EHS Gifted & Talented Academy
Foundations of World Literature
Summer Reading Assignment
Overview
Summer reading is an integral part of the English curriculum of the EHS Gifted Academy, and I
firmly believe that it helps students to prepare for the challenges of the academic year ahead.
World Literature students are required to read one book this summer: The Book Thief, by
Australian author Markus Zusak (2005).
In addition to the close reading of the summer reading book, students are also required to
complete a written essay assignment. The purpose of this assignment is to guide student
thinking in the absence of a teacher. Assignments are due on the first day of school.
Summary of The Book Thief
During the dark days leading up to World War II, nine-year-old Liesel Meminger is sent to live
with a foster family on Himmel Street in Molching, Germany. (In German, himmel means
heaven.) Liesel has very few possessions: she has lost her father to the authorities, her mother
to grief, and her little brