Choose from one of the Daily Lessons 1 Lesson from Daily Lessons 19-20 1 In-Class Handout Homework Assignment: Read through Part Nine, The Last Human Stranger and choose a homework assignment from one of the Daily Lessons 12 Homework Assignment: Read through Part Seven, The Complete Duden Dictionary and Thesaurus and study for the test Review Homework 1 Lesson from Daily Lessons 21-22 1 Fun Activity from Fun Activities 13-14 Homework Assignment: Read through Part Ten, The Book Thief and choose a homework assignment from one of the Daily Lessons Quiz Daily Lesson 23 Students Read Aloud in Class 1 Fun Activity from Fun Activities 15-16 Homework Assignment: Choose from one of the Daily Lessons Day 16 - Review Unit Day 17 - Review Unit Day 18 - Review Unit Day 19 - Review Unit Day 20 - Final Test Review Homework Review Chapter Abstracts up to Epilogue, The Last Color Review Homework Daily Lesson 30 Test 1 Lesson from Daily Lessons 24-25 1 Fun Activity from Fun Activities 17-18 Homework Assignment: Read through Epilogue, The Last Color and choose a homework assignment from one of the Daily Lessons Review Homework 1 Lesson from Daily Lessons 26-27 1 In-Class Handout 1 Lesson from Daily Lessons 28-29 1 In-Class Handout 1 In-Class Handout Homework Assignment: Study for the test 1 Fun Activity from Fun Activities 19-20 Students Read Aloud in Class Homework Assignment: Choose from one of the Daily Lessons Eight Week Lesson Calendar Before the unit begins: Homework Assignment: Read through Prologue, A Mountain Range of Rubble, and Part One, The Grave Digger's Handbook Day 1 Day 2 - Review Day 3 - Review Day 4 - Review Day 5 - Quiz Introduce Unit Unit Unit Unit Review Chapter Abstracts up to Prologue, A Mountain Range of Rubble, and Part One, The Daily Lesson 1 1 In-Class Handout Homework Assignment: Review Homework Daily Lesson 2 Fun Activity 1 13 Review Chapter Abstracts up to Part Two, The Shoulder Shrug Review Homework Quiz Fun Activity 2 Students Read Aloud in Class Grave Digger's Handbook Complete the Daily Lesson Homework Assignment: Read through Part Two, The Shoulder Shrug and complete the Daily Lesson Daily Lesson 3 Day 6 - Review Unit Day 7 - Review Unit Day 8 - Quiz Day 9 - Review Unit Day 10 - Review Unit Daily Lesson 4 Review Chapter Quiz Abstracts up to Part Three, Mein Review Homework Kampf Review Homework Daily Lesson 7 Review Chapter Abstracts up to Part Four, The Standover Man Daily Lesson 6 Fun Activity 4 Fun Activity 5 Students Read Aloud in Class 1 In-Class Handout 1 In-Class Handout Homework Assignment: Complete the Daily Lesson Homework Assignment: Read through Part Four, The Standover Man Students Read Aloud in Class Fun Activity 3 Homework Assignment: Read through Part Three, Mein Kampf and complete the Daily Lesson Review Homework Daily Lesson 5 1 In-Class Handout Students Read Aloud in Class 1 In-Class Handout Homework Assignment: Complete the Daily Lesson Day 11 - Review Unit Day 12 - Quiz Day 13 - Review Unit Day 14 - Review Unit Day 15 - Quiz Daily Lesson 8 Quiz Quiz Daily Lesson 9 Review Homework Students Read Aloud in Class Review Chapter Abstracts up to Part Five, The Whistler Daily Lesson 11 Students Read Aloud in Class Review Homework Fun Activity 7 Fun Activity 8 Homework Assignment: Homework Assignment: Read through Homework Assignment: Study for the quiz Fun Activity 6 Homework Assignment: Read through Part Five, The Daily Lesson 10 14 Whistler and complete the Daily Lesson 1 In-Class Handout Complete the Daily Lesson Part Six, The Dream Carrier and complete the Daily Lesson Day 16 - Review Unit Day 17 - Review Unit Day 18 - Review Unit Day 19 - Review Unit Day 20 - Mid Unit Test Review Chapter Abstracts up to Part Six, The Dream Carrier Review Homework Review Homework Review Homework Test Daily Lesson 13 Daily Lesson 14 1 In-Class Handout 1 In-Class Handout 1 In-Class Handout Daily Lesson 12 Students Read Aloud in Class Fun Activity 10 Day 21 - Review Unit Day 22 - Review Unit Day 23 - Review Unit Day 24 - Review Unit Day 25 - Quiz Daily Lesson 15 Review Chapter Abstracts up to Part Seven, The Complete Duden Dictionary and Thesaurus Review Homework Review Homework Daily Lesson 17 Fun Activity 12 Review Chapter Abstracts up to Part Eight, The Word Shaker Fun Activity 11 Homework Assignment: Read through Part Eight, The Word Shaker Fun Activity 9 Homework Assignment: Complete the Daily Lesson Review the test Homework Assignment: Read through Part Seven, The Daily Lesson 16 Complete Duden Dictionary and 1 In-Class Thesaurus Handout Homework Assignment: Complete the Daily Lesson Homework Assignment: Complete the Daily Lesson Homework Assignment: Complete the Daily Lesson Homework Assignment: 15 Review for the test Homework Assignment: Assign an essay, due on day 38 Homework Assignment: Study for the test Quiz Daily Lesson 18 Fun Activity 13 Homework Assignment: Complete the Daily Lesson Complete the Daily Lesson Day 26 - Review Unit Day 27 - Review Unit Day 28 - Review Unit Day 29 - Review Unit Day 30 - Mid Unit Test Review Homework Review Homework Review Homework Quiz Daily Lesson 19 Daily Lesson 20 Homework Assignment: Complete the Daily Lesson 1 In-Class Handout Review Chapter Abstracts up to Part Nine, The Last Human Stranger Students Read Aloud in Class Review Homework Daily Lesson 21 Daily Lesson 22 1 In-Class Handout Homework Assignment: Study for the quiz Fun Activity 15 Homework Assignment: Read through Part Ten, The Book Thief Homework Assignment: Read through Part Nine, The Last Human Stranger and complete the Daily Lesson Fun Activity 14 Day 31 - Review Unit Day 32 - Review Unit Day 33 - Review Unit Day 34 - Review Unit Day 35 - Quiz Review Chapter Abstracts up to Part Ten, The Book Thief Daily Lesson 24 Review Homework Quiz Daily Lesson 25 Review Chapter Abstracts up to Epilogue, The Last Color 1 In-Class Handout Review Homework Daily Lesson 27 Daily Lesson 23 Students Read Aloud in Class Fun Activity 16 Homework Assignment: Complete the Daily Lesson Homework Assignment: Complete the Daily Lesson Homework Assignment: Read through Epilogue, The Last Color and complete the Daily Lesson 16 Daily Lesson 26 Fun Activity 17 Students Read Aloud in Class Fun Activity 18 Homework Assignment: Complete the Daily Lesson Day 36 - Review Unit Day 37 - Review Unit Day 38 - Review Unit Day 39 - Review Unit Day 40 - Final Test Review Homework 1 In-Class Handout Collect essay assignments Review Homework Test Daily Lesson 28 Homework Assignment: Finish the essay Daily Lesson 29 Daily Lesson 30 Fun Activity 20 1 In-Class Handout Fun Activity 19 Homework Assignment: Complete the Daily Lesson Homework Assignment: Complete the Daily Lesson 17 Review for the test Chapter Abstracts Prologue, A Mountain Range of Rubble, and Part One, The Grave Digger's Handbook • In the opening of the story, Liesel is traveling by train with her mother and younger brother. Her brother is sick and coughs through the trip. Soon, his coughing stops and Liesel realizes her brother has died. • Liesel and her mother get off the train to bury the little boy's body and are escorted by two armed guards. While they are burying the body, Liesel spots an abandoned book and steals it before getting back on the plane. • Once Liesel arrives in Munich, she is handed over to the state foster care system. She is taken in by Rosa and Hans Hubermann. Liesel is shocked by how vulgar Rosa is, although she is not cruel. • Hans Hubermann is a kind man who convinces Liesel to take a bath a few weeks after arriving to his house. He also sits with Liesel when she has nightmares, and cares for her until she can fall asleep again. • Liesel has many chores around the Hubermann home, including cleaning off the door frame where the neighbor, Frau Holtzapfel, spits on it. She is also enrolled in school, but performs poorly because she cannot read. • Liesel is allowed to play outside with the neighbor kids, playing sports such as soccer. There, she meets a young boy named Rudy who is an avid runner. Rudy has a deep admiration for Olympic medalist Jesse Owens. His father warned him not to admire such a man, because he is black. • One night, after Liesel has a nightmare, Hans enters her room and decides to teach her how to read, using the book she stole from where she buried her brother. The book is entitled "The Gravedigger's Handbook" and is not appropriate for children, but Hans allows it. • Hans teaches Liesel how to read by writing words down on sandpaper, and later, when the lessons move also to the daytime, by painting the words on the walls of the basement. During a reading test, Liesel opts to read from the Gravedigger's manual instead of the student reading book, which causes many students to mock her. Liesel beats one of the students mercilessly on the playground later that day. 18 Part Two, The Shoulder Shrug • For Christmas, Hans gives Liesel two books, which she cherishes. At around the same time, Rosa is fired by one of her customers. She blames the slow economy for the firing. Rosa gets the idea that if she sends Liesel to collect and drop off the laundry orders, no one will fire her because they'll have too much pity for her. • When Liesel learns how to write, she asks Hans if it would be alright if she writes letters to her mother. Hans agrees, but Liesel overhears Rosa saying that they don't even know if Liesel's mother is alive. • Liesel continues to write letters to her mother, and steals some of Rosa's laundry money to pay for stamps. When Rosa finds out about the theft, she beats Liesel with a wooden spoon. Liesel realizes she may never see her mother again. • Liesel hears that the Nazi party will be holding a book burning party and is excited because she has never attended one before. The Hubermann's son, Hans Jr., comes home and expresses his embarrassment that his father has not officially joined the Nazi party yet. • Hans explains that he is on a waiting list with the Nazis because he once helped a Jewish man whose home was burning down. Hans Jr. is deeply embarrassed by this fact. He is also outraged that his father allows Liesel to read the Gravedigger's Handbook and storms out of the house when Hans tries to defend her. • At the bonfire, Liesel realizes that her mother was a Communist and that this is why she was taken away. She tells Hans that she hates the Fuehrer, but Hans hushes her, saying she cannot speak that way in public because it is defamatory to the government and could put everyone in danger. • Liesel sees that some of the books on the bonfire haven't burned yet, so she steals one from the top of the pile, entitled, "The Shoulder Shrug". She hides the book under her shirt and it burns her ribs. She feels someone watching her and turns around to see a figure in the alleyway, but she does not throw the book back. Part Three, Mein Kampf • The book Liesel stole begins to burn her ribs so badly that she has to take it out from her shirt. Hans is not angry when he sees the stolen book, but asks Liesel to keep a secret for him as well. The next morning, Hans goes to the bookstore and buys a copy of Mein Kampf. • Liesel knows that it was the mayor's wife who saw her steal the book, and refuses to go to collect laundry from their house because she is afraid the wife will turn her in for thievery. When she cannot avoid the house any longer, the mayor's wife invites Liesel inside and shows her their vast library. 19 • Meanwhile, there is a young man who lives in complete darkness in another city in Germany. He lies on the floor all day, too afraid to move lest the Nazi's find him. He has a friend who visits him from time to time bringing food. One day, the friend arrives with a book. Inside is an identity card and a key that will help him escape. He's told to find a man named Hans Hubermann. • Liesel spends her days with the mayor's wife reading books in the library. She realizes that the mayor's wife recently lost her only child, a son. Liesel feels terribly sorry for her, as she is such a nice woman. In the evenings, Liesel and Rudy go to the farms and steal food, since both families are struggling. • The young man escapes the darkness and boards a train out of the city. He is terrified of being caught, because he is Jewish and could be sent to the concentration camps, or killed. He reads the book Mein Kampf on the train. When he arrives at the Hubermann's house, he uses the key inside to unlock their door. • Liesel and Rudy ice the ground outside of a church in order to steal the food basket from the boy who delivers there. They end up hurting the boy more than they anticipated but still steal from him and run away. • One night, they are also caught stealing from a farmer. When they try to flee the scene, Rudy gets caught in the fence. Liesel and the rest of the gang of thieves return to help him. They've all grown very close to each other during their summer of stealing. Part Four, The Standover Man • When Hans was a young man, he fought in WWI alongside a Jewish man named Erik Vandenberg, an accordion teacher who taught Hans how to play. • Vandenberg volunteered Hans to stay back and write notes while the rest of the squad went into battle. Everyone except for Hans died, and Hans believed Vandenberg saved his life. • He tried to return Vandenberg's accordion to his widow, but she didn't want it. Hans offered to help the family any way he could. Frau Vandenberg saved his address, and years later, gave it to her son, Max, who was trying to escape the Nazi party in WWII. • When Max was a boy, he was often bullied by other classmates for being a Jew. He usually fought the same boy, Walter Kugler. Walter typically won the fights against Max, but grew to respect his determination. When the Nazis came to round up the Jews, Walter helped Max find Hans Hubermann's home. • Max stays in the spare bed in Liesel's room. Hans speaks sternly with her, explaining that if she ever lets anyone know that Max is staying with them, Hans and Rosa will be taken away forever. Liesel agrees to keep the secret. 20 • Max has nightmares in the night, like Liesel, but his nightmares are about what happened to his family after he left them to be arrested. He sleeps for three days straight. When he awakes, he is brought down to the basement, and the entrance is covered with drop cloths and paint cans. • In the winter, the basement is too cold for Max, so he is allowed to come upstairs and read in the living room. He tells Liesel about his nightmares and the book he's reading. The two bond. Liesel's nightmare comes less frequently and she tells Hans she no longer needs him to sit with her at night. • Liesel's birthday comes and goes, and Max is embarrassed that he has no gift to give her. For the next few weeks, he works painting the pages of his book, Mein Kampf, into a new book entitled "The Standover Man" which he gives to Liesel. She treasures it. Part Five, The Whistler • Liesel spends most of her days in the basement talking with Max. One day he asks Liesel to give him a haircut, which she does fairly well. On the days she's not with Max, Liesel spends her time reading with Frau Hermann. She reads the same book over and over, entitled "The Whistler". • Liesel and Max begin a game in which Liesel describes the outside weather in as many colorful words as she can think up. Max begins to have a recurring dream in which he is in a boxing match with Hitler. In his dream, the entire German nation jumps into the ring and beats Hitler down. • Max begins keeping a journal of his experiences, and Liesel is shocked to see how much anger he pours into the pages. Frau Hermann offers to give Liesel the book "The Whistler," but Liesel refuses. The next day, Frau Hermann insists she take it. • That day, Frau Hermann gives a letter to Liesel firing Rosa from laundry service. Liesel is outraged and calls Frau Hermann a pathetic woman. She gives the book back, saying that she would never accept a gift from such a women as she. • Rudy is having trouble with his Youth Hitler League after standing up for a hearing impaired boy who couldn't do the marches on time. He is also bullied by the new gang leader, Viktor, who treats Rudy and Liesel poorly in their apple stealing adventures. • Liesel and Rudy break into the mayor's house so that Liesel can steal back her copy of "The Whistler," but when she escapes, she forgets her shoes. Rudy breaks back into the house later to retrieve Liesel's shoes and to prove his bravery. • Rudy continues to act up during his Hitler Youth meetings and is beaten by other members when he is on the street, even being stabbed with a pocket knife. He is caught stealing apples from a local market and is forced to admit that his family is starving. 21 • Viktor steals Liesel's book and throws it into the river. Rudy swims out to get it and asks Liesel for a kiss in return. She refuses, and Rudy never asks her for affection again. Part Six, The Dream Carrier • Near Christmas, Liesel brings snow into the basement so Max can see it and so they can build a snowman together. Shortly after, Max falls ill and collapses. Rosa believes he has caught sickness from the cold. • Liesel rarely leaves Max's side while he is sick and believes that if she brings gifts for him, he might become well again. She gathers thirteen gifts and prays relentlessly at his bedside. She hates Max for leaving her. • Liesel sneaks back into Frau Hermann's library to steal another book. This time it's "The Dream Catcher". Liesel overhears Rosa saying that she doesn't know what she will do with Max's body if he were to die. No one knows he is hiding with them, and they cannot bury him. • Liesel makes Rosa promise that if Max wakes up while she is at school, Rosa will come and fetch her. When Max awakens, he thanks Liesel for all of his gifts. • While playing soccer one day, Liesel sees men walking through the neighborhoods checking house basements to see which are appropriate for bomb shelters. She knows they will spot Max, so she fakes being injured so she can rush home and warn him. Part Seven, The Complete Duden Dictionary and Thesaurus • Hans begins to work again, as everyone in the neighborhood wants him to come paint their windows black as the threat of air raids becomes reality. Sometimes he isn't paid in cash, but is paid in goods. Once he is paid in champagne, and he allows Liesel to drink some with him. • Rudy is very busy over the summer with his Hitler youth group. He signs up for four races at the Youth carnival. He wins the first three races but is so terrified of losing in front of his old crew that he purposely gets disqualified so they won't see him lose. • Liesel returns to Frau Hermann's house to steal another book. A dictionary and thesaurus are propped on the window, with a note from Frau Hermann stating that she knows Liesel is stealing from her, but that she isn't mad. She hopes one day Liesel will return through the door, not the window, to visit the library. • The air raid sirens go off in the middle of the night. Liesel, Rosa, and Hans hurry to a neighbor's to hide in their bomb shelter. Liesel spends the whole time worrying about Max. When they return, Max admits that while everyone was in their basements, he sneaked upstairs to look at the sky. 22 • When the air raid sirens go off a few weeks later, everyone in the bomb shelter is terrified. Liesel takes control of the situation and begins to read aloud, calming everyone. Frau Holtzapfel knocks on Liesel's door and asks if she will come over and read to her once a week in exchange for coffee. Liesel agrees. • One day a truck carrying Jewish prisoners to Dachau breaks down and the soldiers decide to march the prisoners through town. Hans sees a starving man and offers him a piece of bread from his lunchbox. A nearby soldier beats both the prisoner and Hans. • Hans realizes that everyone in the neighborhood has seen him show kindness to a prisoner and that the Gestapo will certainly come to arrest him now. If they do, they will see Max hiding in the basement. He rushes home and tells Max that he can no longer stay with them. Part Eight, The Word Shaker • Two men come to speak with Rudy's parents about admitting him to a new school for Hitler Youth. Rudy's parents don't want him to go. The Hitler Youth Organization hears about Rudy's speed at winning races and sends him for a physical. He has to strip naked in front of a doctor, nurse, and other boys. He is mortified. • Instead of receiving the punishment he was expecting, Hans is told that he has been accepted into the Nazi party and that he must join the military to defend Germany. Rudy's father, Herr Steiner, is also drafted into the military. • Liesel and Rudy run away in the middle of the night after their fathers are forced to leave town for boot camp. Rudy claims that he is responsible for his father being sent away because he didn't want to join the special school. He also admits to hating Hitler. The children return home. • Liesel is awakened in the middle of the night to the sound of Hans' accordion. She thinks he has returned home, but finds that it is Rosa, sitting on their bed, with Hans' accordion strapped around her neck. • Rudy's father is assigned the job of sewing soldier uniforms that have been damaged during the fighting. Hans is assigned the dangerous job of entering towns after they have been bombed to put out fires. He sees so much pain that he cannot bring himself to write letters home to his family. • Liesel becomes increasingly interested in the parades of Jewish soldiers in the city. She is sure that one day she will see Max. She leaves bread out on the streets for the prisoners to eat and sits in the trees watching them. 23 Part Nine, The Last Human Stranger • Liesel breaks into the mayor's house again to steal another book. She finds a plate of Christmas cookies waiting on the desk. She hands the cookies down to Rudy. Just then, Frau Hermann enters the room and awkwardly confronts Liesel. Liesel escapes out the window. • Liesel walks over to Frau Holtzapfel's house to read to her. She finds that Frau Holtzapfel is already visiting with one of her sons. She learns that Frau Hoptzapfel's other son was killed during the war. When she tries to read, Frau Holtzapfel is unresponsive, which worries Liesel. • Meanwhile, Hans is playing poker with a few men from his division. One man loses and becomes very irritated. The disgruntled player demands to sit in Hans' seat during the truck ride back to base. The truck hits a bomb and the poker player is killed. Hans is shocked that his life has been spared yet again. • During the explosion, Hans breaks his leg. The military decides that he should be sent home to recover. Hans writes a letter to his family telling them the good news. • Michael Holtzapfel, Frau Holtzapfel's son, arrives at Liesel's home to tell her that his mother will no longer travel to the bomb shelter during air raid drills. He is very worried about her. During the drill, both Liesel and Rosa try to get Frau Holtzapfel into the shelter, but she refuses. • After the drill is over, Rudy emerges from the shelter to find that an American airplane has crashed near the river. The pilot is fatally wounded. While watching the pilot die, Rudy hands the man a teddy bear and hopes it comforts him in death. Part Ten, The Book Thief • Hans returns home to great celebration. He continues to play his accordion and he takes an office job with the Nazi party while his leg heals. Jewish prisoners are still paraded around town, and Liesel continues to search for Max in the parades. • A few months after Hans returns home, Michael Holtzapfel is found hanging from a shop window. Hans is the one who breaks the news to Frau Holtzapfel. He also delivers a note Michael wrote apologizing for his actions. • One day, Liesel finally sees Max as he is being marched through the town. She runs into the street and tries to march with him, but a soldier pulls her away and beats her with his whip. Rudy runs to her rescue and pulls her to safety. Liesel confesses everything about Max to Rudy. • Liesel returns to Frau Hermann's library one final time. She is so filled with anger, that she tears the book she steals to shreds. She writes a letter of apology to Frau Hermann. Frau Hermann is so moved, she encourages Liesel to write a book, claiming the girl has a talent for writing. Liesel pens a book entitled "The Book Thief". 24 • An air raid descends on the city in the middle of the night. The neighborhood is destroyed. Liesel is the only survivor, as she was in the basement of the house when the bombs hit. She walks up and down the streets, watching as her loved one's bodies are pulled from the wreckage. Epilogue, The Last Color • Frau Hermann finds Liesel after the bombing and takes her home, attempting to care for her. Herr Steiner returns from the war to learn that his family has all died. He and Liesel bond over their shared grief. • Liesel begins to work for Herr Steiner in his tailoring shop. After some time, Max comes to find her working there. • Liesel dies in Sydney, Australia, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. When Death comes for her, she is ready. Death shows her a copy of the book "The Book Thief". He admits to carrying the book around in his pocket. He claims that the book has not helped him understand humanity, but it has made him feel haunted. 25 Character Descriptions Liesel Meminger This character grows up in the foster parent system and learns to read and steal there. Hans Hubermann This character is a house painter who agrees to help a young Jewish man hide out and get food, even though it is considered a mortal sin. Rosa Hubermann This character is a laundress with a vulgar mouth who is kindhearted but does not know how to express emotions. Rudy Steiner This character is athletic, smart, stubborn, and obsessed with Olympic runner Jesse Owens. Herr Steiner This character is a tailor who loses most business during the war because many customers are Jewish. Frau Holtzapfel This character spits on the neighbor's door every day and refuses to seek shelter when the air raids go off. Max Vandenburg This character lives in the darkness before boarding a train with a copy of "Mein Kampf" and living in a basement under a pile of paint cans. 26 Frau Ilsa Hermann This character is deeply depressed and shares the household library with a neighborhood child known to be a thief. Tommy Muller This character was once lost in the dead of winter and became deaf in both ears due to the accident. Adolf Hitler This person was the ruler of Germany during World War II who felt that blue-eyed and blond haired Germans were the superior race of the world. 27 Object Descriptions The Grave Digger's Handbook This is the first book Liesel steals from the cemetery where her brother is buried. The Shoulder Shrug This is the book Liesel steals from a bonfire designed to burn books that go against the philosophy of the Nazi party. The Whistler This is the book Liesel reads every time she goes to Ilsa's library; it is the same book Ilsa eventually gives to Liesel as a gift. The Dream Carrier This is the second book Liesel steals from Ilsa Hermann's library. The Complete Duden Dictionary and Thesaurus This is the book Ilsa leaves for Liesel when she realizes the girl is stealing from her. The Standover Man This is a book that Max writes for Liesel. The Word Shaker This story is a metaphorical illustration of Max and Liesel's relationship. Hans' Accordion This is the object Rosa straps to her chest to feel closer to her husband while he is off at war. 28 Paint Cans and Drop Cloths These are the objects the Hubermann family uses to hide Max under. The Book Thief This is the book Liesel writes about her life. Bomb Shelter This is where Liesel and her family hide out during the air raids of WWII. Himmel Street This is where Liesel lives with the Hubermanns. Molching This is the small, rural community outside of Munich where the Hubermanns and the Steiners live. Munich This is a large, metropolitan city in Germany. 29 Daily Lessons Lesson 1 (from Prologue, A Mountain Range of Rubble, and Part One, The Grave Digger's Handbook) Objective Prologue, A Mountain Range of Rubble, and Part One, The Grave Digger's Handbook NARRATION - In this chapter, the reader is introduced to the narrator of the story. It becomes increasingly clear that the narrator is Death, even though this fact is not explicitly stated. The objective of this lesson is for students to explore the character of the narrator, and discuss why Death might be narrating Liesel's story. Lesson 1.) Class Activity: As a class, create a list of adjectives used to describe the narrator of the story. Does the narrator seem like a kind character, or a cruel one? How can you tell? 2.) Class Activity: As a class, compare / contrast the voice of the narrator with the voice of Liesel. What is the same about their voices? What is different? Is there anything unexpected / surprising in this comparison? 3.) Group Activity: Divide the class into groups of 3 or 4 students to discuss the choice of making Death the narrator of Liesel's story. When did you know Death was the narrator? What clues were given? Why isn't Death ever explicitly named? Have each group give a five-minute presentation of their findings. 4.) Class Discussion: Why do you think Zusak chose to have Death narrate Liesel's story and not Liesel herself? What is gained by having an outside narrator in this story? What is lost? Do you think having Death narrate the story adds more tension to the story? Why or why not? 5.) Homework: Have each student rewrite one scene from the opening chapter from the perspective of a different narrator, such as Liesel, Liesel's mother, or one of the foster parents. What is gained through this different narration? What is different? Have each student write a short report of their theories. 30 Lesson 2 (from Prologue, A Mountain Range of Rubble, and Part One, The Grave Digger's Handbook) Objective Prologue, A Mountain Range of Rubble, and Part One, The Grave Digger's Handbook DEATH - In this chapter, Liesel's younger brother dies while they are traveling by train to their foster family's house. The objective of this lesson is for students to explore the element of death in young Liesel's life, and to discuss how the death of her younger brother affected Liesel's attitude. Lesson 1.) Class Activity: As a class, create a list of characters who die in the opening chapter of the novel. Why do you think death is such a present force in the opening of the novel? 2.) Class Activity: As a class, compare / contrast Liesel's reaction to her brother's death with her mother's reaction to the death. What is the same about their reactions? What is different? Is there anything unexpected / surprising in this comparison? 3.) Class Debate: Based on the description of the young boy's death, does it seem like Liesel's brother's death could have been prevented? Divide the class into two groups for a cross classroom debate. After 15 minutes, add another complication: How do you think he died? 4.) Class Discussion: Where was Liesel's brother buried after he died? Why is this burial spot significant? Why do you think armed guards had to escort Liesel and her mother through the burial process? Why do you think Liesel stole the book from her brother's burial site? 5.) Homework: How did Liesel's attitude change after her brother died? Do you think Liesel's changing personality had to do with the death, or other forces in her life? How can you tell? Have each student write a short report of their theories, citing examples from the text to strengthen their arguments. Lesson 3 (from Prologue, A Mountain Range of Rubble, and Part One, The Grave Digger's Handbook) Objective Prologue, A Mountain Range of Rubble, and Part One, The Grave Digger's Handbook 31 FOSTER CARE - In this chapter, Liesel is sent to live in the foster care system by her mother. Her foster parents, Hans and Rosa Hubermann, are interesting characters with totally different parenting styles than what Liesel is used to. The objective of this lesson is for students to explore the characters of Liesel's foster parents and to discuss why Liesel is put in foster care in the first place. Lesson 1.) Class Activity: As a class, create a list of adjectives used to describe the foster care system at the time Liesel enters it. Does it sound like a safe place for children to be sent? Why or why not? 2.) Class Activity: As a class, compare / contrast the parenting styles of Liesel's birth mother with her foster mother. What is the same about their parenting styles? What is different? Is there anything unexpected / surprising in this comparison? 3.) Class Debate: Do you think Liesel's birth mother was a good parent to her? Divide the class into two groups for a cross classroom debate. After 15 minutes, add another complication: Why do you think she chose to put Liesel in foster care? 4.) Class Debate: Do you think the Hubermanns are good parents to Liesel? Divide the class into two groups for a cross classroom debate. After 15 minutes, add another complication: What changes do the Hubermanns make in the way Liesel is raised? 5.) Homework: What is Liesel's reaction to being put into foster care? What resentments does she hold? Toward whom? Have each student write a short report of their theories, citing examples from the text to strengthen their arguments. Lesson 4 (from Part Two, The Shoulder Shrug) Objective Part Two, The Shoulder Shrug NAZIS - In this chapter, Hans Jr. gets into a discussion with his father about the Nazi party, and his embarrassment that Hans hasn't joined yet. The objective of this lesson is for students to explore the presence of the Nazi party in the novel, and to discuss whether or not the Nazi party was responsible for Liesel being taken away from her mother. Lesson 1.) Class Activity: As a class, create a list of characters who are members of the Nazi party. Does the Nazi party seem to be in the majority or minority of government power? How can you tell? 32 2.) Class Activity: As a class, compare / contrast Hans. Jr.'s views of the Nazi party with Hans Sr.'s view of the Nazi party. What is the same about their views? What is different? Is there anything unexpected / surprising in this comparison? 3.) Class Debate: Do you think the Nazi party is responsible for Liesel's separation from her mother? Divide the class into two groups for a cross classroom debate. After 15 minutes, add another complication: What does Liesel overhear at the bonfire that leads her to believe the party is responsible? 4.) Class Discussion: Why is Hans Jr. so embarrassed that his father has not joined the Nazi party? Do you think Hans Jr.'s embarrassment is founded? Why or why not? What event has held Hans Sr. back from joining the party? Do you think he truly wants to be a Nazi? Why or why not? 5.) Homework: The most important text to the Nazi party at the time of the novel's setting was Adolf Hitler's book, Mein Kampf. Why was this book so important to the Nazi party? How did Hans Jr. feel about this book? In what situation does Hans Jr. quote from the book? What does this interaction tell the readers about his character? Have each student write a short report of their theories, citing examples from the text to strengthen their arguments. Lesson 5 (from Part Two, The Shoulder Shrug) Objective Part Two, The Shoulder Shrug THE BONFIRE - in this chapter, Liesel is excited to hear that the Nazi party will be holding a bonfire to rid society of inappropriate books. The objective of this lesson is for students to explore the setting of the bonfire, and to discuss various characters' reactions to the burning of the books. Lesson 1.) Class Activity: As a class, create a list of characters who were present for the Nazi book burning. Are there any characters not present at the event? What political danger does ignoring the book burning put absent characters in? 2.) Class Activity: As a class, compare / contrast Liesel's reaction to the book burning before it began, with her reaction to the book burning after it was complete. What is the same about her reaction? What is different? Is there anything unexpected / surprising in this comparison? 3.) Class Activity: As a class, create a list of books the Nazi party deemed inappropriate and ordered burned. What topics seem to be most common in these banned books? Does this surprise you? Why or why not? 33 4.) Group Activity: Divide the class into groups of 3 or 4 students to research book burning events throughout history. Typically, who ordered the book burnings? What types of books were usually burned? How do the book burnings listed throughout history compare / contrast to the book burning in the novel? Have each group write a short report of their theories. 5.) Homework: Why does Liesel's opinion of the book burning change so drastically in this chapter? Why does Liesel steal a book from the burning pile? What does this act of defiance tell the reader about her character? Have each student write a short report of their theories, citing examples from the text to strengthen their arguments. Lesson 6 (from Part Two, The Shoulder Shrug) Objective Part Two, The Shoulder Shrug CHORES - in this chapter, Liesel is given a list of chores to complete daily by Rosa. One of the new chores is collecting Rosa's laundry orders, since she has been fired. The objective of this lesson is for students to explore the chores Liesel is expected to complete, and to discuss why Rosa gives her the chores she does. Lesson 1.) Class Activity: As a class, create a list of chores Rosa expects Liesel to complete on a daily basis. Do you think Liesel has too many chores for a girl her age? Why or why not? 2.) Class Activity: As a class, compare /contrast the public's reaction to Rosa as the laundress with their reaction to Liesel as the laundress. What is the same about their reactions? What is different? Is there anything unexpected / surprising in this comparison? 3.) Class Debate: Do you think it was smart for Rosa to send Liesel on laundry chores, or will it backfire? Divide the class into two groups for a cross classroom debate. After 15 minutes, add another complication: What motivation does Rosa have for sending Liesel on laundry duty? Do you understand her motivations? Why or why not? 4.) Class Discussion: Why must Liesel wash the doorway of the house as a daily chore? Do you think Liesel's chores are demeaning? Why or why not? Do you think Rose Hubermann is exploiting Liesel as her foster child? Why or why not? 5.) Homework: What chores do you have around the house? How do your daily or weekly chores compare / contrast to Liesel's chores? What does this comparison tell you about the time in which Liesel lived? Have each student write a short report of their theories citing examples from the text to strengthen their arguments. 34 Lesson 7 (from Part Three, Mein Kampf) Objective Part Three, Mein Kampf FRAU HERMANN - In this chapter, Liesel figures out that it was Frau Hermann, the mayor's wife, who saw her stealing the book from the bonfire. She visits Frau Hermann and realizes that she, like Liesel's own mother, lost a son. The objective of this lesson is for students to explore the character of Frau Hermann and to discuss why she and Liesel bond. Lesson 1.) Class Activity: As a class, create a list of adjectives used to describe Frau Hermann. Do you think she is a sympathetic character? Why or why not? 2.) Class Activity: As a class, compare / contrast the character of Frau Hermann with the character of Liesel's mother. What is the same about these women? What is different? Is there anything unexpected / surprising in this comparison? 3.) Class Debate: Do you think Frau Hermann should have turned Liesel in for stealing the book from the bonfire? Divide the class into two groups for a cross classroom debate. After 15 minutes, add another complication: Why do you think Frau Hermann took pity on Liesel, and kept her mouth shut? 4.) Class Discussion: Why does Liesel try to avoid Frau Hermann? What prevents Liesel from avoiding Frau Hermann any longer? What does Frau Hermann say to Liesel in regards to the stolen book? What does the conversation between Frau Hermann and Liesel (about the book theft) tell the reader about both of their characters? 5.) Homework: Why do you think Liesel and Frau Hermann form such a close bond? Is this bond surprising? Why or why not? What are each of these two characters gaining from their relationship with the other? Have each student write a short report of their theories, citing examples from the text to strengthen their arguments. Lesson 8 (from Part Three, Mein Kampf) Objective Part Three, Mein Kampf 35 RUDY - In this chapter, the relationship between Liesel and Rudy grows as the two begin to steal regularly together. The objective of this lesson is for students to explore the growing friendship between Rudy and Liesel, and to discuss whether or not the relationship is healthy. Lesson 1.) Class Activity: As a class, create a list of adjectives used to describe Rudy. Why do you think Liesel is so drawn to him at school? 2.) Class Activity: As a class, compare / contrast the home lives of Rudy and Liesel. What is the same about their home lives? What is different? Is there anything unexpected / surprising in this comparison? 3.) Class Discussion: Do you think the relationship between Liesel and Rudy is a healthy one, or are the two bad influences on each other? Divide the class into two groups for a cross classroom debate. After 15 minutes, add another complication: Who do you think is the ringleader in their relationship, and who is the follower? 4.) Class Discussion: How do Liesel's foster parents feel about her friendship with Rudy? How do Rudy's parents feel about Liesel? Do you think the bad behavior between Rudy and Liesel is escalating, or are they simply acting like naughty children? Why might this distinction be important in the story? 5.) Homework: When Liesel and Rudy are caught stealing from the farmer, this is the moment when their relationship changes. How do the children react to being caught stealing? How does this event cement the bond between the two thieves? Have each student write a short report of their theories, citing examples from the text to strengthen their arguments. Lesson 9 (from Part Three, Mein Kampf) Objective Part Three, Mein Kampf THE YOUNG MAN - In this chapter, the reader is introduced to a young Jewish man who lives in the shadows in Germany. He is approached by a friend who gives him a new identity card and a key to the Hubermann's house. The objective of this lesson is for students to explore the character of the young man, and to discuss why he might be sent to the Hubermann's house for safety. Lesson 1.) Class Activity: As a class, create a list of adjectives used to describe the young man. Do you think he is a character of good or ill will? How can you tell? 36 2.) Class Activity: As a class, compare / contrast the life the young man was living before his escape, with his life after his escape. What is the same about his living conditions? What is different? Is there anything unexpected / surprising in this comparison? 3.) Class Debate: Do you think the young man is entering danger or safety by entering the Hubermann household? Divide the class into two groups for a cross classroom debate. After 15 minutes, add another complication: Why do you think he is so afraid to turn the key? 4.) Group Activity: Divide the class into groups of 3 or 4 students to research the smuggling of Jews throughout Europe during WWII. What systems were put in place to safely smuggle Jews out of Germany? How do you see this history reflected in the story of the young man? Have each group give a five-minute presentation of their findings. 5.) Homework: What is the significance of the book, Mein Kampf, in the young Jewish man's escape? How is this book used ironically as the key to the man's escape? Have each student write a short report of their theories, citing examples from the text to strengthen their arguments. Lesson 10 (from Part Four, The Standover Man) Objective Part Four, The Standover Man THE VANDENBERGS - In this chapter, the reader learns the history that binds Hans to the Jewish Vandenberg family from WWI. The objective of this lesson is for students to explore the relationships between these two families and to discuss how their lives have become intrinsically interlinked. Lesson 1.) Class Activity: As a class, create a list of members of the Vandenberg family. How many of these members' lives were touched by the kind acts of Hans Hubermann? 2.) Class Activity: As a class, compare / contrast the family lives of the Vandenberg family and the Hubermann family. What is the same about their family lives? What is different? Is there anything unexpected / surprising in this comparison? 3.) Class Debate: Do you think Erik Vandenberg is responsible for saving Hans Hubermann's life during WWI? Divide the class into two groups for a cross classroom debate. After 15 minutes, add another complication: Why does Hans believe Erik saved his life? Do you understand his argument? Why or why not? 37 4.) Class Discussion: How did Hans Hubermann and Erik Vandenberg become friends? What lessons did Erik Vandenberg give to Hans Hubermann? How did Erik Vandenber's widow react to seeing Hans Hubermann? 5.) Homework: After Erik Vandenberg was killed, Hans Hubermann vowed to help his family in any way he could. Why do you think he made this promise to the family? In what way did the Vandenberg family finally come to Hans for help? Have each student write a short report of their theories, citing examples from the text to strengthen their arguments. Lesson 11 (from Part Four, The Standover Man) Objective Part Four, The Standover Man MAX - In this chapter, the reader is introduced to Max Vandenberg, Erik Vandenberg's son who is staying with the Hubermanns for safety during WWII. The objective of this lesson is for students to explore the character of Max Vandenberg and to discuss how his life is similar to Liesel's. Lesson 1.) Class Activity: As a class, create a list of adjectives used to describe Max Vandenberg. Do you think he is a sympathetic character? Why or why not? 2.) Class Activity: As a class, compare / contrast Max Vandenberg's character from when he was a child to his character when he was an adult. What is the same about his character? What is different? Is there anything unexpected / surprising in this comparison? 3.) Class Activity: As a class, compare / contrast Max's experiences with bullies in school with Liesel's experiences with bullies in school. What is the same about their experiences? What is different? Is there anything unexpected / surprising in this comparison? 4.) Class Debate: Do you think Max is safe from the Nazis living in the Hubermann basement? Divide the class into two groups for a cross classroom debate. After 15 minutes, add another complication: Do you think Liesel will be able to keep the secret about their house guest? Why or why not? 5.) Homework: There were many people who helped Max along on his journey to safety from the Nazis. Choose one character that helped him along the way and explain what role they played in ensuring Max's safety. What do you think would have happened to Max had it not been for this character's intervention? Have each student write a short report of their theories, citing examples from the text to strengthen their arguments. 38 Lesson 12 (from Part Four, The Standover Man) Objective Part Four, The Standover Man NIGHTMARES - In this chapter, both Liesel and Max continue to have terrible nightmares, which bond the two as terrified children. The objective of this lesson is for students to explore the themes of the nightmares both Liesel and Max are having, and to discuss how these nightmares bring the two characters closer together. Lesson 1.) Class Activity: As a class, create a list of objects present in Liesel's recurring nightmare. What seems to be the metaphoric theme most present in her nightmare? 2.) Class Activity: As a class, create a list of objects present in Max's recurring nightmare. What seems to be the metaphoric theme most present in his nightmare? 3.) Class Activity: As a class, compare / contrast Liesel's reaction to her recurring nightmare with Max's reaction to his recurring nightmare. What is the same about their reactions? What is different? Is there anything unexpected / surprising in this comparison? 4.) Homework: Have each student write a short essay describing a nightmare they've had recently, or one they remember from their childhood. Why do you think this nightmare plagued you? How do the themes of your nightmare compare / contrast to the themes in either Max or Liesel's nightmare? Have each student write a short report of their theories, citing examples from the text to strengthen their arguments. 5.) Homework: The recurring nightmares shared by Liesel and Max serve to bring the two characters much closer together. How do the nightmares act as a bonding force between the two characters? Have each student write a short report of their theories, citing examples from the text to strengthen their arguments. Lesson 13 (from Part Five, The Whistler) Objective Part Five, The Whistler THE GANG - In this chapter, Rudy and Liesel continue to make the rounds throughout their city, stealing with a gang of rough children. The objective of this lesson is for students to explore the 39 activities of the gang Liesel and Rudy are a part of, and to discuss the various leaders who have run the gang of children. Lesson 1.) Class Activity: As a class, create a list of characters who are members of the street gang. Do any of these members surprise you? Why or why not? 2.) Class Activity: As a class, compare / contrast the leadership of the gang before the war broke out with the leadership after the war broke out. What is the same about this leadership? What is different? Is there anything unexpected / surprising in this comparison? 3.) Class Debate: Do you think Viktor Chemmel is a good gang leader? Divide the class into two groups for a cross classroom debate. After 15 minutes, add another complication: Do you think he treats all the members of his gang fairly? Why or why not? 4.) Group Activity: Divide the class into groups of 3 or 4 students to research modern day gangs in American society. How do these gangs compare / contrast to the type of gang Liesel and Rudy are a part of? Have each group give a five-minute presentation of their theories. 5.) Homework: Why do you think Liesel and Rudy decide to join a gang in the first place? What kind of security might the two children get from being part of a gang? Have each student write a short report of their theories, citing examples from text to strengthen their arguments. Lesson 14 (from Part Five, The Whistler) Objective Part Five, The Whistler THE KISS - In this chapter, Rudy asks Liesel for a kiss, but she refuses him, even though she thinks she might like to kiss him. The objective of this lesson is for students to explore the growing relationship between Liesel and Rudy, and to discuss why the two did not kiss that day by the river. Lesson 1.) Class Activity: As a class, create a time line of events that led to changes in the relationship between Liesel and Rudy. How were all these moments leading the pair to the moment of affection down by the river? 2.) Class Activity: As a class, compare / contrast Liesel's reaction to the almost-kiss at the river with Rudy's reaction to the almost-kiss at the river. What is the same about their reactions? What is different? Is there anything unexpected / surprising in this comparison? 40 3.) Class Debate: Do you think Liesel and Rudy would make a good romantic couple? Divide the class into two groups for a cross classroom debate. After 15 minutes, add another complication: As a reader, did you want Liesel and Rudy to kiss by the river? Why or why not? 4.) Homework: Why do you think Liesel decided that Rudy was not the man for her? Why do you think she refused his kiss at the river? Do you agree with her decision? Why or why not? Have each student write a short report of their theories, citing examples from the text to strengthen their arguments. 5.) Homework: When Liesel turns Rudy down for a kiss, it becomes clear that she might have feelings for someone else. How is this mystery lover described in the text? Who, aside from Rudy, do you think Liesel might have romantic feelings for? How can you tell? Have each student write a short report of their theories, citing examples from the text to strengthen their arguments. Lesson 15 (from Part Five, The Whistler) Objective Part Five, The Whistler THE WHISTLER - in this chapter, Liesel continues to spend her days reading with Frau Hermann, reading the same book "The Whistler" over and over. The objective of this lesson is for students to explore the themes in the book "The Whistler" and to discuss why this book might have been so important to Liesel. Lesson 1.) Class Activity: As a class, create a list of adjectives used to describe the book "The Whistler". Why do you think this book was so important to Liesel at the time she was reading it? 2.) Class Activity: As a class, compare / contrast Liesel's reaction to "The Whistler" with Frau Hermann's reaction to the book. What is the same about their reactions? What is different? Is there anything unexpected / surprising in this comparison? 3.) Group Activity: Divide the class into groups of 3 or 4 children to research that actual book "The Whistler". Historically, how was this book received by the critics? What are the overarching themes of this book? Why might it have had such emotional resonance with Liesel? Have each group give a five-minute presentation of their findings. 4.) Class Discussion: Why do you think Liesel rejected Frau Hermann's offer to take the book "The Whistler" home with her? Why do you think Frau Hermann wanted to give this book to Liesel? Why do you think Liesel read this book over and over for days? 41 5.) Homework: At the end of this chapter, Liesel uses the book "The Whistler" as a weapon in her fight with Frau Hermann. In which way does the book become a vehicle to inflict pain on Frau Hermann? What makes Liesel so angry in the first place? Do you agree with her manipulative use of the book in this interaction? Why or why not? Have each student write a short report of their theories, citing examples from the text to strengthen their arguments. Lesson 16 (from Part Six, The Dream Carrier) Objective Part Six, The Dream Carrier ILLNESS - In this chapter, Max falls very ill and there is much speculation as to what caused the sickness. The objective of this lesson is for students to explore the symptoms of Max's illness and to discuss what the cause of his sickness might be. Lesson 1.) Class Activity: As a class, create a list of illness symptoms Max is suffering from. Does his illness seem serious? How can you tell? 2.) Class Activity: As a class, compare / contrast the sickness Max is suffering from with the sickness Liesel's brother suffered from at the opening of the novel. What is the same about these illnesses? What is different? Is there anything unexpected / surprising in this comparison? 3.) Class Debate: Do you think Liesel is responsible for Max's illness, thanks to the snow she brought down into the basement? Divide the class into two groups for a cross classroom debate. After 15 minutes, add another complication: What other factors could have led to Max's illness? 4.) Class Discussion: What methods of healing do Rosa and Hans try in order to bring Max back into healthfulness? Does Liesel feel guilty for Max's illness, or does she think it is simply a coincidence? How can you tell? Do you think Max will fully recover from his illness? Why or why not? 5.) Homework: In this chapter, Rosa wonders what she will do with Max's body if his illness gets the best of him and he dies. What options does Rosa have, if Max's illness requires outside attention? Have each student write a short report of their theories, citing examples from the text to strengthen their arguments. 42 Lesson 17 (from Part Six, The Dream Carrier) Objective Part Six, The Dream Carrier GIFTS - In this chapter, Max falls ill and Liesel believes that if she brings him gifts, he may become well again. The objective of this lesson is for students to explore the various gifts Liesel brings to Max, and to discuss why Liesel might believe that gift giving is a cure-all. Lesson 1.) Class Activity: As a class, create a list of gifts Liesel brings to Max while he is ill. Where does Liesel find the gifts she brings to Max? 2.) Class Activity: As a class, compare / contrast Rosa's reaction to Liesel's gift giving with Hans's reaction to Liesel's gift giving. What is the same about their reactions? What is different? Is there anything unexpected / surprising in this comparison? 3.) Class Debate: Do you think Liesel's gifts help to cure Max of his illness? Divide the class into two groups for a cross classroom debate. After 15 minutes, add another complication: How does Max react upon waking up, to all the gifts he is surrounded with? 4.) Class Discussion: What benefit might a feather have brought to Max while he was sick? What about a flattened soccer ball? The description of a perfect cloud? Why does Liesel think that these seemingly random items might have held value for Max in his sickness? 5.) Homework: Choose one of the gifts Liesel brought for Max and explain the emotional significance it held for Liesel when she spotted it. What benefit does Liesel think this item might bring to Max? Do you think this gift helps or hinders Max in his recovery process? Why? Have each student write a short report of their theories, citing examples from the text to strengthen their arguments. Lesson 18 (from Part Six, The Dream Carrier) Objective Part Six, The Dream Carrier FRIENDSHIP - In this chapter, Liesel tests the boundaries of her friendships with both Max and Rudy. The objective of this lesson is for students to explore the friendships Liesel has formed since moving to Munich and to discuss which of these friendships means more to her, and why. 43 Lesson 1.) Class Activity: As a class, create a list of characters that have become Liesel's friends since she moved to Munich. Are you surprised by Liesel's popularity? Why or why not? 2.) Class Activity: As a class, compare / contrast the friendship Liesel has formed with Max with the friendship she has formed with Rudy. What is the same about these friendships? What is different? Is there anything unexpected / surprising in this comparison? 3.) Class Debate: Which friendship do you think means more to Liesel, her friendship with Rudy or her friendship with Max? Divide the class into two groups for a cross classroom debate. After 15 minutes, add another complication: Which of the young men seems to value Liesel more? How can you tell? 4.) Class Discussion: How does Liesel determine which of the youth in her neighborhood are safe to become friends with? What activities does Liesel participate in that lead to her friendships? Do you think the friendships Liesel makes while living in Munich will be long lasting? Why or why not? 5.) Homework: Liesel seems to rebel against authority by choosing particularly dangerous boys to become friends with. Which friendship do you think is more dangerous in Liesel's life, her friendship with Rudy or her friendship with Max? Have each student write a short report of their theories, citing examples from the text to strengthen their arguments. Lesson 19 (from Part Seven, The Complete Duden Dictionary and Thesaurus) Objective Part Seven, The Complete Duden Dictionary and Thesaurus WORK - As the war progresses through the novel, more and more people begin to lose work. Suddenly, with the increased frequency of air raid drills, Hans has more work that he can handle, and is paid in strange currencies. The objective of this lesson is for students to explore the rise and fall of work during WWII, and to discuss how the loss of work bonds the community in Munich. Lesson 1.) Class Activity: As a class, create a list of characters that have lost work during the war. Why does war affect work ability so greatly? 44 2.) Class Activity: As a class, compare / contrast Hans' workload before the war with his workload after the war. What is the same about his workload? What is different? Is there anything unexpected / surprising in this comparison? 3.) Class Debate: Do you think it is appropriate for Liesel to be helping Hans with his workload during the war? Divide the class into two groups for a cross classroom debate. After 15 minutes, add another complication: Do you think it is appropriate for Liesel to help Rosa with her workload? Why or why not? 4.) Class Discussion: What types of currencies do neighbors pay Hans with when they don't have cash? How does Hans react to these unusual methods of payment? How does Liesel react to the news that Hans is not making cash for the work he is doing? Do you understand with / relate to Liesel's reaction? Why or why not? 5.) Homework: How does the loss of work bond the neighbors in Munich closer together? How do you see the city rallying around each other rather than being torn apart? Have each student write a short report of their theories, citing examples from the text to strengthen their arguments. Lesson 20 (from Part Seven, The Complete Duden Dictionary and Thesaurus) Objective Part Seven, The Complete Duden Dictionary and Thesaurus AIR RAIDS - In this chapter, the frequency of air raids heightens, forcing Liesel and her family from their home. The objective of this lesson is for students to explore the significance of the air raid drills, and to discuss how the characters react to the new dangers they are in during this situation. Lesson 1.) Class Activity: As a class, create a list of characters who seek refuge in the neighborhood bomb shelter during the air raid drills. Is there anyone left off this list, who is not allowed in the bomb shelter? 2.) Class Activity: As a class, compare / contrast Liesel's reaction to the air raid drills with Max's reaction to the air raid drills. What is the same about their reactions? What is different? Is there anything unexpected / surprising in this comparison? 3.) Group Activity: Divide the class into groups of 3 or 4 students to research historical accounts of time people spent in bomb shelters during the air raids of WWII. How do these accounts 45 compare / contrast to the account in the novel? Have each group give a five-minute presentation of their findings. 4.) Class Debate: Do you think Max has come to appreciate or fear the air raid sirens in the middle of the night? Divide the class into two groups for a cross classroom debate. After 15 minutes, add another complication: Why might Max have a different view of the air raid dangers than anyone else in the neighborhood? 5.) Homework: Based on the descriptions given of the air raid bomb shelters in the novel, create a model of a bomb shelter with materials you find around your house. Do you think a bomb shelter would be a pleasant place to spend time? Why or why not? Have each student write a short report of their theories. Lesson 21 (from Part Seven, The Complete Duden Dictionary and Thesaurus) Objective Part Seven, The Complete Duden Dictionary and Thesaurus THE BREAD - In this chapter, Hans gives bread from his lunchbox to a starving Jewish prisoner being led through the neighborhood. This single event could have catastrophic repercussions on his safety and the safety of his family. The objective of this lesson is for students to explore Hans' act of handing over the piece of bread, and what the results of this action might be. Lesson 1.) Class Activity: As a class, create a list of characters who witnessed Hans hand the piece of bread to the Jewish prisoners. Why is Hans worried about who might have seen him? 2.) Class Activity: As a class, compare / contrast the prisoner's reaction to the bread Hans hands him with the guard's reaction to the bread Hans hands the prisoner. What is the same about their reactions? What is different? Is there anything unexpected / surprising in this comparison? 3.) Class Activity: As a class, create a list of adjectives used to describe the prisoner Hans gave the bread to. Why does he think the man is starving and in need of his help? 4.) Homework: How might you have reacted if you saw the Jewish prisoners being paraded through your neighborhood? What risks were there to helping these prisoners? Why do you think so many German citizens stood back and watched the abuse of the prisoners? Have each student write a short report of their theories. 5.) Homework: The scene in which Hans hands the bread to a starving prisoner is very moving. How might the scene be different if it was written from the perspective of either the starving 46 prisoner or the armed guard? Have each student rewrite this scene from one of these two perspectives. How does the point-of-view change the emotional impact of the scene? Have each student write a short report of their theories. Lesson 22 (from Part Eight, The Word Shaker) Objective Part Eight, The Word Shaker SCHOOL - In this chapter, Rudy's parents are approached by two men who would like to send Rudy to a special school for Hitler Youth. In order to attend this school, Rudy must undergo a physical, which humiliates him. The objective of this lesson is for students to explore the various schools Rudy and Liesel attend over the course of the novel, and to discuss how Hitler has a hand in what schools the children attend. Lesson 1.) Class Activity: As a class, create a list of adjectives Liesel uses to describe the school she attends in Munich. How has her relationship with education changed over the course of the novel? 2.) Class Activity: As a class, compare / contrast the school Rudy once attended with the school the Hitler Youth Organization would like him to attend. What is the same about these schools? What is different? Is there anything unexpected / surprising in this comparison? 3.) Class Debate: Do you think Rudy's parents should have forced him to attend the new Hitler Youth school? Divide the class into two groups for a cross classroom debate. After 15 minutes, add another complication: What reasons might Rudy's parents have had for rejecting the Organization's offer? 4.) Group Activity: Divide the class into groups of 3 or 4 students to discuss the new Hitler Youth school. What doctrines do they preach? How is the message of this school different than the message within your own school? Have each group give a five-minute presentation of their findings. 5.) Homework: Before he can be accepted into the new Hitler Youth school, Rudy must undergo a physical. What are the Nazi organizers hoping to discover during this test? How does the experience of the physical affect Rudy's psychology and his relationship with Hitler? Have each student write a short report of their theories. 47 Lesson 23 (from Part Eight, The Word Shaker) Objective Part Eight, The Word Shaker MILITARY - In this chapter, both Liesel and Rudy's fathers are forced into the military by the Hitler party, seemingly as punishment for disobeying Hitler's orders. The objective of this lesson is for students to explore the role the military plays in daily life, and how the lives of the Hubermann family and the Steiner family have changed since their men were drafted. Lesson 1.) Class Activity: As a class, create a list of characters that provide military service for Germany throughout the course of the novel. How many of these men entered the military voluntarily? 2.) Class Activity: As a class, compare / contrast the military position Herr Steiner has with the military position Hans has. What is the same about their positions? What is different? Is there anything unexpected / surprising in this comparison? 3. Class Debate: Do you think the Hitler Organization is using military service as punishment for their civilians? Divide the class into two groups for a cross classroom debate. After 15 minutes, add another complication: Do you think Hans would have been accepted into the Hitler organization had he not helped the starving Jew? Why or why not? 4.) Class Discussion: Whose life do you think has changed more since the start of the war, the Steiner family or the Hubermann family? Whose military job do you think is more dangerous, Hans' or Herr Steiner's? How can you tell? Whose job uses the man's skill more, Hans' job or Herr Steiner's? 5.) Homework: After joining with the military, Hans stops writing letters home to his family. Why does he suddenly change his frequency of communication? Do you understand this change in him? Why or why not? How have Liesel and Rosa coped with Hans' stopped communication? Have each student write a short report of their theories, citing examples from the text to strengthen their arguments. Lesson 24 (from Part Eight, The Word Shaker) Objective Part Eight, The Word Shaker 48 PARADES - In this chapter, the Nazi military continues to parade Jewish prisoners through the town, almost urging the civilians to come to their aid simply so they can be punished. The objective of this lesson is for students to explore the purpose of the prisoner parades, and to discuss the subtle ways civilians have tried to help the starving prisoners. Lesson 1. Class Activity: As a class, compare / contrast the way Hans helped the Jewish prisoners being paraded around the town with the way Liesel helped the prisoners. What is the same about their help? What is different? Is there anything unexpected / surprising in this comparison? 2.) Group Activity: Divide the class into groups of 3 or 4 students to discuss the motivations the Nazi military might have had for the prisoner parades. What message might the Nazis be trying to send the townsfolk about the Jewish prisoners? Have each group give a five-minute presentation of their theories. 3.) Class Debate: Do you think Liesel truly wants to see Max in the prisoner parade, or is she fooling herself? Divide the class into two groups for a cross classroom debate. After 15 minutes, add another complication: How do you think Liesel would react if she saw Max in the parade? 4.) Homework: Even though some of the townsfolk attempt to help the Jewish prisoners being paraded through the streets, many turn a blind eye to the abuse. Why do you think so many German citizens refused to help the prisoners? What does this lack of action tell you about humanity? Have each student write a short report of their theories, citing examples from the text to strengthen their arguments. Lesson 25 (from Part Nine, The Last Human Stranger) Objective Part Nine, The Last Human Stranger FRAU HERMANN - In this chapter, Frau Hermann shows Liesel what women are capable of if they put their minds to something, which changes Liesel's opinions about the role of women in her society. The objective of this lesson is for students to explore the character of Frau Hermann, and to discuss the various lessons she teaches to Liesel through their strained relationship. Lesson 1.) Class Activity: As a class, create a list of adjectives used to describe Frau Hermann. Do you think she is a sympathetic character? Why or why not? 49 2.) Class Activity: As a class, compare / contrast the relationship Liesel has with Frau Hermann at the opening of the novel with the relationship she has with her at the end of the novel. What is the same about these relationships? What is different? Is there anything unexpected / surprising in this comparison? 3.) Class Debate: Do you think Frau Hermann is a "pathetic woman" as Liesel claims? Divide the class into two groups for a cross classroom debate. After 15 minutes, add another complication: Do you think Frau Hermann has allowed the death of her son to cloud her judgment? 4.) Group Activity: Divide the class into groups of 3 or 4 students to discuss the ways Liesel's relationship with Frau Hermann has changed over the course of the novel. Have each group create a time line of events that have shaped the way these two characters interact. Have each group give a five-minute presentation of their theories. 5.) Homework: When discussing the library, Frau Hermann completely changes the way Liesel views women in society and the things they can accomplish. What message does Frau Hermann give to Liesel about women? How is the library an example of this message? What do you think Liesel will do with this information now that she has it? Have each student write a short report of their theories, citing examples from the text to strengthen their arguments. Lesson 26 (from Part Nine, The Last Human Stranger) Objective Part Nine, The Last Human Stranger FRAU HOLTZAPFEL - In this chapter, the relationship Liesel has with Frau Holtzapfel begins to change, particularly after she meets the Frau's son, Michael. The objective of this lesson is for students to explore the character of Frau Holtzapfel, and to discuss how she has helped shape Liesel's opinions about the war. Lesson 1.) Class Activity: As a class, create a list of adjectives used to describe Frau Holtzapfel. Do you think she is a sympathetic character? Why or why not? 2.) Class Activity: As a class, compare / contrast the relationship Rosa has with Frau Holtzapfel with the relationship Liesel has with Frau Holtzapfel. What is the same about these relationships? What is different? Is there anything unexpected / surprising in this comparison? 3.) Class Activity: As a class, compare / contrast the relationships Frau Holtzapfel has with each of her two sons. What is the same about these relationships? What is different? Is there anything unexpected / surprising in this comparison? 50 4.) Group Activity: Divide the class into groups of 3 or 4 students to discuss Frau Holtzapfel's bad habit of spitting on Rosa's door frame. What might Frau Holtzapfel's spitting be a metaphor for? How does she finally break this bad habit? Have each group give a five-minute presentation of their theories. 5.) Homework: When Frau Holtzapfel falls into a deep depression, Liesel is deeply affected. Why do you think Liesel is so affected by Frau Holtzapfel's mood? What lesson do you think Liesel learns from Frau Holtzapfel's emotions? Have each student write a short report of their theories, citing examples from the text to strengthen their arguments. Lesson 27 (from Part Ten, The Book Thief) Objective Part Ten, The Book Thief DEATH - In this chapter, both Rudy and Hans are forced to face death that occurs right around them - Hans with the death of the poker player, and Rudy with the death of the airplane pilot. The objective of this lesson is for students to explore the circumstances of the two deaths, and to discuss how each of the men reacts when faced with death before their eyes. Lesson 1.) Class Activity: As a class, create a list of characters that have died throughout the course of the novel. Which of these deaths has had the most impact on the plot of the novel? How can you tell? 2.) Class Activity: As a class, compare / contrast Rudy's reaction when faced with death to Hans' reaction when faced with death. What is the same about their reactions? What is different? Is there anything unexpected / surprising in this comparison? 3.) Class Debate: Do you consider Rudy to be a brave character? Divide the class into two groups for a cross classroom debate. After 15 minutes, add another complication: How does Rudy act bravely when faced with the death of the airplane pilot? 4.) Class Discussion: Why do you think death is such a pervasive topic in this novel? Which character's life has been most affected by death? How can you tell? How does the death of the poker player also bring happy news? Why do you think Zusak chose to highlight this dichotomy when discussing death in his novel? 5.) Homework: When the airplane pilot is dying, Rudy attempts to shield Liesel from the sight. Why do you think Rudy reacts this way? How does Liesel respond to his shielding? What does this interaction tell the reader about the changing relationship between Liesel and Rudy? Have 51 each student write a short report of their theories, citing examples from the text to strengthen their arguments. Lesson 28 (from Part Ten, The Book Thief) Objective Part Ten, The Book Thief LETTERS - In this chapter, various characters write letters to their loved ones, including the letters of apology written by Liesel to Frau Hermann and the letter of apology written by Michael Holtzapfel to his mother. The objective of this lesson is for students to explore the practice of letter writing in this community, and to discuss what the letters tell the reader about the characters that wrote them. Lesson 1.) Class Activities: As a class, create a list of important letters that were written and delivered throughout the novel. Which letter do you think had the most impact on the plot of the novel as a whole? 2.) Class Activity: As a class, compare / contrast the letters of apology written by Liesel and Michael. What is the same about these letters? What is different? Is there anything unexpected / surprising in this comparison? 3.) Class Debate: Whose letter do you think had more impact on its reader, Michael's or Liesel's? Divide the class into two groups for a cross classroom debate. After 15 minutes, add another complication: Why do you think these characters felt prompted to apologize via handwritten letters rather than any other type of communication? 4.) Homework: Frau Hermann responded unexpectedly to the letter of apology written to her by Liesel. What does Liesel's letter of apology say? How does Frau Hermann react to this apology? Why is her reaction unexpected? Have each student write a short report of their theories, citing examples from the text to strengthen their arguments. 5.) Homework: Have each student write a private letter to one of their loved ones. Then, have the students write a short report describing the experience of letter writing. How does this method of communication differ from all the other methods of communication available to us today? Does this method of communication feel more or less intimate? Why? 52 Lesson 29 (from Epilogue, The Last Color) Objective Epilogue, The Last Color BOMBING - In this chapter, Himmel Street is hit with a raid of bombs that decimates the neighborhood. The objective of this lesson is for students to explore the practice of bombing out cities during a war, and to discuss how Liesel reacts to the horrific bombing she survives during the last chapter of the novel. Lesson 1.) Class Activity: As a class, create a list of characters that were killed during the bombing in the final chapter. Were you surprised that so many characters died? Why or why not? 2.) Class Activity: As a class, compare / contrast the reaction from the town during the bombing drills with their reaction during an actual bombing. What is the same about their reactions? What is different? Is there anything unexpected / surprising in this comparison? 3.) Class Debate: Do you think it is believable that Liesel would be the only person to survive the bombing in the final chapter of the novel? Divide the class into two groups for a cross classroom debate. After 15 minutes, add another complication: From a craft perspective, why might Zusak have wanted to keep Liesel alive? 4.) Group Activity: Divide the class into groups of 3 or 4 students to research the military practice of bombing cities during WWII. Why did these bombings occur? What military gain was made by bombing civilians? How do you see this mentality expressed in the final chapter of the novel? Have each group give a five-minute report of their theories. 5.) Homework: At the end of the novel, Liesel is forced to interact with the bodies of her loved ones after the final bombing. Whose interaction was the most moving to you? Why? How does Liesel's response to the bombing show the reader her character growth at the end of the novel? Have each student write a short report of their theories, citing examples from the text to strengthen their arguments. Lesson 30 (from Epilogue, The Last Color) Objective Epilogue, The Last Color 53 ENDINGS - In this chapter, Zusak writes an epilogue to neatly tie up the stories of the characters that are still alive at the end of the final chapter. The objective of this lesson is for students to explore the use of an epilogue as an ending, and to discuss whether or not Zusak tried too hard to give his characters neat, tidy endings. Lesson 1.) Class Activity: As a class, create a list of characters that were important to the novel as a whole. Which of these characters does Zusak give an ending to? Which does he leave out? Does this decision surprise you? Why or why not? 2.) Class Activity: As a class, compare / contrast the ending Zusak gives to Liesel with the ending he gives to Max. What is the same about their endings? What is different? Is there anything unexpected / surprising in this comparison? 3.) Group Activity: Divide the class into groups of 3 or 4 students to discuss the use of epilogues as the ending to a novel. What is the point of an epilogue? Do you think an epilogue was needed in this novel? Have each group give a five-minute presentation of their theories. 4.) Class Debate: Was the ending to this novel satisfactory? Divide the class into two groups for a cross classroom debate. After 15 minutes, add another complication: Do you think Zusak tied the story up too neatly? Why or why not? 5.) Homework: Choose one character that Zusak decided to give an ending to in the novel. Do you think that this was a fair, or just, way for the character's story to end? Why or why not? Have each student write a short report of their theories, citing examples from the text to strengthen their arguments. 54 Fun Activities Newspaper Clippings Bring in a newspaper or magazine article that reminds you of one of the characters or scenes in "The Book Thief". Be prepared to discuss who, or what, this article reminds you of, and why. Alternate Ending Write a scene giving the story an alternate ending. What might you change? How might the message of the story be different if certain elements of the storyline were different? Write a short report discussing your motivations for the plot changes. Movie Version Watch the movie version of this novel and write a short essay comparing / contrasting the two stories. What is the same in both versions? What is different? Which version did you like better? Why? Foster Care Do some research about the foster care system in place in our society today. How does this system compare / contrast to the foster care system Liesel grew up in? Write a short report of your findings. Favorite / Least Favorite Character Write a paragraph describing your favorite character from the novel. Then, write another paragraph describing your least favorite character. Each paragraph should include examples from the text to back up your arguments. Trivia Time Write a list of trivia questions regarding the characters of the novel and major themes throughout the text. Give each question a point value and divide the classroom into teams. Ask the questions Jeopardy style and the team with the highest number of points after a certain amount of rounds will be proclaimed the winner. 55 Mein Kampf Read a copy of "Mein Kampf" written by Adolf Hitler. Then, write a short report explaining why this book was so important to the novel "The Book Thief". Diary Choose one character from the novel and create a diary written in that person's voice about their experiences. Each diary should have at least ten short entries and span the length of the entire novel. Map The novel gives the reader many physical descriptions of such places as Himmel Street, Munich as a whole, and the bomb shelter. Using the descriptions in the text, create an in-depth map of the landscape of one of the major locations in the novel. Soundtrack Create a CD soundtrack of 10 or mores songs that you think would be appropriate choices for certain scenes if this book were ever made into a film. Create a list of songs and their corresponding scenes, and bring them to class with a brief explanation of each selection. Shadow Box Use an empty shoebox to recreate a scene from the novel. Puncture a hole in one side so that the viewer can peer through and see the scene in 3-D. Author Investigation Research the life of Markus Zusak and write a short report of his biography. Why might he have been inclined to write a book about the horrors of WWII? Interviews Imagine that a reporter has come to Himmel Street to interview one of the characters from the novel for the newspaper. Create a list of 10 questions that the reporter might ask them, and imagine the character's answers. 56 Communism Do some research about the fight against Communism in WWII. Why was Communism considered "the enemy"? How did the war against Communism affect the characters of the novel? Write a short report of your findings. Accordions Do some research about accordions. Are they a difficult instrument to learn to play? What facts about accordions are most interesting to you? Do some research and bring the facts you have learned about the instrument into class to share. Books Liesel writes many small books about her experiences throughout the novel. Write and illustrate a short book of your own. Fold computer paper in half and staple it along the middle to fashion a "book" of your own. Bring the published work into class for display. Charades Divide the classroom into two groups. Have students act out specific characters or events from the novel without using words while their teammates attempt to guess. The team with the most points after ten rounds is the winner. Poetry Many artists have written beautiful poetry about their experiences in WWII. Choose one scene or emotion in the novel and write a poem that evokes that feeling. Board Game Create a board game based on the events of the novel. Think of interesting ways that game play could progress, build the board and pieces, and be prepared to present your final project to the class, ready to play. Laundry Service Do some research about the way laundry was washed during the second World War. After you understand the method, try to wash a batch of your own clothing this way. What insight does this process give you about Rosa's character? Write a short report of your experiences. 57 Essay Topics Essay Topic 1 Many characters in this novel suffer from recurring nightmares. Choose two characters who suffer from nightmares and describe the visions they have. How do these recurring nightmares affect the way these characters interact with the world and each other? Essay Topic 2 Both Liesel and Hans have an artistic talent that brings peace to stressful situations. First, describe both Liesel and Hans' talents. Then, describe at least one situation when these characters use their artistic skill in the attempts to calm a crowd. What is the effect of their attempts? Essay Topic 3 Rudy and Liesel have an interesting and dynamic relationship from the moment they meet. First, describe how Liesel and Rudy meet. Then, describe how the relationship between these two children changes over the course of the novel. Choose at least two major incidents from the novel and explain how these incidents affected the relationship between the children. Essay Topic 4 Ilsa Hermann is a woman devastated by loss in her life. First, explain the loss Ilsa Hermann experiences. Then, describe how she attempts to cope with this loss. How does the loss in Ilsa Hermann's life affect her relationship with Liesel? Essay Topic 5 Liesel's life undergoes some major changes, starting with the opening chapter of the novel. First, describe what Liesel's familial situation is like at the opening of the novel. Then, describe what her familial situation is like at the end of the novel. What has changed about Liesel's sense of family? Essay Topic 6 While Max is living in the Hubermann's basement, he has little to no contact with the outside world. First, describe how Max spends his days while he is confined to the basement. Then, 58 explain how Max manages to catch glimpses, both real and imagined, of what life is like on the outside during his confinement. Essay Topic 7 While he is living in the basement, Max writes two books for Liesel. Describe each of the books in detail. Then, explain what message you think Max intended Liesel to take away from the books. Do you think his messages were received? Why or why not? Essay Topic 8 Hans manages to survive both World Wars even though he fought in both. First, describe how Hans managed to survive the first World War. Then, compare / contrast that to the way Hans managed to survive the second World War. What does Hans' knack for survival tell the reader about his character? Essay Topic 9 When Hans sees the starving Jewish prisoner being marched through town, he makes a snap decision that permanently affects his family. What are the pros to Hans' decision regarding the Jewish soldier? What are the cons? When the pros and cons are balanced, do you think Hans' decision regarding the soldier is a good one? Why or why not? Essay Topic 10 Adolf Hitler's book "Mein Kampf" is a very important prop in the plot of this novel. First, describe what message Hitler was trying to send to the German people with his book. Then, give at least two examples of scenes in which characters from the novel use "Mein Kampf" as a tool to aid in the fight against Hitler. Essay Topic 11 Zusak chooses a very interesting narrator in the voice of Death. First, describe at least two scenes in which Death visits with Liesel. What does the reader learn about Death, and Liesel's relationship with him during these interactions? Do you think Death was an effective narrator for this novel? Why or why not? 59 Essay Topic 12 Liesel's journey into adulthood can be traced through the books she reads. Choose at least three titles Liesel reads throughout the course of the novel and explain what Liesel learned from each of these texts. Then, explain how the books Liesel reads can trace her growth into adulthood using the three books you've selected as primary examples. Essay Topic 13 The book burning at the opening of the novel is an event that has a profound effect on Liesel and her relationship with the written word. First, describe why the Nazis were hosting a book burning in the first place, and what they hoped to accomplish during this event. Then, explain what inadvertent lessons Liesel learned by attending the event. From Liesel's perspective, was the book burning a success? Why or why not? Essay Topic 14 One of the ways Liesel finds acceptance after moving to a new school is to join a gang. First, describe the gang Liesel was a part of. Who is the leader? What does the gang fight for? Then, explain how the gang helps Liesel learn how to function within a group. How does this lesson come in handy for Liesel later on in her life? Essay Topic 15 When Max arrives at the Hubermann doorstep, Liesel is sworn to secrecy about his appearance. Why are the Hubermanns so concerned with keeping Max's visit a secret? Does Liesel manage to keep the secret? If so, how and why? If not, what are the effects of her slipped secret? Essay Topic 16 When WWII broke out, the economy in Munich was devastated. First, describe how the Hubermann and Steiner families were directly affected by the failing economy. Then, describe how each family managed to pick themselves up by their bootstraps and survive while surrounded by the abject poverty around them. Essay Topic 17 Rudy's experience within the Hitler Youth Organization was one that haunted him throughout his entire life. First, describe Rudy's initial experiences with the Hitler Youth Organization. Then, explain why Rudy was forced to switch groups at various times throughout his Nazi career. 60 Finally, explain what skill Rudy exhibited, and how the Hitler Youth Organization responded to his unexpected skill. Essay Topic 18 At the closing of the novel, Liesel has penned a book of her own. First, describe the book Liesel writes. What message does the book send to readers? After being separated from the book for most of her life, how is the book finally returned to Liesel? What does she learn about the message of her text upon its return? From Liesel's perspective, do you think the book she authored was a success? Why or why not? Essay Topic 19 One of the ways the Nazi soldiers sought to humiliate their Jewish prisoners was to march them in parades through the cities. First, explain what message the Nazis were sending to the villagers with the parades. From the Nazis' point of view, were the parades successful? Why or why not? Finally, explain the various reactions villagers, like Hans and Liesel, had to seeing the prisoners being paraded through their streets. Essay Topic 20 Hans' relationship with his children is one that haunts him throughout his entire life. First, describe the relationship Hans has with his son, Hans Jr. Then, compare / contrast that to the relationship he has with Liesel. In your opinion, which relationship has a deeper impact on Hans' view of the world? How can you tell? 61 Short Essay Questions 1. Why is Liesel in a train at the opening of the novel? 2. What happens to Liesel's younger brother while he is on the train at the opening of the novel? 3. What are Liesel's first impressions of Rosa and Hans Hubermann? 4. How does Hans treat Liesel during the first few weeks she is at his home? 5. How does Liesel fare during her first few weeks of school in Munich? 6. What chores is Liesel expected to complete around the house while she is living with Hans and Rosa? 62 7. How does Rudy Steiner express his admiration for Jesse Owens? 8. How does Liesel celebrate her first Christmas with Hans and Rosa? 9. Where does Rosa get the idea to send Liesel on all of her sales calls for the laundry business? 10. How do Hans and Rosa react when Liesel asks for permission to write letters home to her mother? 11. How do the citizens of Molching decide to celebrate the birthday of the Fueher? 12. Why is the relationship between Hans and Hans Jr. strained? 13. What reaction does Liesel have when she overhears someone use the word "Communist" at the bonfire? 63 14. How does Liesel manage to get a hold of a copy of the book "The Shoulder Shrug"? 15. How does Liesel react when she realizes the mayor's wife saw her steal the book from the bonfire? 16. When Frau Hermann invites LIesel inside her house, what does she show the young girl? 17. How is the mysterious young man in Stuttgart described when the reader sees him for the first time? 18. Whose name is written on the inside covers of the books kept in Frau Hermann's library? 19. How do the Hubermann and Steiner families stretch the food they have during the recession so no one goes hungry? 20. Who is Frau Diller? 64 21. How do Liesel and Rudy manage to steal a food basket from a church? 22. What objects are given to the mysterious young man in Stuttgart to help him escape the city? 23. Who was Erik Vandenberg? 24. Why was Hans Hubermann asked to stay behind while the rest of his troop was sent in to battle in France during WWI? 25. How was Max Vandenberg treated by his schoolmates as a child? 26. How did Erik Vandenberg's widow respond when Hans Hubermann came knocking at her door? 27. How does Max escape from Stuttgard after the war breaks out? 65 28. How is Max greeted by the Hubermann family when he arrives on their doorstep? 29. Where do Hans and Rosa hide Max in their house? 30. What does Max give to Liesel on her birthday? 31. What dream does Max regularly have involving Hitler? 32. What relationship does Liesel have with the book "The Whistler"? 33. Why does Liesel angrily shout at Frau Hermann in the library of her house? 34. How does the Hitler Youth Organization leader treat Rudy when he sees him on the street outside the church? 66 35. What happens when Viktor Chemmel steals the book Liesel is reading? 36. Why does Liesel bring snow into the basement during winter? 37. What fear does Rosa have if Max were to die? 38. What secret code do Liesel and Rosa concoct to communicate about Max in public? 39. How does Liesel save Max from being discovered when the men are trolling the neighborhood inspecting basements? 40. Why does Hans suddenly begin working again during the summer of 1942? 41. How is Hans paid for the work he does during the summer of 1942? 67 42. How does Rudy perform at the summer Hitler Youth carnival? 43. How does Liesel come to own a Dictionary and Thesaurus? 44. How does the Hubermann family react during the first air raid drill of the year? 45. Why is Max forced to leave the Hubermann house? 46. Why do two men from the Nazi party suddenly show up at Rudy's home to speak with his parents? 47. How does Rudy react to the physical he is forced to undergo at the Nazi school? 48. How is Hans punished for giving the starving Jew a piece of bread? 68 49. What does the LSE do during the war? 50. What is "The Word Shaker"? 51. What happens when Frau Hermann finally confronts Liesel about stealing from her library? 52. How does Hans narrowly avoid death during the second World War? 53. Why does Frau Holtzapfel suddenly stop going to the bomb shelter during air raid drills? 54. What happens when Rudy sees an airplane go down outside the bomb shelter? 55. How does Michael Holtzapfel die? 69 56. What happens when Liesel sees Max being marched through town with a Jewish prisoner parade? 57. What gift does Frau Hermann give to Liesel after the stealing has stopped? 58. What happens on the tenth night of Liesel's writing? 59. Where does Liesel stay when she can no longer stay with the Hubermanns? 60. How does Liesel die? 70 Short Essay Questions Key 1. Why is Liesel in a train at the opening of the novel? At the opening of the novel, Liesel, her mother, and her young brother are being transported to Munich, Germany by a group of armed guards. Liesel's mother is being taken away for being a communist, and Liesel and her brother are going to be placed in foster care. 2. What happens to Liesel's younger brother while he is on the train at the opening of the novel? Liesel's younger brother has been sick for most of the time on the train. He is coughing profusely, until he falls silent. Liesel knows that her brother has died. She and her mother disembark from the train to bury him in a small cemetery they pass along the way. 3. What are Liesel's first impressions of Rosa and Hans Hubermann? Liesel thinks that Rosa is incredibly vulgar and has a foul mouth, but is pleased to realize that she is not cruel. When she meets Hans, she is immediately drawn to him and has a feeling that he has a warm heart. 4. How does Hans treat Liesel during the first few weeks she is at his home? During the first few weeks, Hans treats Liesel with a gentle kindness. He encourages her to take a bath when she hasn't bathed in weeks. He sits with her during the nights when she has nightmares, and even begins to teach her how to read. 5. How does Liesel fare during her first few weeks of school in Munich? During her first few weeks in school, Liesel performs poorly because she cannot read. She finds herself getting into fights on the playground because other children make fun of her illiteracy and the fact that she is in foster care. 71 6. What chores is Liesel expected to complete around the house while she is living with Hans and Rosa? While living with Hans and Rosa, Liesel is expected not only to help cook and clean around the house, she is expected to balance that with her schoolwork, and helping Rosa with her job as a laundress in the neighborhood. LIesel travels from house to house collecting and returning laundry to their various clients. 7. How does Rudy Steiner express his admiration for Jesse Owens? Rudy is infatuated with Olympic runner, Jesse Owens. To show his admiration, Rudy attempts to blacken his entire body by rubbing a lump of coal on his skin. His father warns him that admiring a black man could have catastrophic effects on the family. 8. How does Liesel celebrate her first Christmas with Hans and Rosa? Liesel finishes reading her copy of "The Gravedigger's Handbook" a few days before Christmas, which is a huge accomplishment for her. Hans wants to buy Liesel a new book, but he doesn't have the money. He sells some of his hand-rolled cigarettes and raises enough to buy her two new books for Christmas. She is overjoyed. 9. Where does Rosa get the idea to send Liesel on all of her sales calls for the laundry business? As the economy worsens, Rosa is fired by various clients who claim that they simply don't have the money to keep her on staff anymore. Rosa gets the idea to send Liesel to pick up and drop off the laundry because she is an orphan, and Rosa doesn't think anyone is cruel hearted enough to fire an orphan. 10. How do Hans and Rosa react when Liesel asks for permission to write letters home to her mother? Hans tells Liesel that writing letters home to her mother is a good idea, and gives her permission to do so. Rosa, on the other hand, thinks writing letters is a waste of time because no one even knows if Liesel's mother is alive. When she catches Liesel stealing money to pay for 72 postage stamps, she beats the girl with a wooden spoon. 11. How do the citizens of Molching decide to celebrate the birthday of the Fueher? To celebrate the birthday of the Fuehrer, the citizens of Molching decide to host a bonfire burning all the vulgar books that the Fuehrer might not approve of. LIesel is initially excited by all of this, and all of Rosa and Hans' extended family come home for the celebration. 12. Why is the relationship between Hans and Hans Jr. strained? Hans Jr. is a devout member of the Nazi party and is deeply embarrassed that his father, Hans, hasn't joined the party yet. Hans insists that he's on the waiting list, but that the party is still deciding on his application. Hans Jr. is deeply embarrassed by the fact that Hans once helped a Jewish man in danger of losing his house. 13. What reaction does Liesel have when she overhears someone use the word "Communist" at the bonfire? When Liesel overhears the word "Communist" at the bonfire, she feels like she's been kicked in the stomach. She realizes that this is what her mother was, and why she was taken away from her. When she confronts Hans about whether or not her mother was a Communist, he refuses to answer her truthfully. 14. How does Liesel manage to get a hold of a copy of the book "The Shoulder Shrug"? While at the bonfire, Liesel sees that not all of the books are burning properly. She snatches one book, "The Shoulder Shrug" from the top of the pile and hides it in her shirt. The book burns her skin, but Liesel claims that the pain makes her feel alive. 15. How does Liesel react when she realizes the mayor's wife saw her steal the book from the bonfire? When Liesel realizes that it was the mayor's wife who saw her steal the book, she is terrified of 73 being turned in. She stops going to the mayor's house to pick up laundry for as long as she can. When she can avoid the family no longer, she brings Rudy with her for moral support, but is shocked when the mayor's wife does not accuse her of theft. 16. When Frau Hermann invites LIesel inside her house, what does she show the young girl? When Frau Hermann invites Liesel inside, she takes her upstairs and shows her the vast library kept there. Liesel is overwhelmed with the sheer volume of books, and walks through touching each of the book's spines. Frau Hermann tells her she may come over any time to read the books. 17. How is the mysterious young man in Stuttgart described when the reader sees him for the first time? The young man in Stuttgart is described as living in the shadows, curled up into a ball on the floor. He is starving and doesn't know where his next meal is coming from. He is clearly in hiding, but the reader does not know from whom, or why. 18. Whose name is written on the inside covers of the books kept in Frau Hermann's library? While reading aloud one day, Liesel sees the name of a boy written on the inside cover of the books. Frau Hermann admits that the books once belonged to her son, who has died. She is clearly in deep grief for the son she lost and has not been able to cope. 19. How do the Hubermann and Steiner families stretch the food they have during the recession so no one goes hungry? Rosa Hubermann makes one giant pot of pea soup each week to feed her family. When the Steiner family loses all their Jewish customers and struggles to make ends meet, Liesel and Rudy take to stealing food from unsuspecting farmers to help feed their families. Apples are their booty of choice when pirating. 74 20. Who is Frau Diller? Frau Diller is an adamant member of the Nazi party. She also runs a candy shop in the neighborhood where Liesel and Rudy play. When the two find a coin on the street, they run to Frau Dillard's shop to buy candy. They hadn't tasted anything so sweet in all their lives. 21. How do Liesel and Rudy manage to steal a food basket from a church? Liesel and Rudy plot their attack for weeks, icing down the sidewalk where the food delivery boy walks. The delivery boy arrives, slips on the ice as planned, but ends up getting hurt far worse than Liesel and Rudy planned for. Starving, Liesel and Rudy steal the food basket, and leave the injured delivery boy writhing on the ice. 22. What objects are given to the mysterious young man in Stuttgart to help him escape the city? In the middle of the night, the young man is given a copy of Adolf Hitler's book, "Mein Kampf". Inside the book is an identity card and a key. He boards a train and travels to an address where he is told help is waiting. The house turns out to be that of the Hubermanns. He uses the key to enter the house without knocking and alerting the neighbors. 23. Who was Erik Vandenberg? Erik Vandenberg was a Jewish soldier Hans Hubermann fought beside during WWI. He was the accordion teacher Hans credited with saving his life. He was also Max Vandenberg's father. 24. Why was Hans Hubermann asked to stay behind while the rest of his troop was sent in to battle in France during WWI? When one of the sergeants asked for a soldier with good handwriting to stay behind during a particular mission, Erik Vandenberg volunteered Hans. During the mission, all of Hans' troop members were killed, and he forever credited Erik with saving his life. 75 25. How was Max Vandenberg treated by his schoolmates as a child? As a child, Max was frequently bullied because he was Jewish. He got into fights constantly with the same boy, Walter Kugler. Even though Walter usually won his fights against Max, he began to feel endeared to Max because he was such a tenacious fighter. The two soon became friends. 26. How did Erik Vandenberg's widow respond when Hans Hubermann came knocking at her door? When Hans Hubermann came knocking on Erik Vandenberg's door, he had the hopes of returning Vandenberg's accordion. Vandenberg's widow, however, wanted nothing to do with the instrument. Hans felt so indebted to the woman that he gave her his home address and promised to help her and her family whenever possible. 27. How does Max escape from Stuttgard after the war breaks out? For six months, Max hides in the basement of a dirty building. Occasionally, Walter Kruger is able to come and bring food for him. Kruger finds Hans' address in Max' mother's belongings and makes his way to Hans' house. He pleads with Hans to help Max hide out, and Hans accepts. 28. How is Max greeted by the Hubermann family when he arrives on their doorstep? The Hubermanns are extremely nervous to have Max in their house, but they greet him warmly. Rosa makes Max a bowl of pea soup and he eats so much that he becomes ill. He falls asleep on Liesel's bed and sleeps there for three days straight. 29. Where do Hans and Rosa hide Max in their house? When Max arrives, he spends his first few days sleeping in Liesel's room. This, however, is too dangerous, so they move him to a cleared space in the basement. They cover the entrance with Hans' paint cans and old drape cloths. 76 30. What does Max give to Liesel on her birthday? At first, Max is embarrassed that he has no gift for Liesel on her birthday. Then, he paints over the pages of the book "Mein Kampf" and writes a new storybook for Liesel on its pages, entitled "The Standover Man", about a man who is haunted by a past he cannot escape. 31. What dream does Max regularly have involving Hitler? Max frequently dreams that he is a boxer in the ring with Hitler. He has this dream over and over. Hitler always wins. Max comes to feel that he will never be able to beat Hitler in the boxing match because he is Jewish and therefore inferior. 32. What relationship does Liesel have with the book "The Whistler"? During the first summer that Max is staying with the Hubermann family, Liesel reads the same book, "The Whistler" over and over. Frau Hermann offers to give the book the Liesel, but she refuses. A few days later, Liesel breaks into the Hermann house and steals the book for herself. 33. Why does Liesel angrily shout at Frau Hermann in the library of her house? Frau Hermann finally convinces Liesel to take a copy of the book "The Whistler". At the same time, she hands Liesel a note explaining that she has to fire Rosa from her laundry service. Liesel hurls the book back at Frau Hermann and begins shouting that Frau Hermann is a pathetic old woman who hasn't been able to get over the death of her son. 34. How does the Hitler Youth Organization leader treat Rudy when he sees him on the street outside the church? The Hitler Youth Organization leader is very cruel to Rudy, going out of his way to embarrass him. He forces Rudy to his knees on the cement outside the church and begins to beat him. He asks Rudy where Hitler was born, and Rudy purposefully answers the question wrong, drawing the wrath of the leader, who cuts Rudy's hair with his pocket knife. 77 35. What happens when Viktor Chemmel steals the book Liesel is reading? Viktor steals Liesel's copy of the "The Whistler" and throws it into the river just to be cruel. Rudy wades out into the river and fetches it back. When he returns, he asks Liesel for a kiss. She thinks about it, but turns him down. He never asks Liesel to show him affection again. 36. Why does Liesel bring snow into the basement during winter? Liesel brings snow into the basement so Max can experience the changing weather and so the two can build a snowman. A few days later, Max falls terribly ill, and Rosa believes it is because of the cold caused by the snow. 37. What fear does Rosa have if Max were to die? Rosa is terrified that Max will die, not only because it would be a great loss for the family, but because they will have no way of disposing of his body. Because Max is in hiding, they cannot simply bring his body to the local cemetery to be buried. It could be very dangerous for the entire family. 38. What secret code do Liesel and Rosa concoct to communicate about Max in public? When Max is very sick, Liesel and Rosa make a plan that if he is to wake up while Liesel is in school, Rosa will come to school and shout at Liesel for something. One day, Rosa shows up at school and shouts at Liesel for using her hairbrush. Through this interaction, Liesel knows that Max is awake. 39. How does Liesel save Max from being discovered when the men are trolling the neighborhood inspecting basements? The men are patrolling the neighborhood inspecting basements to decide which ones are fit to be used as bomb shelters. Liesel knows that the men will soon arrive at her house and that they will discover Max there. She fakes an injury during her soccer game and races home to warn Max. 78 40. Why does Hans suddenly begin working again during the summer of 1942? In 1942, the threat of air raids become real, and everyone in the neighborhood wants Hans to come over and paint their windows black. Hans has so much work, he runs out of black paint and has to start mixing other random colors together to try and achieve the dark color. 41. How is Hans paid for the work he does during the summer of 1942? Most people in the neighborhood don't have a lot of money, so they often pay Hans in wares rather than cash. One day, he is paid with bottles of champagne, which he allows Liesel to drink with him. Liesel thinks the champagne is so sweet, she swears she will never drink it again lest she be disappointed. 42. How does Rudy perform at the summer Hitler Youth carnival? At the Hitler Youth carnival, Rudy signs himself up for four different foot races. He wins the first three easily, but begins to tire. He sees his old organization leader and is terrified of losing in front of him, so he purposefully gets himself disqualified from the fourth race. He quickly leaves, satisfied with having won three races. 43. How does Liesel come to own a Dictionary and Thesaurus? Throughout the summer, Liesel continues to break into Frau Hermann's library to steal books. One day, a copy of a Dictionary and Thesaurus is propped on the window ledge with a note from Frau Hermann. Frau Hermann knows Liesel is stealing from her, and wishes the two could repair their relationship so they could continue reading together. 44. How does the Hubermann family react during the first air raid drill of the year? When the air raid drill goes off, the Hubermanns race to the neighbor's house and cram themselves, along with twenty other people, into the bomb shelter. When everyone is panicked, Liesel begins to read aloud, calming everyone. While the family is gone, Max sneaks out of the basement to take a look at the sky. It is the first time he has been out of the basement in nearly two years. 79 45. Why is Max forced to leave the Hubermann house? While Jewish prisoners are being paraded through town one day, Hans hands a starving man a piece of bread. People in the neighborhood witness this act, and Hans knows he will soon be arrested for sympathizing with the Jews. He knows that when he is arrested, they will search his house and Max will be discovered. He hurries home to tell Max he must leave immediately. 46. Why do two men from the Nazi party suddenly show up at Rudy's home to speak with his parents? Two men from the Nazi party arrive at Rudy's home after hearing about his athletic prowess at the Nazi carnival. They would like to offer him a full-ride scholarship to a new school for Hitler. Rudy's parents have heard about such schools and are weary to let their son attend. 47. How does Rudy react to the physical he is forced to undergo at the Nazi school? Rudy is mortified at the physical examination he undergoes at the Nazi school. He is forced to strip down naked in front of a doctor, a nurse, a school administrator, and two other boys who are also being examined. The experience haunts him for the rest of his life. 48. How is Hans punished for giving the starving Jew a piece of bread? Hans waits for weeks, sure the Nazi party is going to knock at his door at any moment and arrest him. He is shocked to learn instead that he has finally been accepted into the party, and that he is expected to enlist in the army to fight in the war. That night, Hans goes out with Herr Steiner to get drunk. 49. What does the LSE do during the war? The LSE is a small troop of men who are sent into cities after bombs have fallen to put out fires. This is the troop Hans fights with, and it is extremely dangerous. He is somewhat jealous of the fact that Herr Steiner gets to sit in a small office and tailor the damaged suits of fallen soldiers, a much safer task. 80 50. What is "The Word Shaker"? "The Word Shaker" is a book that Max wrote for Liesel before he was sent away from the Hubermann household. In the book, a young girl walks around the neighborhood shaking trees for Hitler. The young girl climbs up a tree that is about to be cut down, and is later joined by a young Jewish man. The two sit in the tree, watching it bend, confident that it will never break. 51. What happens when Frau Hermann finally confronts Liesel about stealing from her library? Frau Hermann leaves Christmas cookies out for Liesel during the holiday season. As Liesel is stealing from the library, Frau Hermann enters and confronts her. She tells Liesel that she, not her husband, owns the library and that women can be empowered to do whatever they want in this world. This statement has extreme impact on Liesel. 52. How does Hans narrowly avoid death during the second World War? Hans beats one of his fellow soldiers in a friendly game of poker, but the beaten man is very disgruntled and steals Hans' seat on the truck ride home. The truck blows a tire and crashes, and the disgruntled poker player dies. Hans believes he owes this man his life. 53. Why does Frau Holtzapfel suddenly stop going to the bomb shelter during air raid drills? A few weeks after Hans breaks his leg, Michael Holtzapfel returns home to tell his mother, Frau Holtzapftel, that his brother, the Frau's other son, has died at Stalingrad. Frau Holtzapfel becomes so deeply depressed that she doesn't care if she lives or dies, and she refuses to enter the bomb shelter during air raid drills. 54. What happens when Rudy sees an airplane go down outside the bomb shelter? Upon exiting the bomb shelter during an air raid drill, everyone sees a small fire in the distance. An American airplane pilot has gone down and is gravely injured. Rudy tries to shield Liesel from the dying man, but she is determined to see him. Rudy gives the man a teddy bear, hoping it will comfort him has he reaches death. 81 55. How does Michael Holtzapfel die? Michael Hotzapfel dies a few weeks after Hans returns home. His body is found hanging in a shop downtown. Before he killed himself, Michael wrote a letter to his mother apologizing for his actions and stating that he could no longer live with the knowledge that his brother was in the grave. Hans was the one to deliver the bad news to Frau Holtzapfel. 56. What happens when Liesel sees Max being marched through town with a Jewish prisoner parade? When Liesel sees Max in the crowd of prisoners, she runs to him and tries to march next to him. A guard pulls her away, but Liesel returns and tries to speak with Max. The guard becomes irate and starts beating Liesel with a whip. Rudy runs to Liesel's rescue and pulls her away from the guard. 57. What gift does Frau Hermann give to Liesel after the stealing has stopped? When Liesel decides to quit stealing from Frau Hermann, she writes a letter of apology. The letter is so moving, Frau Hermann comes to Liesel's home with a blank notebook and tells the girl that she has a real gift for writing. Liesel takes the notebook and writes in it furiously. The book she pens is entitled "The Book Thief". 58. What happens on the tenth night of Liesel's writing? On the tenth night, a bomb hits Himmel Street. There are no survivors, except Liesel, who was writing in the basement and was safe during the blast. Liesel makes her way upstairs and watches in horror as all of her loved ones are pulled from the wreckage. She kisses Rudy's dead body and returns Hans' accordion to his corpse. 59. Where does Liesel stay when she can no longer stay with the Hubermanns? Frau Hermann makes her way down to Himmel Street after the bombing and takes Liesel back home with her. Liesel is completely despondent and refuses to eat or bathe. Frau Hermann slowly helps Liesel heal from her pain and raises the girl as if she were her own daughter. 82 60. How does Liesel die? Liesel dies as a very old woman in Sydney, Australia, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. When Death comes for her, Liesel is ready, waiting for him to arrive. Death has carried a copy of the book "The Book Thief" in his pocket ever since Liesel left it on Himmel Street during the bombings. Death admits that Liesel's book made him feel "haunted". 83 Multiple Choice Prologue, A Mountain Range of Rubble, and Part One, The Grave Digger's Handbook 1. Who places Liesel Meminger in foster care? (a) Her father. (b) Her aunt. (c) Her grandfather. (d) Her mother. 2. Who is the narrator of this novel? (a) Fate. (b) Love. (c) Hope. (d) Death. 3. How does the reader know Liesel's brother is sick? (a) He is moaning. (b) He is sweating. (c) He is coughing. (d) He is sneezing. 4. How are Liesel and her brother traveling to the foster care system? (a) By ship. (b) By train. (c) By taxi. (d) By airplane. 5. How many armed guards escort Liesel when she helps to bury her dead brother? (a) Three. (b) Five. (c) Two. (d) Four. 84 6. To which German city is Liesel being relocated by the foster care system? (a) Munich. (b) Hamburg. (c) Berlin. (d) Stuttgard. 7. Which of the following adjectives best describes Rosa Hubermann? (a) Cruel. (b) Shy. (c) Vulgar. (d) Warm. 8. Which of the following instruments does Hans Hubermann play? (a) Bagpipes. (b) Banjo. (c) Accordian. (d) Harp. 9. Which of the following activities does Hans Hubermann convince Liesel to do after she has been in the house for a few weeks? (a) Take a bath. (b) Eat porridge. (c) Change her clothes. (d) Walk the dogs. 10. Why does Liesel struggle in school? (a) Because she cannot do math. (b) Because she cannot spell. (c) Because she cannot read. (d) Because she has no friends. 11. What is the BDM? (a) Band of German Girls. (b) Girl Scouts. (c) Hitler's Youth Organization. (d) Cooking Club. 12. What does Rosa do for a living? (a) She is a factory worker. (b) She is a seamstress. (c) She is a laundress. (d) She is a midwife. 85 13. What does Liesel clean off the door frame every day, left by Frau Hollapfel? (a) Chicken feathers. (b) Eggs. (c) Newspaper clippings. (d) Spit. 14. What sport does Liesel regularly play with the neighborhood kids? (a) Football. (b) Dodgeball. (c) Soccer. (d) Baseball. 15. Which of the following sports is Rudy most interested in? (a) Track and Field. (b) Gymnastics. (c) Swimming. (d) Rugby. 16. What does Rudy use to darken his body in the hopes of emulating Jesse Owens? (a) Coal. (b) Paint. (c) Magic Marker. (d) Dirt. 17. Which of the following characters teaches Liesel how to read? (a) Max. (b) Hans. (c) Rudy. (d) Rosa. 18. What does Hans Hubermann do for a living? (a) He is a musician. (b) He is a mechanic. (c) He is a painter. (d) He is a teacher. 86 Part Two, The Shoulder Shrug 19. At which holiday does Liesel finish reading "The Gravedigger's Handbook"? (a) Christmas. (b) Thanksgiving. (c) Independence Day. (d) Easter. 20. What is the name of the street where Liesel lives with the Hubermann family? (a) Himmel Street. (b) Fimmel Street. (c) Mimmel Street. (d) Gimmel Street. 21. What does Hans sell in order to buy Liesel two new books? (a) Locks of his hair. (b) His paintings. (c) Homemade candles. (d) Hand-rolled cigarettes. 22. Why is Rosa fired by various customers while Liesel is learning how to read? (a) Becuase she has been caught stealing. (b) Because of the declining economy. (c) Because customers don't approve of Liesel's education. (d) Because she is terrible at her job. 23. Why does Liesel steal money from Rosa? (a) To pay for new shoes. (b) To pay for a train ticket. (c) To pay for postage stamps. (d) To pay for books. 24. How does Rosa react when she realizes Liesel is stealing from her? (a) Rosa makes her scrub the floor with a toothbrush. (b) Rosa forgives her. (c) Rosa ignores her. (d) Rosa beats her. 87 25. To which of the following institutions is the Fuehrer most closely tied? (a) Religion. (b) Entertainment. (c) Education. (d) Politics. 26. What event does the city stage in celebration of the Fuehrer's birthday? (a) A bonfire. (b) A feast. (c) A carnival. (d) They ignore the birthday completely. 27. How does Liesel feel about the scheduled book burning? (a) She is nervous. (b) She is outraged. (c) She is excited. (d) She is confused. 28. Why is Hans Jr. embarrassed to be seen with his father? (a) Because his father is an atheist when it is fashionable to be Catholic. (b) Because his father aligns himself with Hitler. (c) Because his father is uneducated and illiterate. (d) Because his father has not yet joined the Nazi party. 29. Which of the following books does Hans Jr. think is the most valuable book ever written? (a) The Bible. (b) The Shoulder Shrug. (c) The Gravedigger's Handbook. (d) Mein Kampf. 30. Which of the following political parties does Liesel think her mother belonged to? (a) Demoncrats. (b) Communists. (c) Socialists. (d) Republicans. 31. Which body part does Liesel's school friend break while attending the book burning? (a) His ankle. (b) His nose. (c) His arm. (d) His neck. 88 32. What part of her body is burned when Liesel steals a copy of "The Shoulder Shrug"? (a) Her back. (b) Her neck. (c) Her ribs. (d) Her fingertips. 33. Where does Liesel sit and wait for Hans to come and pick her up from the book burning? (a) At the church. (b) At the school. (c) At the library. (d) At the hospital. 34. How does Liesel describe the sensation of being burned at the book burning? (a) As feeling nothing at all. (b) As enlivening. (c) As painful. (d) As deadening. 35. From where does the shadow witness Liesel stealing a book from the bonfire? (a) From a window. (b) From an allyway. (c) From atop a building. (d) From a passing automobile. 36. How does Rosa feel about Liesel writing letters to her mother? (a) Rosa feels it is a waste of time. (b) Rosa is offended that Liesel still wants contact with her birth mother. (c) Rosa forbids Liesel to pick up a pen. (d) Rosa does not know about the letters. Part Three, Mein Kampf 37. How does Hans react when he finds out Liesel stole a book from the bonfire? (a) He beats her. (b) He forces her to go back and return it. (c) He never finds out. (d) He understands why she stole it and does not punish her. 89 38. Who sees Liesel steal the book from the bonfire? (a) Adolf Hitler. (b) Rudy. (c) The mayor's wife. (d) Hans. Jr. 39. Which of the following customers is Liesel so afraid of that she skips over her house whenever possible? (a) Frau Hansel. (b) Frau Hollapfel. (c) Frau Hermann. (d) Frau Hubermann. 40. How does Liesel react when she sees Frau Hermann's library? (a) She is outraged. (b) She is overwhelmed. (c) She is disgusted. (d) She is saddened. 41. Which of the following mysterious characters is described as living in the dark shadows of Stuttgart? (a) A young man. (b) A young woman. (c) An old woman. (d) An old man. 42. When the mysterious character living in the shadows is brought food and keys, which character is the mystery character urged to locate? (a) Max Vandenberg. (b) Liesel Meminger. (c) Rudy Steiner. (d) Hans Hubermann. 43. Which book does Liesel spend all of her time reading during her first summer with the Hubermann family? (a) The Nose Twitch. (b) The Shoulder Shrug. (c) The Leg Cramp. (d) The Stomach Ache. 90 44. Which of Frau Hermann's relatives dies, leaving her deeply depressed? (a) Her grandfather. (b) Her mother. (c) Her sister. (d) Her son. 45. Which of the following adjectives does Liesel use to describe Frau Hermann during the summer she spends reading with her? (a) Selfish. (b) Crazy. (c) Angry. (d) Kind. 46. Which of the following activities do Rudy and Liesel spend the summer doing? (a) Stealing. (b) Sewing. (c) Shopping. (d) Swimming. 47. What does Rudy's father, Herr Steiner, do for a living? (a) He is a taxi driver. (b) He is a tailor. (c) He is an actor. (d) He is a doctor. 48. What type of soup does Rosa Hubermann make once a week to feed her family? (a) Tomato soup. (b) Minestrone soup. (c) Chicken noodle soup. (d) Pea soup. 49. What type of fruit do Rudy and Liesel steal from local farmers? (a) Tomatoes. (b) Apples. (c) Oranges. (d) Bananas. 91 50. What does Liesel purchase with the coin she finds on the street outside Frau Dillard's house? (a) A new dress. (b) Toothpaste. (c) Potatoes. (d) Candy. 51. What book does the mysterious young man take on the train with him while traveling cross country? (a) Mein Kampf. (b) Moby Dick. (c) The Quran. (d) The Bible. 52. Outside of which building do Rudy and Liesel ice the sidewalk so they can steal a basket of food? (a) The church. (b) The school. (c) The market. (d) The apple farm. 53. How long do Liesel and Rudy work with the gang leader before he moves away? (a) Three days. (b) Three weeks. (c) Three months. (d) Three years. 54. How does the mysterious young man get into the Hubermann household? (a) He has a key. (b) He breaks a window. (c) He digs a tunnel. (d) He kicks in the door. Part Four, The Standover Man 55. Where was Hans Hubermann stationed when he fought in WWI? (a) Canada. (b) Spain. (c) England. (d) France. 92 56. Which branch of the armed forces did Hans Hubermann fight in during WWI? (a) The navy. (b) The army. (c) The air force. (d) The marines. 57. What ethnicity was Erik Vandenberg? (a) He was Jewish. (b) He was Swedish. (c) He was Canadian. (d) He was German. 58. What instrument did Erik Vandenberg play? (a) The accordian. (b) The bagpipes. (c) The banjo. (d) The harmonica. 59. Why was young Hans Hubermann asked to stay behind during his fight of WWI? (a) Because he had a good sense of direction. (b) Because he had good handwriting. (c) Because he had a nice singing voice. (d) Because he was the best looking. 60. How many soldiers survived the battle Hans Hubermann sat out during WWI? (a) One. (b) None. (c) Three. (d) Two. 61. Who did Hans credit with saving his life during WWI? (a) Rosa. (b) Max Vandenberg. (c) Erik Vandenberg. (d) Adolf Hitler. 62. How did Erik Vandenberg's widow react when Hans brought her husband's instrument home to her? (a) She didn't recognize it. (b) She didn't answer the door. (c) She cherished it forever. (d) She didn't want it. 93 63. What did Hans give to Erik Vandenberg's widow with the hopes of being able to help her family one day? (a) His photograph. (b) His phone number. (c) His address. (d) His social security card. 64. Where did Max Vandenberg grow up? (a) Munich. (b) Struttgard. (c) Hamburg. (d) Berlin. 65. Why was Max Vandenberg bullied as a child? (a) Because he was small. (b) Because he had a speech impediment. (c) Because he was Jewish. (d) Because he was poor. 66. How many fights did Max Vandenberg get in with his nemesis, Walter Kugler? (a) Four. (b) Twenty-seven. (c) Thirteen. (d) Nine. 67. As a child, who saved Max from the Gestapo when they were removing Jews from the neighborhood? (a) Tommy Mullins. (b) Liesel Memimger. (c) Walter Kugler. (d) Rudy Steiner 68. How long is Max in hiding before being moved to Hans Hubermann's house? (a) Six weeks. (b) Six months. (c) Six years. (d) Six days. 94 69. In which room of the Hubermann household does Max hide while he is living with them? (a) In the basement. (b) In the attic. (c) In the cellar. (d) In the library. 70. Upon arriving safely to the Hubermann household, how long does Max sleep, uninterrupted? (a) Three days. (b) Nine days. (c) Five days. (d) Seven days. 71. What inanimate object does Max credit with saving his life? (a) A pocket watch. (b) A book. (c) A wooden spoon. (d) A tennis shoe. 72. What does Max give to Liesel for her birthday? (a) A new dress. (b) A doll. (c) A bouquet of flowers. (d) A book. Part Five, The Whistler 73. Which of the following school subjects does Liesel practice regularly with Max? (a) Reading. (b) Writing. (c) Debate. (d) Multiplication. 74. Which of the following acts does Max request from Liesel? (a) A shave. (b) A manicure. (c) A haircut. (d) A sponge bath. 95 75. What book does Liesel read over and over in Frau Hermann's library? (a) The Whistler. (b) The Dancer. (c) The Banker. (d) The Sleeper. 76. How does Liesel react when Frau Hermann offers a book to her as a gift? (a) She graciously accepts it. (b) She is confused by the offer. (c) She ignores the offer completely. (d) She refuses it. 77. What object does Liesel regularly fish out of the trash bins to bring home to Max? (a) Food scraps. (b) Discarded clothing. (c) Newspapers. (d) Metal cans. 78. Which of the following things does Liesel describe for Max using the most colorful language she can think of? (a) The night sky. (b) The ocean. (c) The weather. (d) The rain forests. 79. Which sport does Max regularly dream he is participating in with Adolf Hitler? (a) Fencing. (b) Boxing. (c) Rowing. (d) Swimming. 80. Which nation does Max dream will eventually rise up and beat Hitler to the ground? (a) England. (b) Germany. (c) Canada. (d) Israel. 96 81. Which of the following emotions does Max feel comfortable expressing only in his journal? (a) Loneliness. (b) Fear. (c) Anger. (d) Envy. 82. Which of the following tools does Max use to keep records of his emotions in the journal? (a) A pencil. (b) An inkpen. (c) Crayons. (d) Paint. 83. How does Liesel react when she catches a glimpse into Max's journal? (a) She is excited. (b) She is saddened. (c) She is shocked. (d) She is outraged. 84. What does Liesel shout to Frau Hermann when the Frau fires Rosa from her laundry service? (a) That the Frau is fat. (b) That the Frau is a traitor. (c) That the Frau is pathetic. (d) That the Frau is ugly. 85. How does LIesel feel after her outburst against Frau Hermann? (a) Apathetic. (b) Pleased. (c) Guilty. (d) Confused. 86. Which of the following ailments afflicts Tommy Muller? (a) He is mute. (b) He is blind. (c) He is lame. (d) He is deaf. 97 87. Which of the following characters stands up for Tommy Muller when he is being abused? (a) Liesel. (b) Max. (c) Hans. (d) Rudy. 88. When Rudy is punished in Hitler Youth camp, what is he made to do? (a) Jumping jacks. (b) Push-ups. (c) Press-ups. (d) Sit-ups. 89. How does Viktor Chemmel compare to the last gang leader Liesel worked with? (a) Viktor is more violent. (b) Viktor is much kinder. (c) Viktor is much crueler. (d) Viktor is much more fair. 90. Why doesn't Viktor Chemmel like or respect Liesel? (a) Because of her gender. (b) Because of her race. (c) Because of her weight. (d) Because of her religion. Part Six, The Dream Carrier 91. After their raid with Viktor Chemmel, how many apples are Liesel and Rudy given as payment? (a) Twenty apples each. (b) Five apples each. (c) One apple each. (d) Ten apples each. 92. How do Rudy and Liesel break into the mayor's house? (a) Through the servant's entrance. (b) Through the wine cellar. (c) Through the window. (d) Through an unlocked door. 98 93. What does Liesel steal from the mayor's house the first time she breaks in? (a) Petty cash. (b) Food. (c) A book. (d) Lacy underwear. 94. What does Liesel accidentally leave behind in the mayor's house while she is robbing him? (a) Her shoes. (b) Her gloves. (c) Her hat. (d) Her jacket. 95. What excuse does Rudy give the shopkeeper when he is caught stealing apples from the market? (a) That he forgot his wallet. (b) That he is actually a misguided prince. (c) That this is all a big misunderstanding. (d) That his family is starving. 96. What question does the Hitler Youth leader ask Rudy on the street before beating him in front of his friends? (a) Where was Hitler born? (b) What is Hitler's middle name? (c) What is Hitler's favorite food? (d) Where did Hitler go to college? 97. What does the Hitler Youth leader use to cut Rudy's hair in the middle of the street? (a) A pair of scissors. (b) A pocket knife. (c) A switchblade. (d) A broken glass. 98. What does Rudy ask Liesel for after he rescues her book from the river? (a) An apple. (b) A kiss. (c) A gun. (d) Money. 99 99. What does Liesel bring into Max's room on Christmas Eve? (a) Snow. (b) Presents. (c) Candles. (d) A feast. 100. Which character fears that Max has caught an incurable cold? (a) Liesel. (b) Rosa. (c) Hans. (d) Rudy. 101. During what month of the year does Max collapse in the basement? (a) January. (b) November. (c) April. (d) July. 102. Which of the following items is NOT something Liesel gives to Max hoping it will heal him from his sickness? (a) A feather. (b) A soccer ball. (c) A description of a cloud. (d) A bouquet of flowers. 103. How many gifts does Liesel bring to Max in total during his time of sickness? (a) Eight. (b) Eleven. (c) Seventeen. (d) Thirteen. 104. What is the title of the book Liesel steals from Frau Hermann's library while Max is sick? (a) The Dream Catcher. (b) The Whistler. (c) The Shoulder Shrug. (d) The Gravedigger's Handbook. 100 105. What does Rosa shout at Liesel for, signaling to her that Max has awoken from his coma? (a) For tracking mud through the kitchen. (b) For using her hairbrush. (c) For forgetting to hang up the laundry. (d) For leaving the milk out to spoil. 106. During what month of the year does Liesel resume playing soccer with her neighborhood friends? (a) March. (b) June. (c) December. (d) September. 107. Why are men trolling the neighborhood where Liesel lives during her soccer game? (a) They are collecting donations to benefit the Hitler Youth organization. (b) They are handing out pamphlets about the Nazi party. (c) They are searching for hidden Jews. (d) They are inspecting basements that may be converted into bomb shelters. 108. How does Liesel manage to warn Max about the men trolling the neighborhood, who may discover him? (a) She does not warn Max, and he is discovered. (b) She shouts to him using their secret code for danger. (c) She warns Hans, who hurries home to hide Max. (d) She fakes an injury and runs home. Part Seven, The Complete Duden Dictionary and Thesaurus 109. During what year do the air raids begin in Munich? (a) 1939. (b) 1947. (c) 1942. (d) 1951. 110. What color do Hans' neighbors ask him to paint their windows? (a) Black. (b) Blue. (c) White. (d) Tan. 101 111. Which of the following adjectives does Liesel use to describe the process of mixing paint? (a) Dizzying. (b) Complicated. (c) Amusing. (d) Misleading. 112. What alcoholic beverage is Hans paid in, which he allows Liesel to drink with him? (a) Wine. (b) Champagne. (c) Vodka. (d) Beer. 113. How does Liesel describe the alcoholic drink she sips with Hans? (a) Tasteless. (b) Disgusting. (c) Sweet. (d) Bitter. 114. How many races does Rudy sign up for during the Hitler Youth carnival? (a) One. (b) Three. (c) Four. (d) Two. 115. How many races does Rudy WIN during the Hitler Youth carnival? (a) One. (b) Four. (c) Three. (d) Two. 116. Which of the following items is NOT something Frau Hermann leaves on her windowsill for Liesel to collect? (a) Liesel's shoes. (b) A dictionary. (c) A thesaurus. (d) A note. 102 117. How does Frau Hermann react when she realizes that Liesel is stealing from her? (a) She is confused. (b) She is saddened. (c) She is angered. (d) She is apathetic. 118. Who is Rudy most terrified of seeing him fail? (a) Liesel. (b) His Hitler Youth division leader. (c) Adolf Hitler. (d) His parents. 119. Which of the following characters does NOT get up in the middle of the night during the air raid sirens? (a) Rosa. (b) Hans. (c) Max. (d) Liesel. 120. Where are Liesel and her family expected to hide out during the air raid drills? (a) In the local swimming pool. (b) In their own basement. (c) In their neighbor's basement. (d) In the church basement. 121. Which of her belongings does Liesel bring into the bomb shelter with her during air raids? (a) Her dolls. (b) Her books. (c) Her shoes. (d) Her dresses. 122. How long has Max been hiding in the basement before he sees the sky? (a) Two years. (b) Six months. (c) One year. (d) Four years. 103 123. What does Frau Holtzapfel offer to trade Liesel in exchange for reading sessions? (a) Milk. (b) Coffee. (c) Bread. (d) Apples. 124. What does Hans offer to the starving Jewish soldier he sees being marched through the streets? (a) Milk. (b) An apple. (c) Eggs. (d) Bread. 125. To which concentration camp is the starving prisoner being relocated? (a) Dachau. (b) Treblinka. (c) Majdanek. (d) Auschwitz. 126. With what weapon are both Hans and the starving prisoner beaten by the guard? (a) A pistol. (b) A whip. (c) A rope. (d) A stone. Part Eight, The Word Shaker 127. What does Rudy hear when he eavesdrops on the conversation between the Nazi party and his parents? (a) That his mother is going to jail. (b) Rudy does not eavesdrop on the conversation. (c) That his father is being drafted into the military. (d) That Hitler has been assassinated. 128. How do Rudy's parents feel when the Nazi party offers Rudy a full scholarship to one of their training schools? (a) They are confused. (b) They are honored. (c) They don't want him to go. (d) They are unsure about whether or not the school is a good fit for Rudy. 104 129. Why is the Nazi party interested in giving Rudy a full scholarship to their school? (a) Because of his athletic prowess. (b) Because of his academic achievements. (c) Because of his outbursts against Hitler. (d) Because of his race. 130. Which of the following characters is NOT in the room with Rudy when he has to strip naked for the Nazi physical? (a) A school official. (b) A doctor and nurse. (c) Two other boys being examined. (d) His father. 131. How does Rudy feel after the Nazi physical? (a) Humiliated. (b) Proud. (c) Confused. (d) Anxious. 132. What punishment does Hans receive for helping the starving Jew from the parade? (a) He is beaten. (b) He is fined. (c) He is not punished. (d) He is sent to jail for six weeks. 133. How does Hans learn that he has been accepted in the Nazi party? (a) A letter arrives. (b) Nazi soldiers knock on his door. (c) He gets a phone call. (d) A sign is posted in town. 134. How does Hans react to the news that he is going to be drafted to the war? (a) He stoically accepts his fate. (b) He tries to run away from home. (c) He begins to pray. (d) He gets drunk. 135. Which of the following characters is drafted to the war at the same time as Hans? (a) Max Vandenberg. (b) Herr Steiner. (c) Rudy Steiner. (d) Hans Jr. 105 136. What confession does Rudy make to Liesel when they run away from home together? (a) That he cries himself to sleep at night. (b) That he is in love with her. (c) That he does not miss his father. (d) That he hates Hitler. 137. After Hans is drafted to the war, what sound does Liesel hear at night that wakes her from sleep? (a) The wind howling. (b) A woman weeping. (c) An accordion. (d) Bombs exploding. 138. Which of the following units is Hans assigned to in the war? (a) VED. (b) GRT. (c) BAW. (d) LSE. 139. What is Hans' major responsibility during the war? (a) Mapping enemy movement. (b) Administering medical aid. (c) Putting out fires. (d) Feeding the troops. 140. Which of the following actions does Hans cease doing once he arrives on the war front? (a) Showering. (b) Writing letters home. (c) Praying. (d) Smoking. 141. Which of the following food items does Liesel leave around town in case the Jewish prisoners get hungry? (a) Apples. (b) Milk. (c) Bread. (d) Eggs. 106 142. What title does Max give to his journal before skipping town? (a) The Dream Carrier. (b) The Standover Man. (c) The Book Thief. (d) The Word Shaker. 143. According to Max's dreams, what is Liesel meant to shake in opposition to Hitler? (a) Hands. (b) Church pillars. (c) Her hips. (d) Trees. 144. During their only Christmas together, what does Liesel give to Rudy as a gift? (a) A ring. (b) A suit. (c) A bicycle. (d) A teddy bear. Part Nine, The Last Human Stranger 145. What food item does Liesel find on Frau Hermann's desk around Christmas time? (a) Chocolate muffins. (b) Christmas cookies. (c) Fruit cake. (d) Cherry pie. 146. According to Frau Hermann, who owns the library in her house? (a) She does. (b) Hitler does. (c) Her husband does. (d) God does. 147. In what German city is Hans stationed during the war? (a) Essen. (b) Rhine. (c) Hellweg. (d) Cologne. 107 148. What card game does Hans regularly play with his troops? (a) Poker. (b) Gin. (c) Go-Fish. (d) Rummy. 149. During what month of the year does Frau Holtzapfel's son come home from the war? (a) November. (b) April. (c) August. (d) January. 150. In which Russian city did Frau Holzapfel's son die? (a) Tsaritsyn. (b) Volga. (c) Krasnov. (d) Stalingrad. 151. What does the disgruntled card player steal from Hans after their game? (a) His letters from Liesel. (b) His seat in the car. (c) His food ration card. (d) His photos of Rosa. 152. How does the disgruntled card player die? (a) By a roadside bomb. (b) From a heart attack. (c) By a sniper shot. (d) In a car accident. 153. When the disgruntled card player dies, what part of Hans' body is broken? (a) His leg. (b) His nose. (c) His arm. (d) His neck. 154. In what month of the year does Hans return home from the war? (a) December. (b) July. (c) April. (d) October. 108 155. Why does Rudy pack a toolbox? (a) To join the war effort. (b) To fix his father's car. (c) To break into houses. (d) To run away with Liesel. 156. Which of the following characters does NOT try to bully Frau Holtzapfel into the air raid shelter when she refuses to go? (a) Michael. (b) Rosa. (c) Liesel. (d) Rudy. Part Ten, The Book Thief 157. Who is the first character to see the fire in the distance upon emerging from the air raid shelter? (a) Rosa. (b) Rudy. (c) Michael. (d) Liesel. 158. What ethnicity is the pilot whose plane has crashed near the river? (a) British. (b) American. (c) Canadian. (d) German. 159. What does Rudy give to the dying pilot in the hopes of comforting him during death? (a) A teddy bear. (b) A blanket. (c) A hug. (d) A Bible. 160. What job does Hans take upon returning home from the war? (a) A teaching job. (b) A desk job. (c) He is unemployed. (d) A police job. 109 161. Who does Liesel continue to search for during the prisoner parades through town? (a) Max. (b) Her mother. (c) The prisoner Hans tried to help. (d) Hans. 162. How does Michael Holtzapfel die? (a) He commits suicide. (b) He drowns in the river. (c) He has a heart attack. (d) His mother smothers him. 163. Who does Michael write a letter to shortly before his death? (a) His brother. (b) Liesel. (c) His mother. (d) Hitler. 164. Where is Michael Holtzapfel's body found? (a) In a shop. (b) His body is never found. (c) At the local cemetery. (d) By the riverbed. 165. Who breaks the news to Frau Holtzapfel that her son has died? (a) Hans. (b) Liesel. (c) Rudy. (d) Rosa. 166. What does Liesel attempt to do with Max when she sees him being paraded through town? (a) Eat. (b) Dance. (c) Pray. (d) March. 167. In which German city is Max captured? (a) Berlin. (b) Munich. (c) Struttgard. (d) Hamburg. 110 168. Who saves Liesel from being beaten to death by the German soldier guarding Max? (a) Hans. (b) Rudy. (c) Rosa. (d) Frau Hermann. Epilogue, The Last Color 169. What is Frau Hermann's first name? (a) Irene. (b) Ilsa. (c) Ilizabeth. (d) Ingrid. 170. What gift does Frau Hermann claim Liesel has? (a) Dancing. (b) Painting. (c) Singing. (d) Writing. 171. What is the name of the book Liesel writes after seeing Max in the parade? (a) The Book Thief. (b) The Dream Collector. (c) The Last Color. (d) The Standover Man. 172. In which room of the house is Liesel hiding during the final air raid? (a) In the basement. (b) In the bathroom. (c) In the cellar. (d) In the attic. 173. Which of the following characters is NOT killed during the final air raid? (a) Frau Hermann. (b) Frau Hubermann. (c) Frau Steiner. (d) Frau Holtzapfel. 111 174. What does Liesel give to Rudy when she sees his dead body in the rubble? (a) A kiss. (b) A teddy bear. (c) A single rose. (d) A notebook. 175. Who ends up with Hans' accordion at the end of the novel? (a) Hans. (b) Hans Jr. (c) Liesel. (d) Rosa. 176. Which of the following actions is the only thing Liesel will do after the final air raid? (a) Read. (b) Sleep. (c) Eat. (d) Bathe. 177. For which character does Liesel end up working at the end of the novel? (a) Frau Holtzapfel. (b) Herr Steiner. (c) Mayor Hermann. (d) Hans Jr. 178. In which country does Liesel die? (a) Canada. (b) Mexico. (c) Australia. (d) Russia. 179. What does Death have in his pocket when he comes to claim Liesel? (a) The Book Thief. (b) The Whistler. (c) The Gravedigger's Handbook. (d) The Final Color. 180. What happens to Max at the end of the novel? (a) He takes his own life in the concentration camps. (b) He escapes the concentration camps. (c) He is killed in the concentration camps. (d) Liesel does not know what happened to him. 112 Multiple Choice Key 1. D 2. D 3. C 4. B 5. C 6. A 7. C 8. C 9. A 10. C 11. A 12. C 13. D 14. C 15. A 16. A 17. B 18. C 19. A 20. A 21. D 22. B 23. C 24. D 25. D 26. A 27. C 28. D 29. D 30. B 31. A 32. C 33. A 34. B 35. B 36. A 37. D 38. C 39. C 40. B 41. A 42. D 43. B 44. D 45. D 46. A 47. B 48. D 49. B 50. D 51. A 52. A 53. B 54. A 55. D 56. B 57. A 58. A 59. B 60. B 61. C 62. D 63. C 64. B 65. C 66. C 67. C 68. B 69. A 70. A 71. B 72. D 73. A 74. C 75. A 76. D 77. C 78. C 79. B 80. B 81. C 82. D 83. C 84. C 85. C 86. D 87. D 88. B 89. C 90. A 91. C 92. C 93. C 94. A 95. D 96. A 97. B 98. B 99. A 100. B 101. A 102. D 103. D 104. A 105. B 106. B 107. D 108. D 109. C 110. A 111. B 112. B 113. C 114. C 115. C 116. A 117. B 118. B 119. C 120. C 121. B 122. A 123. B 124. D 125. A 126. B 127. B 128. C 129. A 130. D 131. A 132. C 133. A 134. D 135. B 136. D 137. C 138. D 139. C 140. B 141. C 142. D 143. D 144. B 145. B 146. A 147. A 148. A 149. D 150. D 151. B 152. D 153. A 154. C 155. C 156. D 157. B 158. B 159. A 160. B 161. A 162. A 163. C 164. A 165. A 166. D 167. C 168. B 169. B 170. D 171. A 172. A 173. A 174. A 175. A 176. B 177. B 178. C 179. A 180. B 113 Short Answer Questions 1. Who places Liesel Meminger in foster care? 2. Who is the narrator of this novel? 3. How does the reader know Liesel's brother is sick? 4. How are Liesel and her brother traveling to the foster care system? 5. How many armed guards escort Liesel when she helps to bury her dead brother? 6. To which German city is Liesel being relocated by the foster care system? 7. Which of the following adjectives best describes Rosa Hubermann? 114 8. Which of the following instruments does Hans Hubermann play? 9. Which of the following activities does Hans Hubermann convince Liesel to do after she has been in the house for a few weeks? 10. Why does Liesel struggle in school? 11. What is the BDM? 12. What does Rosa do for a living? 13. What does Liesel clean off the door frame every day, left by Frau Hollapfel? 14. What sport does Liesel regularly play with the neighborhood kids? 115 15. Which of the following sports is Rudy most interested in? 16. What does Rudy use to darken his body in the hopes of emulating Jesse Owens? 17. Which of the following characters teaches Liesel how to read? 18. What does Hans Hubermann do for a living? 19. At which holiday does Liesel finish reading "The Gravedigger's Handbook"? 20. What is the name of the street where Liesel lives with the Hubermann family? 21. What does Hans sell in order to buy Liesel two new books? 116 22. Why is Rosa fired by various customers while Liesel is learning how to read? 23. Why does Liesel steal money from Rosa? 24. How does Rosa react when she realizes Liesel is stealing from her? 25. To which of the following institutions is the Fuehrer most closely tied? 26. What event does the city stage in celebration of the Fuehrer's birthday? 27. How does Liesel feel about the scheduled book burning? 28. Why is Hans Jr. embarrassed to be seen with his father? 117 29. Which of the following books does Hans Jr. think is the most valuable book ever written? 30. Which of the following political parties does Liesel think her mother belonged to? 31. Which body part does Liesel's school friend break while attending the book burning? 32. What part of her body is burned when Liesel steals a copy of "The Shoulder Shrug"? 33. Where does Liesel sit and wait for Hans to come and pick her up from the book burning? 34. How does Liesel describe the sensation of being burned at the book burning? 35. From where does the shadow witness Liesel stealing a book from the bonfire? 118 36. How does Rosa feel about Liesel writing letters to her mother? 37. How does Hans react when he finds out Liesel stole a book from the bonfire? 38. Who sees Liesel steal the book from the bonfire? 39. Which of the following customers is Liesel so afraid of that she skips over her house whenever possible? 40. How does Liesel react when she sees Frau Hermann's library? 41. Which of the following mysterious characters is described as living in the dark shadows of Stuttgart? 42. When the mysterious character living in the shadows is brought food and keys, which character is the mystery character urged to locate? 119 43. Which book does Liesel spend all of her time reading during her first summer with the Hubermann family? 44. Which of Frau Hermann's relatives dies, leaving her deeply depressed? 45. Which of the following adjectives does Liesel use to describe Frau Hermann during the summer she spends reading with her? 46. Which of the following activities do Rudy and Liesel spend the summer doing? 47. What does Rudy's father, Herr Steiner, do for a living? 48. What type of soup does Rosa Hubermann make once a week to feed her family? 49. What type of fruit do Rudy and Liesel steal from local farmers? 120 50. What does Liesel purchase with the coin she finds on the street outside Frau Dillard's house? 51. What book does the mysterious young man take on the train with him while traveling cross country? 52. Outside of which building do Rudy and Liesel ice the sidewalk so they can steal a basket of food? 53. How long do Liesel and Rudy work with the gang leader before he moves away? 54. How does the mysterious young man get into the Hubermann household? 55. Where was Hans Hubermann stationed when he fought in WWI? 56. Which branch of the armed forces did Hans Hubermann fight in during WWI? 121 57. What ethnicity was Erik Vandenberg? 58. What instrument did Erik Vandenberg play? 59. Why was young Hans Hubermann asked to stay behind during his fight of WWI? 60. How many soldiers survived the battle Hans Hubermann sat out during WWI? 61. Who did Hans credit with saving his life during WWI? 62. How did Erik Vandenberg's widow react when Hans brought her husband's instrument home to her? 63. What did Hans give to Erik Vandenberg's widow with the hopes of being able to help her family one day? 122 64. Where did Max Vandenberg grow up? 65. Why was Max Vandenberg bullied as a child? 66. How many fights did Max Vandenberg get in with his nemesis, Walter Kugler? 67. As a child, who saved Max from the Gestapo when they were removing Jews from the neighborhood? 68. How long is Max in hiding before being moved to Hans Hubermann's house? 69. In which room of the Hubermann household does Max hide while he is living with them? 70. Upon arriving safely to the Hubermann household, how long does Max sleep, uninterrupted? 123 71. What inanimate object does Max credit with saving his life? 72. What does Max give to Liesel for her birthday? 73. Which of the following school subjects does Liesel practice regularly with Max? 74. Which of the following acts does Max request from Liesel? 75. What book does Liesel read over and over in Frau Hermann's library? 76. How does Liesel react when Frau Hermann offers a book to her as a gift? 77. What object does Liesel regularly fish out of the trash bins to bring home to Max? 124 78. Which of the following things does Liesel describe for Max using the most colorful language she can think of? 79. Which sport does Max regularly dream he is participating in with Adolf Hitler? 80. Which nation does Max dream will eventually rise up and beat Hitler to the ground? 81. Which of the following emotions does Max feel comfortable expressing only in his journal? 82. Which of the following tools does Max use to keep records of his emotions in the journal? 83. How does Liesel react when she catches a glimpse into Max's journal? 84. What does Liesel shout to Frau Hermann when the Frau fires Rosa from her laundry service? 125 85. How does LIesel feel after her outburst against Frau Hermann? 86. Which of the following ailments afflicts Tommy Muller? 87. Which of the following characters stands up for Tommy Muller when he is being abused? 88. When Rudy is punished in Hitler Youth camp, what is he made to do? 89. How does Viktor Chemmel compare to the last gang leader Liesel worked with? 90. Why doesn't Viktor Chemmel like or respect Liesel? 91. After their raid with Viktor Chemmel, how many apples are Liesel and Rudy given as payment? 126 92. How do Rudy and Liesel break into the mayor's house? 93. What does Liesel steal from the mayor's house the first time she breaks in? 94. What does Liesel accidentally leave behind in the mayor's house while she is robbing him? 95. What excuse does Rudy give the shopkeeper when he is caught stealing apples from the market? 96. What question does the Hitler Youth leader ask Rudy on the street before beating him in front of his friends? 97. What does the Hitler Youth leader use to cut Rudy's hair in the middle of the street? 98. What does Rudy ask Liesel for after he rescues her book from the river? 127 99. What does Liesel bring into Max's room on Christmas Eve? 100. Which character fears that Max has caught an incurable cold? 101. During what month of the year does Max collapse in the basement? 102. Which of the following items is NOT something Liesel gives to Max hoping it will heal him from his sickness? 103. How many gifts does Liesel bring to Max in total during his time of sickness? 104. What is the title of the book Liesel steals from Frau Hermann's library while Max is sick? 105. What does Rosa shout at Liesel for, signaling to her that Max has awoken from his coma? 128 106. During what month of the year does Liesel resume playing soccer with her neighborhood friends? 107. Why are men trolling the neighborhood where Liesel lives during her soccer game? 108. How does Liesel manage to warn Max about the men trolling the neighborhood, who may discover him? 109. During what year do the air raids begin in Munich? 110. What color do Hans' neighbors ask him to paint their windows? 111. Which of the following adjectives does Liesel use to describe the process of mixing paint? 112. What alcoholic beverage is Hans paid in, which he allows Liesel to drink with him? 129 113. How does Liesel describe the alcoholic drink she sips with Hans? 114. How many races does Rudy sign up for during the Hitler Youth carnival? 115. How many races does Rudy WIN during the Hitler Youth carnival? 116. Which of the following items is NOT something Frau Hermann leaves on her windowsill for Liesel to collect? 117. How does Frau Hermann react when she realizes that Liesel is stealing from her? 118. Who is Rudy most terrified of seeing him fail? 119. Which of the following characters does NOT get up in the middle of the night during the air raid sirens? 130 120. Where are Liesel and her family expected to hide out during the air raid drills? 121. Which of her belongings does Liesel bring into the bomb shelter with her during air raids? 122. How long has Max been hiding in the basement before he sees the sky? 123. What does Frau Holtzapfel offer to trade Liesel in exchange for reading sessions? 124. What does Hans offer to the starving Jewish soldier he sees being marched through the streets? 125. To which concentration camp is the starving prisoner being relocated? 126. With what weapon are both Hans and the starving prisoner beaten by the guard? 131 127. What does Rudy hear when he eavesdrops on the conversation between the Nazi party and his parents? 128. How do Rudy's parents feel when the Nazi party offers Rudy a full scholarship to one of their training schools? 129. Why is the Nazi party interested in giving Rudy a full scholarship to their school? 130. Which of the following characters is NOT in the room with Rudy when he has to strip naked for the Nazi physical? 131. How does Rudy feel after the Nazi physical? 132. What punishment does Hans receive for helping the starving Jew from the parade? 133. How does Hans learn that he has been accepted in the Nazi party? 132 134. How does Hans react to the news that he is going to be drafted to the war? 135. Which of the following characters is drafted to the war at the same time as Hans? 136. What confession does Rudy make to Liesel when they run away from home together? 137. After Hans is drafted to the war, what sound does Liesel hear at night that wakes her from sleep? 138. Which of the following units is Hans assigned to in the war? 139. What is Hans' major responsibility during the war? 140. Which of the following actions does Hans cease doing once he arrives on the war front? 133 141. Which of the following food items does Liesel leave around town in case the Jewish prisoners get hungry? 142. What title does Max give to his journal before skipping town? 143. According to Max's dreams, what is Liesel meant to shake in opposition to Hitler? 144. During their only Christmas together, what does Liesel give to Rudy as a gift? 145. What food item does Liesel find on Frau Hermann's desk around Christmas time? 146. According to Frau Hermann, who owns the library in her house? 147. In what German city is Hans stationed during the war? 134 148. What card game does Hans regularly play with his troops? 149. During what month of the year does Frau Holtzapfel's son come home from the war? 150. In which Russian city did Frau Holzapfel's son die? 151. What does the disgruntled card player steal from Hans after their game? 152. How does the disgruntled card player die? 153. When the disgruntled card player dies, what part of Hans' body is broken? 154. In what month of the year does Hans return home from the war? 135 155. Why does Rudy pack a toolbox? 156. Which of the following characters does NOT try to bully Frau Holtzapfel into the air raid shelter when she refuses to go? 157. Who is the first character to see the fire in the distance upon emerging from the air raid shelter? 158. What ethnicity is the pilot whose plane has crashed near the river? 159. What does Rudy give to the dying pilot in the hopes of comforting him during death? 160. What job does Hans take upon returning home from the war? 161. Who does Liesel continue to search for during the prisoner parades through town? 136 162. How does Michael Holtzapfel die? 163. Who does Michael write a letter to shortly before his death? 164. Where is Michael Holtzapfel's body found? 165. Who breaks the news to Frau Holtzapfel that her son has died? 166. What does Liesel attempt to do with Max when she sees him being paraded through town? 167. In which German city is Max captured? 168. Who saves Liesel from being beaten to death by the German soldier guarding Max? 137 169. What is Frau Hermann's first name? 170. What gift does Frau Hermann claim Liesel has? 171. What is the name of the book Liesel writes after seeing Max in the parade? 172. In which room of the house is Liesel hiding during the final air raid? 173. Which of the following characters is NOT killed during the final air raid? 174. What does Liesel give to Rudy when she sees his dead body in the rubble? 175. Who ends up with Hans' accordion at the end of the novel? 138 176. Which of the following actions is the only thing Liesel will do after the final air raid? 177. For which character does Liesel end up working at the end of the novel? 178. In which country does Liesel die? 179. What does Death have in his pocket when he comes to claim Liesel? 180. What happens to Max at the end of the novel? 139 Short Answer Questions Key 1. Who places Liesel Meminger in foster care? Her mother. 2. Who is the narrator of this novel? Death. 3. How does the reader know Liesel's brother is sick? He is coughing. 4. How are Liesel and her brother traveling to the foster care system? By train. 5. How many armed guards escort Liesel when she helps to bury her dead brother? Two. 6. To which German city is Liesel being relocated by the foster care system? Munich. 7. Which of the following adjectives best describes Rosa Hubermann? Vulgar. 140 8. Which of the following instruments does Hans Hubermann play? Accordian. 9. Which of the following activities does Hans Hubermann convince Liesel to do after she has been in the house for a few weeks? Take a bath. 10. Why does Liesel struggle in school? Because she cannot read. 11. What is the BDM? Band of German Girls. 12. What does Rosa do for a living? She is a laundress. 13. What does Liesel clean off the door frame every day, left by Frau Hollapfel? Spit. 14. What sport does Liesel regularly play with the neighborhood kids? Soccer. 141 15. Which of the following sports is Rudy most interested in? Track and Field. 16. What does Rudy use to darken his body in the hopes of emulating Jesse Owens? Coal. 17. Which of the following characters teaches Liesel how to read? Hans. 18. What does Hans Hubermann do for a living? He is a painter. 19. At which holiday does Liesel finish reading "The Gravedigger's Handbook"? Christmas. 20. What is the name of the street where Liesel lives with the Hubermann family? Himmel Street. 21. What does Hans sell in order to buy Liesel two new books? Hand-rolled cigarettes. 142 22. Why is Rosa fired by various customers while Liesel is learning how to read? Because of the declining economy. 23. Why does Liesel steal money from Rosa? To pay for postage stamps. 24. How does Rosa react when she realizes Liesel is stealing from her? Rosa beats her. 25. To which of the following institutions is the Fuehrer most closely tied? Politics. 26. What event does the city stage in celebration of the Fuehrer's birthday? A bonfire. 27. How does Liesel feel about the scheduled book burning? She is excited. 28. Why is Hans Jr. embarrassed to be seen with his father? Because his father has not yet joined the Nazi party. 143 29. Which of the following books does Hans Jr. think is the most valuable book ever written? Mein Kampf. 30. Which of the following political parties does Liesel think her mother belonged to? Communists. 31. Which body part does Liesel's school friend break while attending the book burning? His ankle. 32. What part of her body is burned when Liesel steals a copy of "The Shoulder Shrug"? Her ribs. 33. Where does Liesel sit and wait for Hans to come and pick her up from the book burning? At the church. 34. How does Liesel describe the sensation of being burned at the book burning? As enlivening. 35. From where does the shadow witness Liesel stealing a book from the bonfire? From an allyway. 144 36. How does Rosa feel about Liesel writing letters to her mother? Rosa feels it is a waste of time. 37. How does Hans react when he finds out Liesel stole a book from the bonfire? He understands why she stole it and does not punish her. 38. Who sees Liesel steal the book from the bonfire? The mayor's wife. 39. Which of the following customers is Liesel so afraid of that she skips over her house whenever possible? Frau Hermann. 40. How does Liesel react when she sees Frau Hermann's library? She is overwhelmed. 41. Which of the following mysterious characters is described as living in the dark shadows of Stuttgart? A young man. 42. When the mysterious character living in the shadows is brought food and keys, which character is the mystery character urged to locate? Hans Hubermann. 145 43. Which book does Liesel spend all of her time reading during her first summer with the Hubermann family? The Shoulder Shrug. 44. Which of Frau Hermann's relatives dies, leaving her deeply depressed? Her son. 45. Which of the following adjectives does Liesel use to describe Frau Hermann during the summer she spends reading with her? Kind. 46. Which of the following activities do Rudy and Liesel spend the summer doing? Stealing. 47. What does Rudy's father, Herr Steiner, do for a living? He is a tailor. 48. What type of soup does Rosa Hubermann make once a week to feed her family? Pea soup. 49. What type of fruit do Rudy and Liesel steal from local farmers? Apples. 146 50. What does Liesel purchase with the coin she finds on the street outside Frau Dillard's house? Candy. 51. What book does the mysterious young man take on the train with him while traveling cross country? Mein Kampf. 52. Outside of which building do Rudy and Liesel ice the sidewalk so they can steal a basket of food? The church. 53. How long do Liesel and Rudy work with the gang leader before he moves away? Three weeks. 54. How does the mysterious young man get into the Hubermann household? He has a key. 55. Where was Hans Hubermann stationed when he fought in WWI? France. 56. Which branch of the armed forces did Hans Hubermann fight in during WWI? The army. 147 57. What ethnicity was Erik Vandenberg? He was Jewish. 58. What instrument did Erik Vandenberg play? The accordian. 59. Why was young Hans Hubermann asked to stay behind during his fight of WWI? Because he had good handwriting. 60. How many soldiers survived the battle Hans Hubermann sat out during WWI? None. 61. Who did Hans credit with saving his life during WWI? Erik Vandenberg. 62. How did Erik Vandenberg's widow react when Hans brought her husband's instrument home to her? She didn't want it. 63. What did Hans give to Erik Vandenberg's widow with the hopes of being able to help her family one day? His address. 148 64. Where did Max Vandenberg grow up? Struttgard. 65. Why was Max Vandenberg bullied as a child? Because he was Jewish. 66. How many fights did Max Vandenberg get in with his nemesis, Walter Kugler? Thirteen. 67. As a child, who saved Max from the Gestapo when they were removing Jews from the neighborhood? Walter Kugler. 68. How long is Max in hiding before being moved to Hans Hubermann's house? Six months. 69. In which room of the Hubermann household does Max hide while he is living with them? In the basement. 70. Upon arriving safely to the Hubermann household, how long does Max sleep, uninterrupted? Three days. 149 71. What inanimate object does Max credit with saving his life? A book. 72. What does Max give to Liesel for her birthday? A book. 73. Which of the following school subjects does Liesel practice regularly with Max? Reading. 74. Which of the following acts does Max request from Liesel? A haircut. 75. What book does Liesel read over and over in Frau Hermann's library? The Whistler. 76. How does Liesel react when Frau Hermann offers a book to her as a gift? She refuses it. 77. What object does Liesel regularly fish out of the trash bins to bring home to Max? Newspapers. 150 78. Which of the following things does Liesel describe for Max using the most colorful language she can think of? The weather. 79. Which sport does Max regularly dream he is participating in with Adolf Hitler? Boxing. 80. Which nation does Max dream will eventually rise up and beat Hitler to the ground? Germany. 81. Which of the following emotions does Max feel comfortable expressing only in his journal? Anger. 82. Which of the following tools does Max use to keep records of his emotions in the journal? Paint. 83. How does Liesel react when she catches a glimpse into Max's journal? She is shocked. 84. What does Liesel shout to Frau Hermann when the Frau fires Rosa from her laundry service? That the Frau is pathetic. 151 85. How does LIesel feel after her outburst against Frau Hermann? Guilty. 86. Which of the following ailments afflicts Tommy Muller? He is deaf. 87. Which of the following characters stands up for Tommy Muller when he is being abused? Rudy. 88. When Rudy is punished in Hitler Youth camp, what is he made to do? Push-ups. 89. How does Viktor Chemmel compare to the last gang leader Liesel worked with? Viktor is much crueler. 90. Why doesn't Viktor Chemmel like or respect Liesel? Because of her gender. 91. After their raid with Viktor Chemmel, how many apples are Liesel and Rudy given as payment? One apple each. 152 92. How do Rudy and Liesel break into the mayor's house? Through the window. 93. What does Liesel steal from the mayor's house the first time she breaks in? A book. 94. What does Liesel accidentally leave behind in the mayor's house while she is robbing him? Her shoes. 95. What excuse does Rudy give the shopkeeper when he is caught stealing apples from the market? That his family is starving. 96. What question does the Hitler Youth leader ask Rudy on the street before beating him in front of his friends? Where was Hitler born? 97. What does the Hitler Youth leader use to cut Rudy's hair in the middle of the street? A pocket knife. 98. What does Rudy ask Liesel for after he rescues her book from the river? A kiss. 153 99. What does Liesel bring into Max's room on Christmas Eve? Snow. 100. Which character fears that Max has caught an incurable cold? Rosa. 101. During what month of the year does Max collapse in the basement? January. 102. Which of the following items is NOT something Liesel gives to Max hoping it will heal him from his sickness? A bouquet of flowers. 103. How many gifts does Liesel bring to Max in total during his time of sickness? Thirteen. 104. What is the title of the book Liesel steals from Frau Hermann's library while Max is sick? The Dream Catcher. 105. What does Rosa shout at Liesel for, signaling to her that Max has awoken from his coma? For using her hairbrush. 154 106. During what month of the year does Liesel resume playing soccer with her neighborhood friends? June. 107. Why are men trolling the neighborhood where Liesel lives during her soccer game? They are inspecting basements that may be converted into bomb shelters. 108. How does Liesel manage to warn Max about the men trolling the neighborhood, who may discover him? She fakes an injury and runs home. 109. During what year do the air raids begin in Munich? 1942. 110. What color do Hans' neighbors ask him to paint their windows? Black. 111. Which of the following adjectives does Liesel use to describe the process of mixing paint? Complicated. 112. What alcoholic beverage is Hans paid in, which he allows Liesel to drink with him? Champagne. 155 113. How does Liesel describe the alcoholic drink she sips with Hans? Sweet. 114. How many races does Rudy sign up for during the Hitler Youth carnival? Four. 115. How many races does Rudy WIN during the Hitler Youth carnival? Three. 116. Which of the following items is NOT something Frau Hermann leaves on her windowsill for Liesel to collect? Liesel's shoes. 117. How does Frau Hermann react when she realizes that Liesel is stealing from her? She is saddened. 118. Who is Rudy most terrified of seeing him fail? His Hitler Youth division leader. 119. Which of the following characters does NOT get up in the middle of the night during the air raid sirens? Max. 156 120. Where are Liesel and her family expected to hide out during the air raid drills? In their neighbor's basement. 121. Which of her belongings does Liesel bring into the bomb shelter with her during air raids? Her books. 122. How long has Max been hiding in the basement before he sees the sky? Two years. 123. What does Frau Holtzapfel offer to trade Liesel in exchange for reading sessions? Coffee. 124. What does Hans offer to the starving Jewish soldier he sees being marched through the streets? Bread. 125. To which concentration camp is the starving prisoner being relocated? Dachau. 126. With what weapon are both Hans and the starving prisoner beaten by the guard? A whip. 157 127. What does Rudy hear when he eavesdrops on the conversation between the Nazi party and his parents? Rudy does not eavesdrop on the conversation. 128. How do Rudy's parents feel when the Nazi party offers Rudy a full scholarship to one of their training schools? They don't want him to go. 129. Why is the Nazi party interested in giving Rudy a full scholarship to their school? Because of his athletic prowess. 130. Which of the following characters is NOT in the room with Rudy when he has to strip naked for the Nazi physical? His father. 131. How does Rudy feel after the Nazi physical? Humiliated. 132. What punishment does Hans receive for helping the starving Jew from the parade? He is not punished. 133. How does Hans learn that he has been accepted in the Nazi party? A letter arrives. 158 134. How does Hans react to the news that he is going to be drafted to the war? He gets drunk. 135. Which of the following characters is drafted to the war at the same time as Hans? Herr Steiner. 136. What confession does Rudy make to Liesel when they run away from home together? That he hates Hitler. 137. After Hans is drafted to the war, what sound does Liesel hear at night that wakes her from sleep? An accordion. 138. Which of the following units is Hans assigned to in the war? LSE. 139. What is Hans' major responsibility during the war? Putting out fires. 140. Which of the following actions does Hans cease doing once he arrives on the war front? Writing letters home. 159 141. Which of the following food items does Liesel leave around town in case the Jewish prisoners get hungry? Bread. 142. What title does Max give to his journal before skipping town? The Word Shaker. 143. According to Max's dreams, what is Liesel meant to shake in opposition to Hitler? Trees. 144. During their only Christmas together, what does Liesel give to Rudy as a gift? A suit. 145. What food item does Liesel find on Frau Hermann's desk around Christmas time? Christmas cookies. 146. According to Frau Hermann, who owns the library in her house? She does. 147. In what German city is Hans stationed during the war? Essen. 160 148. What card game does Hans regularly play with his troops? Poker. 149. During what month of the year does Frau Holtzapfel's son come home from the war? January. 150. In which Russian city did Frau Holzapfel's son die? Stalingrad. 151. What does the disgruntled card player steal from Hans after their game? His seat in the car. 152. How does the disgruntled card player die? In a car accident. 153. When the disgruntled card player dies, what part of Hans' body is broken? His leg. 154. In what month of the year does Hans return home from the war? April. 161 155. Why does Rudy pack a toolbox? To break into houses. 156. Which of the following characters does NOT try to bully Frau Holtzapfel into the air raid shelter when she refuses to go? Rudy. 157. Who is the first character to see the fire in the distance upon emerging from the air raid shelter? Rudy. 158. What ethnicity is the pilot whose plane has crashed near the river? American. 159. What does Rudy give to the dying pilot in the hopes of comforting him during death? A teddy bear. 160. What job does Hans take upon returning home from the war? A desk job. 161. Who does Liesel continue to search for during the prisoner parades through town? Max. 162 162. How does Michael Holtzapfel die? He commits suicide. 163. Who does Michael write a letter to shortly before his death? His mother. 164. Where is Michael Holtzapfel's body found? In a shop. 165. Who breaks the news to Frau Holtzapfel that her son has died? Hans. 166. What does Liesel attempt to do with Max when she sees him being paraded through town? March. 167. In which German city is Max captured? Struttgard. 168. Who saves Liesel from being beaten to death by the German soldier guarding Max? Rudy. 163 169. What is Frau Hermann's first name? Ilsa. 170. What gift does Frau Hermann claim Liesel has? Writing. 171. What is the name of the book Liesel writes after seeing Max in the parade? The Book Thief. 172. In which room of the house is Liesel hiding during the final air raid? In the basement. 173. Which of the following characters is NOT killed during the final air raid? Frau Hermann. 174. What does Liesel give to Rudy when she sees his dead body in the rubble? A kiss. 175. Who ends up with Hans' accordion at the end of the novel? Hans. 164 176. Which of the following actions is the only thing Liesel will do after the final air raid? Sleep. 177. For which character does Liesel end up working at the end of the novel? Herr Steiner. 178. In which country does Liesel die? Australia. 179. What does Death have in his pocket when he comes to claim Liesel? The Book Thief. 180. What happens to Max at the end of the novel? He escapes the concentration camps. 165 Oral Reading Evaluation Sheet Name: _________________________ 5 = Above Average 3 = Average Period: _______________________ 1 = Below Average Audibility - Projecting your voice so your audience can hear and understand you. 5 4 3 2 1 Pronunciation - Ability to recognize words before you say them and pronounce all the sounds correctly. 5 4 3 2 1 Articulation - Using your tongue, mouth and lips to pronounce all the sounds correctly. 5 4 3 2 1 Vocal Variety/Expression - Using appropriate pitch, volume and flow. 5 4 3 2 1 Rate - Reading a speed, or pace that is easy to follow. 5 4 3 2 1 Comments: 166 Reading Assignment Sheet Name: _________________________ Period: _______________________ Reading Assignment Date Assigned Date Due Date Completed To Page: _____ __________ __________ __________ To Page: _____ __________ __________ __________ To Page: _____ __________ __________ __________ To Page: _____ __________ __________ __________ To Page: _____ __________ __________ __________ To Page: _____ __________ __________ __________ To Page: _____ __________ __________ __________ To Page: _____ __________ __________ __________ To Page: _____ __________ __________ __________ 167 Writing Evaluation Form Name: _________________________ 5 = Above Average 3 = Average Period: _______________________ 1 = Below Average Clear thesis or position Strong conclusion 5 5 4 3 2 1 4 Relevant supporting arguments Grammar 5 5 4 3 2 1 4 Transitions between paragraphs Spelling 5 5 4 3 2 1 4 3 2 1 3 2 1 3 2 1 2 1 Clarity of expression Punctuation 5 5 4 3 2 1 Comments: 168 4 3 One Week Quiz A Name: _________________________ Period: ___________________ This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Part Nine, The Last Human Stranger. Multiple Choice Questions 1. In what month of the year does Hans return home from the war? (a) December. (b) April. (c) October. (d) July. 2. What does Liesel purchase with the coin she finds on the street outside Frau Dillard's house? (a) Potatoes. (b) Toothpaste. (c) A new dress. (d) Candy. 3. Outside of which building do Rudy and Liesel ice the sidewalk so they can steal a basket of food? (a) The school. (b) The market. (c) The church. (d) The apple farm. 4. What does Rudy's father, Herr Steiner, do for a living? (a) He is a tailor. (b) He is a doctor. (c) He is a taxi driver. (d) He is an actor. 5. What does Liesel accidentally leave behind in the mayor's house while she is robbing him? (a) Her gloves. (b) Her shoes. (c) Her jacket. (d) Her hat. 169 Short Answer Questions 1. What does Rudy ask Liesel for after he rescues her book from the river? 2. How does Liesel manage to warn Max about the men trolling the neighborhood, who may discover him? 3. What does the disgruntled card player steal from Hans after their game? 4. Which of the following adjectives does Liesel use to describe Frau Hermann during the summer she spends reading with her? 5. Which of the following items is NOT something Liesel gives to Max hoping it will heal him from his sickness? 170 Multiple Choice Questions Key 1. B 2. D 3. C 4. A 5. B Short Answer Questions Key 1. What does Rudy ask Liesel for after he rescues her book from the river? A kiss. 2. How does Liesel manage to warn Max about the men trolling the neighborhood, who may discover him? She fakes an injury and runs home. 3. What does the disgruntled card player steal from Hans after their game? His seat in the car. 4. Which of the following adjectives does Liesel use to describe Frau Hermann during the summer she spends reading with her? Kind. 5. Which of the following items is NOT something Liesel gives to Max hoping it will heal him from his sickness? A bouquet of flowers. 171 Two Week Quiz A Name: _________________________ Period: ___________________ This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Part Seven, The Complete Duden Dictionary and Thesaurus. Multiple Choice Questions 1. Which of the following customers is Liesel so afraid of that she skips over her house whenever possible? (a) Frau Hubermann. (b) Frau Hollapfel. (c) Frau Hansel. (d) Frau Hermann. 2. What alcoholic beverage is Hans paid in, which he allows Liesel to drink with him? (a) Vodka. (b) Beer. (c) Wine. (d) Champagne. 3. Which of the following political parties does Liesel think her mother belonged to? (a) Communists. (b) Socialists. (c) Republicans. (d) Demoncrats. 4. At which holiday does Liesel finish reading "The Gravedigger's Handbook"? (a) Thanksgiving. (b) Independence Day. (c) Christmas. (d) Easter. 5. To which of the following institutions is the Fuehrer most closely tied? (a) Education. (b) Politics. (c) Religion. (d) Entertainment. 172 Short Answer Questions 1. Which of the following adjectives does Liesel use to describe Frau Hermann during the summer she spends reading with her? 2. Which of her belongings does Liesel bring into the bomb shelter with her during air raids? 3. What did Hans give to Erik Vandenberg's widow with the hopes of being able to help her family one day? 4. What color do Hans' neighbors ask him to paint their windows? 5. What is the name of the street where Liesel lives with the Hubermann family? 173 Multiple Choice Questions Key 1. D 2. D 3. A 4. C 5. B Short Answer Questions Key 1. Which of the following adjectives does Liesel use to describe Frau Hermann during the summer she spends reading with her? Kind. 2. Which of her belongings does Liesel bring into the bomb shelter with her during air raids? Her books. 3. What did Hans give to Erik Vandenberg's widow with the hopes of being able to help her family one day? His address. 4. What color do Hans' neighbors ask him to paint their windows? Black. 5. What is the name of the street where Liesel lives with the Hubermann family? Himmel Street. 174 Four Week Quiz A Name: _________________________ Period: ___________________ This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Part Four, The Standover Man. Multiple Choice Questions 1. Which of the following adjectives best describes Rosa Hubermann? (a) Warm. (b) Cruel. (c) Shy. (d) Vulgar. 2. Which body part does Liesel's school friend break while attending the book burning? (a) His neck. (b) His nose. (c) His arm. (d) His ankle. 3. To which German city is Liesel being relocated by the foster care system? (a) Munich. (b) Hamburg. (c) Berlin. (d) Stuttgard. 4. What book does the mysterious young man take on the train with him while traveling cross country? (a) Moby Dick. (b) Mein Kampf. (c) The Bible. (d) The Quran. 5. What is the name of the street where Liesel lives with the Hubermann family? (a) Mimmel Street. (b) Gimmel Street. (c) Fimmel Street. (d) Himmel Street. 175 Short Answer Questions 1. As a child, who saved Max from the Gestapo when they were removing Jews from the neighborhood? 2. What part of her body is burned when Liesel steals a copy of "The Shoulder Shrug"? 3. How does Rosa react when she realizes Liesel is stealing from her? 4. Which of the following characters teaches Liesel how to read? 5. What does Rudy's father, Herr Steiner, do for a living? 176 Multiple Choice Questions Key 1. D 2. D 3. A 4. B 5. D Short Answer Questions Key 1. As a child, who saved Max from the Gestapo when they were removing Jews from the neighborhood? Walter Kugler. 2. What part of her body is burned when Liesel steals a copy of "The Shoulder Shrug"? Her ribs. 3. How does Rosa react when she realizes Liesel is stealing from her? Rosa beats her. 4. Which of the following characters teaches Liesel how to read? Hans. 5. What does Rudy's father, Herr Steiner, do for a living? He is a tailor. 177 Four Week Quiz B Name: _________________________ Period: ___________________ This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Part Ten, The Book Thief. Multiple Choice Questions 1. Which of the following characters is NOT in the room with Rudy when he has to strip naked for the Nazi physical? (a) A doctor and nurse. (b) His father. (c) Two other boys being examined. (d) A school official. 2. According to Max's dreams, what is Liesel meant to shake in opposition to Hitler? (a) Trees. (b) Hands. (c) Church pillars. (d) Her hips. 3. What type of soup does Rosa Hubermann make once a week to feed her family? (a) Tomato soup. (b) Minestrone soup. (c) Pea soup. (d) Chicken noodle soup. 4. What does Hans offer to the starving Jewish soldier he sees being marched through the streets? (a) Milk. (b) Bread. (c) Eggs. (d) An apple. 5. Which of the following political parties does Liesel think her mother belonged to? (a) Communists. (b) Demoncrats. (c) Republicans. (d) Socialists. 178 Short Answer Questions 1. How does Frau Hermann react when she realizes that Liesel is stealing from her? 2. After their raid with Viktor Chemmel, how many apples are Liesel and Rudy given as payment? 3. What does Rudy give to the dying pilot in the hopes of comforting him during death? 4. What does Frau Holtzapfel offer to trade Liesel in exchange for reading sessions? 5. In which Russian city did Frau Holzapfel's son die? 179 Multiple Choice Questions Key 1. B 2. A 3. C 4. B 5. A Short Answer Questions Key 1. How does Frau Hermann react when she realizes that Liesel is stealing from her? She is saddened. 2. After their raid with Viktor Chemmel, how many apples are Liesel and Rudy given as payment? One apple each. 3. What does Rudy give to the dying pilot in the hopes of comforting him during death? A teddy bear. 4. What does Frau Holtzapfel offer to trade Liesel in exchange for reading sessions? Coffee. 5. In which Russian city did Frau Holzapfel's son die? Stalingrad. 180 Eight Week Quiz A Name: _________________________ Period: ___________________ This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Part Two, The Shoulder Shrug. Multiple Choice Questions 1. What does Liesel clean off the door frame every day, left by Frau Hollapfel? (a) Newspaper clippings. (b) Spit. (c) Eggs. (d) Chicken feathers. 2. Which of the following sports is Rudy most interested in? (a) Rugby. (b) Gymnastics. (c) Swimming. (d) Track and Field. 3. What does Hans sell in order to buy Liesel two new books? (a) His paintings. (b) Homemade candles. (c) Hand-rolled cigarettes. (d) Locks of his hair. 4. How does Liesel describe the sensation of being burned at the book burning? (a) As painful. (b) As enlivening. (c) As feeling nothing at all. (d) As deadening. 5. What does Rudy use to darken his body in the hopes of emulating Jesse Owens? (a) Magic Marker. (b) Paint. (c) Coal. (d) Dirt. 181 Short Answer Questions 1. What sport does Liesel regularly play with the neighborhood kids? 2. Which of the following instruments does Hans Hubermann play? 3. At which holiday does Liesel finish reading "The Gravedigger's Handbook"? 4. Who places Liesel Meminger in foster care? 5. How does Rosa react when she realizes Liesel is stealing from her? 182 Multiple Choice Questions Key 1. B 2. D 3. C 4. B 5. C Short Answer Questions Key 1. What sport does Liesel regularly play with the neighborhood kids? Soccer. 2. Which of the following instruments does Hans Hubermann play? Accordian. 3. At which holiday does Liesel finish reading "The Gravedigger's Handbook"? Christmas. 4. Who places Liesel Meminger in foster care? Her mother. 5. How does Rosa react when she realizes Liesel is stealing from her? Rosa beats her. 183 Eight Week Quiz B Name: _________________________ Period: ___________________ This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Part Three, Mein Kampf. Multiple Choice Questions 1. To which German city is Liesel being relocated by the foster care system? (a) Hamburg. (b) Berlin. (c) Munich. (d) Stuttgard. 2. What does Rudy use to darken his body in the hopes of emulating Jesse Owens? (a) Paint. (b) Magic Marker. (c) Dirt. (d) Coal. 3. Who sees Liesel steal the book from the bonfire? (a) The mayor's wife. (b) Adolf Hitler. (c) Rudy. (d) Hans. Jr. 4. How long do Liesel and Rudy work with the gang leader before he moves away? (a) Three days. (b) Three months. (c) Three weeks. (d) Three years. 5. What event does the city stage in celebration of the Fuehrer's birthday? (a) A carnival. (b) A bonfire. (c) They ignore the birthday completely. (d) A feast. 184 Short Answer Questions 1. How does the reader know Liesel's brother is sick? 2. Which of the following activities does Hans Hubermann convince Liesel to do after she has been in the house for a few weeks? 3. Which of the following sports is Rudy most interested in? 4. How does Hans react when he finds out Liesel stole a book from the bonfire? 5. What does Hans Hubermann do for a living? 185 Multiple Choice Questions Key 1. C 2. D 3. A 4. C 5. B Short Answer Questions Key 1. How does the reader know Liesel's brother is sick? He is coughing. 2. Which of the following activities does Hans Hubermann convince Liesel to do after she has been in the house for a few weeks? Take a bath. 3. Which of the following sports is Rudy most interested in? Track and Field. 4. How does Hans react when he finds out Liesel stole a book from the bonfire? He understands why she stole it and does not punish her. 5. What does Hans Hubermann do for a living? He is a painter. 186 Eight Week Quiz C Name: _________________________ Period: ___________________ This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Part Four, The Standover Man. Multiple Choice Questions 1. What is the name of the street where Liesel lives with the Hubermann family? (a) Fimmel Street. (b) Himmel Street. (c) Gimmel Street. (d) Mimmel Street. 2. What does Liesel purchase with the coin she finds on the street outside Frau Dillard's house? (a) Potatoes. (b) A new dress. (c) Candy. (d) Toothpaste. 3. Why does Liesel struggle in school? (a) Because she cannot read. (b) Because she cannot do math. (c) Because she cannot spell. (d) Because she has no friends. 4. Who is the narrator of this novel? (a) Fate. (b) Love. (c) Death. (d) Hope. 5. What ethnicity was Erik Vandenberg? (a) He was German. (b) He was Canadian. (c) He was Swedish. (d) He was Jewish. 187 Short Answer Questions 1. How does the reader know Liesel's brother is sick? 2. How does Liesel feel about the scheduled book burning? 3. How does the mysterious young man get into the Hubermann household? 4. What event does the city stage in celebration of the Fuehrer's birthday? 5. What sport does Liesel regularly play with the neighborhood kids? 188 Multiple Choice Questions Key 1. B 2. C 3. A 4. C 5. D Short Answer Questions Key 1. How does the reader know Liesel's brother is sick? He is coughing. 2. How does Liesel feel about the scheduled book burning? She is excited. 3. How does the mysterious young man get into the Hubermann household? He has a key. 4. What event does the city stage in celebration of the Fuehrer's birthday? A bonfire. 5. What sport does Liesel regularly play with the neighborhood kids? Soccer. 189 Eight Week Quiz D Name: _________________________ Period: ___________________ This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Part Five, The Whistler. Multiple Choice Questions 1. What book does Liesel read over and over in Frau Hermann's library? (a) The Dancer. (b) The Whistler. (c) The Sleeper. (d) The Banker. 2. How does LIesel feel after her outburst against Frau Hermann? (a) Confused. (b) Pleased. (c) Guilty. (d) Apathetic. 3. Which of the following mysterious characters is described as living in the dark shadows of Stuttgart? (a) A young woman. (b) An old man. (c) An old woman. (d) A young man. 4. What is the name of the street where Liesel lives with the Hubermann family? (a) Himmel Street. (b) Gimmel Street. (c) Mimmel Street. (d) Fimmel Street. 5. Where does Liesel sit and wait for Hans to come and pick her up from the book burning? (a) At the hospital. (b) At the library. (c) At the school. (d) At the church. 190 Short Answer Questions 1. What part of her body is burned when Liesel steals a copy of "The Shoulder Shrug"? 2. What does Rudy use to darken his body in the hopes of emulating Jesse Owens? 3. How did Erik Vandenberg's widow react when Hans brought her husband's instrument home to her? 4. How does Rosa react when she realizes Liesel is stealing from her? 5. How does the mysterious young man get into the Hubermann household? 191 Multiple Choice Questions Key 1. B 2. C 3. D 4. A 5. D Short Answer Questions Key 1. What part of her body is burned when Liesel steals a copy of "The Shoulder Shrug"? Her ribs. 2. What does Rudy use to darken his body in the hopes of emulating Jesse Owens? Coal. 3. How did Erik Vandenberg's widow react when Hans brought her husband's instrument home to her? She didn't want it. 4. How does Rosa react when she realizes Liesel is stealing from her? Rosa beats her. 5. How does the mysterious young man get into the Hubermann household? He has a key. 192 Eight Week Quiz E Name: _________________________ Period: ___________________ This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Part Eight, The Word Shaker. Multiple Choice Questions 1. At which holiday does Liesel finish reading "The Gravedigger's Handbook"? (a) Easter. (b) Thanksgiving. (c) Independence Day. (d) Christmas. 2. Which character fears that Max has caught an incurable cold? (a) Hans. (b) Rosa. (c) Rudy. (d) Liesel. 3. What is the BDM? (a) Band of German Girls. (b) Girl Scouts. (c) Hitler's Youth Organization. (d) Cooking Club. 4. Which of the following emotions does Max feel comfortable expressing only in his journal? (a) Envy. (b) Loneliness. (c) Anger. (d) Fear. 5. Which of the following characters stands up for Tommy Muller when he is being abused? (a) Liesel. (b) Hans. (c) Max. (d) Rudy. 193 Short Answer Questions 1. What ethnicity was Erik Vandenberg? 2. According to Max's dreams, what is Liesel meant to shake in opposition to Hitler? 3. Where did Max Vandenberg grow up? 4. Where does Liesel sit and wait for Hans to come and pick her up from the book burning? 5. When the mysterious character living in the shadows is brought food and keys, which character is the mystery character urged to locate? 194 Multiple Choice Questions Key 1. D 2. B 3. A 4. C 5. D Short Answer Questions Key 1. What ethnicity was Erik Vandenberg? He was Jewish. 2. According to Max's dreams, what is Liesel meant to shake in opposition to Hitler? Trees. 3. Where did Max Vandenberg grow up? Struttgard. 4. Where does Liesel sit and wait for Hans to come and pick her up from the book burning? At the church. 5. When the mysterious character living in the shadows is brought food and keys, which character is the mystery character urged to locate? Hans Hubermann. 195 Eight Week Quiz F Name: _________________________ Period: ___________________ This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Part Nine, The Last Human Stranger. Multiple Choice Questions 1. What is the title of the book Liesel steals from Frau Hermann's library while Max is sick? (a) The Gravedigger's Handbook. (b) The Whistler. (c) The Shoulder Shrug. (d) The Dream Catcher. 2. Why is Hans Jr. embarrassed to be seen with his father? (a) Because his father is an atheist when it is fashionable to be Catholic. (b) Because his father is uneducated and illiterate. (c) Because his father aligns himself with Hitler. (d) Because his father has not yet joined the Nazi party. 3. Who did Hans credit with saving his life during WWI? (a) Max Vandenberg. (b) Rosa. (c) Erik Vandenberg. (d) Adolf Hitler. 4. Which of her belongings does Liesel bring into the bomb shelter with her during air raids? (a) Her dolls. (b) Her shoes. (c) Her dresses. (d) Her books. 5. How does Hans react to the news that he is going to be drafted to the war? (a) He stoically accepts his fate. (b) He gets drunk. (c) He tries to run away from home. (d) He begins to pray. 196 Short Answer Questions 1. According to Frau Hermann, who owns the library in her house? 2. What does Hans sell in order to buy Liesel two new books? 3. Which nation does Max dream will eventually rise up and beat Hitler to the ground? 4. Why doesn't Viktor Chemmel like or respect Liesel? 5. Which branch of the armed forces did Hans Hubermann fight in during WWI? 197 Multiple Choice Questions Key 1. D 2. D 3. C 4. D 5. B Short Answer Questions Key 1. According to Frau Hermann, who owns the library in her house? She does. 2. What does Hans sell in order to buy Liesel two new books? Hand-rolled cigarettes. 3. Which nation does Max dream will eventually rise up and beat Hitler to the ground? Germany. 4. Why doesn't Viktor Chemmel like or respect Liesel? Because of her gender. 5. Which branch of the armed forces did Hans Hubermann fight in during WWI? The army. 198 Eight Week Quiz G Name: _________________________ Period: ___________________ This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Epilogue, The Last Color. Multiple Choice Questions 1. Which of the following items is NOT something Frau Hermann leaves on her windowsill for Liesel to collect? (a) A thesaurus. (b) Liesel's shoes. (c) A dictionary. (d) A note. 2. How does Liesel react when Frau Hermann offers a book to her as a gift? (a) She ignores the offer completely. (b) She refuses it. (c) She is confused by the offer. (d) She graciously accepts it. 3. In what German city is Hans stationed during the war? (a) Essen. (b) Hellweg. (c) Cologne. (d) Rhine. 4. Which of the following items is NOT something Liesel gives to Max hoping it will heal him from his sickness? (a) A bouquet of flowers. (b) A soccer ball. (c) A feather. (d) A description of a cloud. 5. What is Frau Hermann's first name? (a) Irene. (b) Ilizabeth. (c) Ingrid. (d) Ilsa. 199 Short Answer Questions 1. Who sees Liesel steal the book from the bonfire? 2. Outside of which building do Rudy and Liesel ice the sidewalk so they can steal a basket of food? 3. What excuse does Rudy give the shopkeeper when he is caught stealing apples from the market? 4. How does Rosa react when she realizes Liesel is stealing from her? 5. Who ends up with Hans' accordion at the end of the novel? 200 Multiple Choice Questions Key 1. B 2. B 3. A 4. A 5. D Short Answer Questions Key 1. Who sees Liesel steal the book from the bonfire? The mayor's wife. 2. Outside of which building do Rudy and Liesel ice the sidewalk so they can steal a basket of food? The church. 3. What excuse does Rudy give the shopkeeper when he is caught stealing apples from the market? That his family is starving. 4. How does Rosa react when she realizes Liesel is stealing from her? Rosa beats her. 5. Who ends up with Hans' accordion at the end of the novel? Hans. 201 Mid-Book Test - Easy Name: _________________________ Period: ___________________ This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions. Multiple Choice Questions 1. Which of the following customers is Liesel so afraid of that she skips over her house whenever possible? (a) Frau Hollapfel. (b) Frau Hubermann. (c) Frau Hermann. (d) Frau Hansel. 2. How does the mysterious young man get into the Hubermann household? (a) He kicks in the door. (b) He breaks a window. (c) He digs a tunnel. (d) He has a key. 3. How does Liesel react when she sees Frau Hermann's library? (a) She is saddened. (b) She is outraged. (c) She is overwhelmed. (d) She is disgusted. 4. Which of the following adjectives does Liesel use to describe Frau Hermann during the summer she spends reading with her? (a) Angry. (b) Crazy. (c) Kind. (d) Selfish. 5. Which of the following things does Liesel describe for Max using the most colorful language she can think of? (a) The night sky. (b) The rain forests. (c) The ocean. (d) The weather. 202 6. What does Rudy use to darken his body in the hopes of emulating Jesse Owens? (a) Coal. (b) Magic Marker. (c) Dirt. (d) Paint. 7. Who is the narrator of this novel? (a) Fate. (b) Hope. (c) Death. (d) Love. 8. What event does the city stage in celebration of the Fuehrer's birthday? (a) They ignore the birthday completely. (b) A feast. (c) A carnival. (d) A bonfire. 9. Why was Max Vandenberg bullied as a child? (a) Because he was small. (b) Because he had a speech impediment. (c) Because he was Jewish. (d) Because he was poor. 10. Which of the following instruments does Hans Hubermann play? (a) Harp. (b) Bagpipes. (c) Accordian. (d) Banjo. 11. What instrument did Erik Vandenberg play? (a) The accordian. (b) The harmonica. (c) The bagpipes. (d) The banjo. 12. Which of the following characters teaches Liesel how to read? (a) Max. (b) Hans. (c) Rudy. (d) Rosa. 203 13. Which of the following characters stands up for Tommy Muller when he is being abused? (a) Rudy. (b) Hans. (c) Liesel. (d) Max. 14. Where was Hans Hubermann stationed when he fought in WWI? (a) Spain. (b) England. (c) France. (d) Canada. 15. What does Liesel shout to Frau Hermann when the Frau fires Rosa from her laundry service? (a) That the Frau is a traitor. (b) That the Frau is fat. (c) That the Frau is ugly. (d) That the Frau is pathetic. 204 Short Answer Questions 1. How does Liesel react when she catches a glimpse into Max's journal? 2. Which of the following tools does Max use to keep records of his emotions in the journal? 3. Which branch of the armed forces did Hans Hubermann fight in during WWI? 4. What inanimate object does Max credit with saving his life? 5. How does Liesel react when Frau Hermann offers a book to her as a gift? 205 Multiple Choice Answer Key 1. C 2. D 3. C 4. C 5. D 6. A 7. C 8. D 9. C 10. C 11. A 12. B 13. A 14. C 15. D Short Answer Key 1. How does Liesel react when she catches a glimpse into Max's journal? She is shocked. 2. Which of the following tools does Max use to keep records of his emotions in the journal? Paint. 3. Which branch of the armed forces did Hans Hubermann fight in during WWI? The army. 4. What inanimate object does Max credit with saving his life? A book. 206 5. How does Liesel react when Frau Hermann offers a book to her as a gift? She refuses it. 207 Final Test - Easy Name: _________________________ Period: ___________________ This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions. Multiple Choice Questions 1. What ethnicity is the pilot whose plane has crashed near the river? (a) American. (b) Canadian. (c) German. (d) British. 2. What confession does Rudy make to Liesel when they run away from home together? (a) That he is in love with her. (b) That he hates Hitler. (c) That he does not miss his father. (d) That he cries himself to sleep at night. 3. Where is Michael Holtzapfel's body found? (a) His body is never found. (b) In a shop. (c) At the local cemetery. (d) By the riverbed. 4. How does Michael Holtzapfel die? (a) His mother smothers him. (b) He commits suicide. (c) He has a heart attack. (d) He drowns in the river. 5. Which of the following characters does NOT get up in the middle of the night during the air raid sirens? (a) Hans. (b) Liesel. (c) Rosa. (d) Max. 208 6. How does Rudy feel after the Nazi physical? (a) Proud. (b) Anxious. (c) Humiliated. (d) Confused. 7. What is Hans' major responsibility during the war? (a) Administering medical aid. (b) Putting out fires. (c) Feeding the troops. (d) Mapping enemy movement. 8. How does Frau Hermann react when she realizes that Liesel is stealing from her? (a) She is apathetic. (b) She is confused. (c) She is angered. (d) She is saddened. 9. Why does Rudy pack a toolbox? (a) To join the war effort. (b) To run away with Liesel. (c) To break into houses. (d) To fix his father's car. 10. In which German city is Max captured? (a) Struttgard. (b) Hamburg. (c) Munich. (d) Berlin. 11. What does Rudy ask Liesel for after he rescues her book from the river? (a) An apple. (b) Money. (c) A kiss. (d) A gun. 12. What does Liesel bring into Max's room on Christmas Eve? (a) Presents. (b) A feast. (c) Snow. (d) Candles. 209 13. Who is Rudy most terrified of seeing him fail? (a) His Hitler Youth division leader. (b) His parents. (c) Liesel. (d) Adolf Hitler. 14. What does Frau Holtzapfel offer to trade Liesel in exchange for reading sessions? (a) Milk. (b) Apples. (c) Coffee. (d) Bread. 15. According to Max's dreams, what is Liesel meant to shake in opposition to Hitler? (a) Her hips. (b) Church pillars. (c) Trees. (d) Hands. 210 Short Answer Questions 1. During what month of the year does Max collapse in the basement? 2. How does the disgruntled card player die? 3. What does Rosa shout at Liesel for, signaling to her that Max has awoken from his coma? 4. What card game does Hans regularly play with his troops? 5. How does Hans react to the news that he is going to be drafted to the war? 211 Multiple Choice Answer Key 1. A 2. B 3. B 4. B 5. D 6. C 7. B 8. D 9. C 10. A 11. C 12. C 13. A 14. C 15. C Short Answer Key 1. During what month of the year does Max collapse in the basement? January. 2. How does the disgruntled card player die? In a car accident. 3. What does Rosa shout at Liesel for, signaling to her that Max has awoken from his coma? For using her hairbrush. 4. What card game does Hans regularly play with his troops? Poker. 212 5. How does Hans react to the news that he is going to be drafted to the war? He gets drunk. 213 Mid-Book Test - Medium Name: _________________________ Period: ___________________ This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions. Multiple Choice Questions 1. Who sees Liesel steal the book from the bonfire? (a) Adolf Hitler. (b) Rudy. (c) Hans. Jr. (d) The mayor's wife. 2. How did Erik Vandenberg's widow react when Hans brought her husband's instrument home to her? (a) She cherished it forever. (b) She didn't want it. (c) She didn't recognize it. (d) She didn't answer the door. 3. What object does Liesel regularly fish out of the trash bins to bring home to Max? (a) Discarded clothing. (b) Food scraps. (c) Newspapers. (d) Metal cans. 4. What ethnicity was Erik Vandenberg? (a) He was Swedish. (b) He was Canadian. (c) He was German. (d) He was Jewish. 5. What sport does Liesel regularly play with the neighborhood kids? (a) Football. (b) Baseball. (c) Soccer. (d) Dodgeball. 214 Short Answer Questions 1. Which of the following activities do Rudy and Liesel spend the summer doing? 2. How does Rosa react when she realizes Liesel is stealing from her? 3. How does the mysterious young man get into the Hubermann household? 4. Which of the following adjectives best describes Rosa Hubermann? 5. How many soldiers survived the battle Hans Hubermann sat out during WWI? 215 Short Essay Questions 1. How does Hans treat Liesel during the first few weeks she is at his home? 2. What reaction does Liesel have when she overhears someone use the word "Communist" at the bonfire? 3. Where do Hans and Rosa hide Max in their house? 4. How do the citizens of Molching decide to celebrate the birthday of the Fueher? 5. What does Max give to Liesel on her birthday? 6. How does Rudy Steiner express his admiration for Jesse Owens? 7. How was Max Vandenberg treated by his schoolmates as a child? 216 8. Why was Hans Hubermann asked to stay behind while the rest of his troop was sent in to battle in France during WWI? 9. Who is Frau Diller? 10. How do Hans and Rosa react when Liesel asks for permission to write letters home to her mother? 217 Multiple Choice Answer Key 1. D 2. B 3. C 4. D 5. C Short Answer Key 1. Which of the following activities do Rudy and Liesel spend the summer doing? Stealing. 2. How does Rosa react when she realizes Liesel is stealing from her? Rosa beats her. 3. How does the mysterious young man get into the Hubermann household? He has a key. 4. Which of the following adjectives best describes Rosa Hubermann? Vulgar. 5. How many soldiers survived the battle Hans Hubermann sat out during WWI? None. 218 Short Essay Answer Key 1. How does Hans treat Liesel during the first few weeks she is at his home? During the first few weeks, Hans treats Liesel with a gentle kindness. He encourages her to take a bath when she hasn't bathed in weeks. He sits with her during the nights when she has nightmares, and even begins to teach her how to read. 2. What reaction does Liesel have when she overhears someone use the word "Communist" at the bonfire? When Liesel overhears the word "Communist" at the bonfire, she feels like she's been kicked in the stomach. She realizes that this is what her mother was, and why she was taken away from her. When she confronts Hans about whether or not her mother was a Communist, he refuses to answer her truthfully. 3. Where do Hans and Rosa hide Max in their house? When Max arrives, he spends his first few days sleeping in Liesel's room. This, however, is too dangerous, so they move him to a cleared space in the basement. They cover the entrance with Hans' paint cans and old drape cloths. 4. How do the citizens of Molching decide to celebrate the birthday of the Fueher? To celebrate the birthday of the Fuehrer, the citizens of Molching decide to host a bonfire burning all the vulgar books that the Fuehrer might not approve of. LIesel is initially excited by all of this, and all of Rosa and Hans' extended family come home for the celebration. 5. What does Max give to Liesel on her birthday? At first, Max is embarrassed that he has no gift for Liesel on her birthday. Then, he paints over the pages of the book "Mein Kampf" and writes a new storybook for Liesel on its pages, entitled "The Standover Man", about a man who is haunted by a past he cannot escape. 219 6. How does Rudy Steiner express his admiration for Jesse Owens? Rudy is infatuated with Olympic runner, Jesse Owens. To show his admiration, Rudy attempts to blacken his entire body by rubbing a lump of coal on his skin. His father warns him that admiring a black man could have catastrophic effects on the family. 7. How was Max Vandenberg treated by his schoolmates as a child? As a child, Max was frequently bullied because he was Jewish. He got into fights constantly with the same boy, Walter Kugler. Even though Walter usually won his fights against Max, he began to feel endeared to Max because he was such a tenacious fighter. The two soon became friends. 8. Why was Hans Hubermann asked to stay behind while the rest of his troop was sent in to battle in France during WWI? When one of the sergeants asked for a soldier with good handwriting to stay behind during a particular mission, Erik Vandenberg volunteered Hans. During the mission, all of Hans' troop members were killed, and he forever credited Erik with saving his life. 9. Who is Frau Diller? Frau Diller is an adamant member of the Nazi party. She also runs a candy shop in the neighborhood where Liesel and Rudy play. When the two find a coin on the street, they run to Frau Dillard's shop to buy candy. They hadn't tasted anything so sweet in all their lives. 10. How do Hans and Rosa react when Liesel asks for permission to write letters home to her mother? Hans tells Liesel that writing letters home to her mother is a good idea, and gives her permission to do so. Rosa, on the other hand, thinks writing letters is a waste of time because no one even knows if Liesel's mother is alive. When she catches Liesel stealing money to pay for postage stamps, she beats the girl with a wooden spoon. 220 Final Test - Medium Name: _________________________ Period: ___________________ This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions. Multiple Choice Questions 1. Why are men trolling the neighborhood where Liesel lives during her soccer game? (a) They are handing out pamphlets about the Nazi party. (b) They are inspecting basements that may be converted into bomb shelters. (c) They are searching for hidden Jews. (d) They are collecting donations to benefit the Hitler Youth organization. 2. To which concentration camp is the starving prisoner being relocated? (a) Dachau. (b) Auschwitz. (c) Majdanek. (d) Treblinka. 3. When the disgruntled card player dies, what part of Hans' body is broken? (a) His arm. (b) His nose. (c) His leg. (d) His neck. 4. Where is Michael Holtzapfel's body found? (a) In a shop. (b) At the local cemetery. (c) By the riverbed. (d) His body is never found. 5. Which of the following characters is NOT in the room with Rudy when he has to strip naked for the Nazi physical? (a) His father. (b) A school official. (c) A doctor and nurse. (d) Two other boys being examined. 221 Short Answer Questions 1. Which character fears that Max has caught an incurable cold? 2. During what year do the air raids begin in Munich? 3. Who breaks the news to Frau Holtzapfel that her son has died? 4. What does Rudy give to the dying pilot in the hopes of comforting him during death? 5. What title does Max give to his journal before skipping town? 222 Short Essay Questions 1. How does Liesel come to own a Dictionary and Thesaurus? 2. What does the LSE do during the war? 3. How does Michael Holtzapfel die? 4. How does Hans narrowly avoid death during the second World War? 5. What is "The Word Shaker"? 6. How is Hans paid for the work he does during the summer of 1942? 7. How is Hans punished for giving the starving Jew a piece of bread? 223 8. What fear does Rosa have if Max were to die? 9. What dream does Max regularly have involving Hitler? 10. What secret code do Liesel and Rosa concoct to communicate about Max in public? 224 Multiple Choice Answer Key 1. B 2. A 3. C 4. A 5. A Short Answer Key 1. Which character fears that Max has caught an incurable cold? Rosa. 2. During what year do the air raids begin in Munich? 1942. 3. Who breaks the news to Frau Holtzapfel that her son has died? Hans. 4. What does Rudy give to the dying pilot in the hopes of comforting him during death? A teddy bear. 5. What title does Max give to his journal before skipping town? The Word Shaker. 225 Short Essay Answer Key 1. How does Liesel come to own a Dictionary and Thesaurus? Throughout the summer, Liesel continues to break into Frau Hermann's library to steal books. One day, a copy of a Dictionary and Thesaurus is propped on the window ledge with a note from Frau Hermann. Frau Hermann knows Liesel is stealing from her, and wishes the two could repair their relationship so they could continue reading together. 2. What does the LSE do during the war? The LSE is a small troop of men who are sent into cities after bombs have fallen to put out fires. This is the troop Hans fights with, and it is extremely dangerous. He is somewhat jealous of the fact that Herr Steiner gets to sit in a small office and tailor the damaged suits of fallen soldiers, a much safer task. 3. How does Michael Holtzapfel die? Michael Hotzapfel dies a few weeks after Hans returns home. His body is found hanging in a shop downtown. Before he killed himself, Michael wrote a letter to his mother apologizing for his actions and stating that he could no longer live with the knowledge that his brother was in the grave. Hans was the one to deliver the bad news to Frau Holtzapfel. 4. How does Hans narrowly avoid death during the second World War? Hans beats one of his fellow soldiers in a friendly game of poker, but the beaten man is very disgruntled and steals Hans' seat on the truck ride home. The truck blows a tire and crashes, and the disgruntled poker player dies. Hans believes he owes this man his life. 5. What is "The Word Shaker"? "The Word Shaker" is a book that Max wrote for Liesel before he was sent away from the Hubermann household. In the book, a young girl walks around the neighborhood shaking trees for Hitler. The young girl climbs up a tree that is about to be cut down, and is later joined by a 226 young Jewish man. The two sit in the tree, watching it bend, confident that it will never break. 6. How is Hans paid for the work he does during the summer of 1942? Most people in the neighborhood don't have a lot of money, so they often pay Hans in wares rather than cash. One day, he is paid with bottles of champagne, which he allows Liesel to drink with him. Liesel thinks the champagne is so sweet, she swears she will never drink it again lest she be disappointed. 7. How is Hans punished for giving the starving Jew a piece of bread? Hans waits for weeks, sure the Nazi party is going to knock at his door at any moment and arrest him. He is shocked to learn instead that he has finally been accepted into the party, and that he is expected to enlist in the army to fight in the war. That night, Hans goes out with Herr Steiner to get drunk. 8. What fear does Rosa have if Max were to die? Rosa is terrified that Max will die, not only because it would be a great loss for the family, but because they will have no way of disposing of his body. Because Max is in hiding, they cannot simply bring his body to the local cemetery to be buried. It could be very dangerous for the entire family. 9. What dream does Max regularly have involving Hitler? Max frequently dreams that he is a boxer in the ring with Hitler. He has this dream over and over. Hitler always wins. Max comes to feel that he will never be able to beat Hitler in the boxing match because he is Jewish and therefore inferior. 10. What secret code do Liesel and Rosa concoct to communicate about Max in public? When Max is very sick, Liesel and Rosa make a plan that if he is to wake up while Liesel is in school, Rosa will come to school and shout at Liesel for something. One day, Rosa shows up at 227 school and shouts at Liesel for using her hairbrush. Through this interaction, Liesel knows that Max is awake. 228 Mid-Book Test - Hard Name: _________________________ Period: ___________________ This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics. Short Answer Questions 1. Where was Hans Hubermann stationed when he fought in WWI? 2. What is the BDM? 3. Which body part does Liesel's school friend break while attending the book burning? 4. What ethnicity was Erik Vandenberg? 5. Which of the following instruments does Hans Hubermann play? 229 Short Essay Questions 1. How do the citizens of Molching decide to celebrate the birthday of the Fueher? 2. How does Liesel manage to get a hold of a copy of the book "The Shoulder Shrug"? 3. How does Liesel fare during her first few weeks of school in Munich? 4. How does Liesel celebrate her first Christmas with Hans and Rosa? 5. Who is Frau Diller? 6. What reaction does Liesel have when she overhears someone use the word "Communist" at the bonfire? 7. Why is Liesel in a train at the opening of the novel? 230 8. What objects are given to the mysterious young man in Stuttgart to help him escape the city? 9. How does Hans treat Liesel during the first few weeks she is at his home? 10. What are Liesel's first impressions of Rosa and Hans Hubermann? 231 Essay Topics Write an essay for ONE of the following topics: Essay Topic 1 Rudy and Liesel have an interesting and dynamic relationship from the moment they meet. First, describe how Liesel and Rudy meet. Then, describe how the relationship between these two children changes over the course of the novel. Choose at least two major incidents from the novel and explain how these incidents affected the relationship between the children. Essay Topic 2 When Hans sees the starving Jewish prisoner being marched through town, he makes a snap decision that permanently affects his family. What are the pros to Hans' decision regarding the Jewish soldier? What are the cons? When the pros and cons are balanced, do you think Hans' decision regarding the soldier is a good one? Why or why not? Essay Topic 3 The book burning at the opening of the novel is an event that has a profound effect on Liesel and her relationship with the written word. First, describe why the Nazis were hosting a book burning in the first place, and what they hoped to accomplish during this event. Then, explain what inadvertent lessons Liesel learned by attending the event. From Liesel's perspective, was the book burning a success? Why or why not? 232 Short Answer Key 1. Where was Hans Hubermann stationed when he fought in WWI? France. 2. What is the BDM? Band of German Girls. 3. Which body part does Liesel's school friend break while attending the book burning? His ankle. 4. What ethnicity was Erik Vandenberg? He was Jewish. 5. Which of the following instruments does Hans Hubermann play? Accordian. Short Essay Answer Key 1. How do the citizens of Molching decide to celebrate the birthday of the Fueher? To celebrate the birthday of the Fuehrer, the citizens of Molching decide to host a bonfire burning all the vulgar books that the Fuehrer might not approve of. LIesel is initially excited by all of this, and all of Rosa and Hans' extended family come home for the celebration. 233 2. How does Liesel manage to get a hold of a copy of the book "The Shoulder Shrug"? While at the bonfire, Liesel sees that not all of the books are burning properly. She snatches one book, "The Shoulder Shrug" from the top of the pile and hides it in her shirt. The book burns her skin, but Liesel claims that the pain makes her feel alive. 3. How does Liesel fare during her first few weeks of school in Munich? During her first few weeks in school, Liesel performs poorly because she cannot read. She finds herself getting into fights on the playground because other children make fun of her illiteracy and the fact that she is in foster care. 4. How does Liesel celebrate her first Christmas with Hans and Rosa? Liesel finishes reading her copy of "The Gravedigger's Handbook" a few days before Christmas, which is a huge accomplishment for her. Hans wants to buy Liesel a new book, but he doesn't have the money. He sells some of his hand-rolled cigarettes and raises enough to buy her two new books for Christmas. She is overjoyed. 5. Who is Frau Diller? Frau Diller is an adamant member of the Nazi party. She also runs a candy shop in the neighborhood where Liesel and Rudy play. When the two find a coin on the street, they run to Frau Dillard's shop to buy candy. They hadn't tasted anything so sweet in all their lives. 6. What reaction does Liesel have when she overhears someone use the word "Communist" at the bonfire? When Liesel overhears the word "Communist" at the bonfire, she feels like she's been kicked in the stomach. She realizes that this is what her mother was, and why she was taken away from her. When she confronts Hans about whether or not her mother was a Communist, he refuses to answer her truthfully. 234 7. Why is Liesel in a train at the opening of the novel? At the opening of the novel, Liesel, her mother, and her young brother are being transported to Munich, Germany by a group of armed guards. Liesel's mother is being taken away for being a communist, and Liesel and her brother are going to be placed in foster care. 8. What objects are given to the mysterious young man in Stuttgart to help him escape the city? In the middle of the night, the young man is given a copy of Adolf Hitler's book, "Mein Kampf". Inside the book is an identity card and a key. He boards a train and travels to an address where he is told help is waiting. The house turns out to be that of the Hubermanns. He uses the key to enter the house without knocking and alerting the neighbors. 9. How does Hans treat Liesel during the first few weeks she is at his home? During the first few weeks, Hans treats Liesel with a gentle kindness. He encourages her to take a bath when she hasn't bathed in weeks. He sits with her during the nights when she has nightmares, and even begins to teach her how to read. 10. What are Liesel's first impressions of Rosa and Hans Hubermann? Liesel thinks that Rosa is incredibly vulgar and has a foul mouth, but is pleased to realize that she is not cruel. When she meets Hans, she is immediately drawn to him and has a feeling that he has a warm heart. 235 Final Test - Hard Name: _________________________ Period: ___________________ This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics. Short Answer Questions 1. What does the disgruntled card player steal from Hans after their game? 2. Which of the following items is NOT something Frau Hermann leaves on her windowsill for Liesel to collect? 3. What punishment does Hans receive for helping the starving Jew from the parade? 4. What title does Max give to his journal before skipping town? 5. Why are men trolling the neighborhood where Liesel lives during her soccer game? 236 Short Essay Questions 1. What happens when Viktor Chemmel steals the book Liesel is reading? 2. What happens when Frau Hermann finally confronts Liesel about stealing from her library? 3. How does Rudy perform at the summer Hitler Youth carnival? 4. What happens when Rudy sees an airplane go down outside the bomb shelter? 5. Why does Liesel angrily shout at Frau Hermann in the library of her house? 6. What fear does Rosa have if Max were to die? 7. How does Hans narrowly avoid death during the second World War? 237 8. What relationship does Liesel have with the book "The Whistler"? 9. What dream does Max regularly have involving Hitler? 10. How does the Hubermann family react during the first air raid drill of the year? 238 Essay Topics Write an essay for ONE of the following topics: Essay Topic 1 Many characters in this novel suffer from recurring nightmares. Choose two characters who suffer from nightmares and describe the visions they have. How do these recurring nightmares affect the way these characters interact with the world and each other? Essay Topic 2 Both Liesel and Hans have an artistic talent that brings peace to stressful situations. First, describe both Liesel and Hans' talents. Then, describe at least one situation when these characters use their artistic skill in the attempts to calm a crowd. What is the effect of their attempts? Essay Topic 3 Ilsa Hermann is a woman devastated by loss in her life. First, explain the loss Ilsa Hermann experiences. Then, describe how she attempts to cope with this loss. How does the loss in Ilsa Hermann's life affect her relationship with Liesel? 239 Short Answer Key 1. What does the disgruntled card player steal from Hans after their game? His seat in the car. 2. Which of the following items is NOT something Frau Hermann leaves on her windowsill for Liesel to collect? Liesel's shoes. 3. What punishment does Hans receive for helping the starving Jew from the parade? He is not punished. 4. What title does Max give to his journal before skipping town? The Word Shaker. 5. Why are men trolling the neighborhood where Liesel lives during her soccer game? They are inspecting basements that may be converted into bomb shelters. Short Essay Answer Key 1. What happens when Viktor Chemmel steals the book Liesel is reading? Viktor steals Liesel's copy of the "The Whistler" and throws it into the river just to be cruel. Rudy wades out into the river and fetches it back. When he returns, he asks Liesel for a kiss. She thinks about it, but turns him down. He never asks Liesel to show him affection again. 240 2. What happens when Frau Hermann finally confronts Liesel about stealing from her library? Frau Hermann leaves Christmas cookies out for Liesel during the holiday season. As Liesel is stealing from the library, Frau Hermann enters and confronts her. She tells Liesel that she, not her husband, owns the library and that women can be empowered to do whatever they want in this world. This statement has extreme impact on Liesel. 3. How does Rudy perform at the summer Hitler Youth carnival? At the Hitler Youth carnival, Rudy signs himself up for four different foot races. He wins the first three easily, but begins to tire. He sees his old organization leader and is terrified of losing in front of him, so he purposefully gets himself disqualified from the fourth race. He quickly leaves, satisfied with having won three races. 4. What happens when Rudy sees an airplane go down outside the bomb shelter? Upon exiting the bomb shelter during an air raid drill, everyone sees a small fire in the distance. An American airplane pilot has gone down and is gravely injured. Rudy tries to shield Liesel from the dying man, but she is determined to see him. Rudy gives the man a teddy bear, hoping it will comfort him has he reaches death. 5. Why does Liesel angrily shout at Frau Hermann in the library of her house? Frau Hermann finally convinces Liesel to take a copy of the book "The Whistler". At the same time, she hands Liesel a note explaining that she has to fire Rosa from her laundry service. Liesel hurls the book back at Frau Hermann and begins shouting that Frau Hermann is a pathetic old woman who hasn't been able to get over the death of her son. 6. What fear does Rosa have if Max were to die? Rosa is terrified that Max will die, not only because it would be a great loss for the family, but because they will have no way of disposing of his body. Because Max is in hiding, they cannot simply bring his body to the local cemetery to be buried. It could be very dangerous for the entire family. 241 7. How does Hans narrowly avoid death during the second World War? Hans beats one of his fellow soldiers in a friendly game of poker, but the beaten man is very disgruntled and steals Hans' seat on the truck ride home. The truck blows a tire and crashes, and the disgruntled poker player dies. Hans believes he owes this man his life. 8. What relationship does Liesel have with the book "The Whistler"? During the first summer that Max is staying with the Hubermann family, Liesel reads the same book, "The Whistler" over and over. Frau Hermann offers to give the book the Liesel, but she refuses. A few days later, Liesel breaks into the Hermann house and steals the book for herself. 9. What dream does Max regularly have involving Hitler? Max frequently dreams that he is a boxer in the ring with Hitler. He has this dream over and over. Hitler always wins. Max comes to feel that he will never be able to beat Hitler in the boxing match because he is Jewish and therefore inferior. 10. How does the Hubermann family react during the first air raid drill of the year? When the air raid drill goes off, the Hubermanns race to the neighbor's house and cram themselves, along with twenty other people, into the bomb shelter. When everyone is panicked, Liesel begins to read aloud, calming everyone. While the family is gone, Max sneaks out of the basement to take a look at the sky. It is the first time he has been out of the basement in nearly two years. 242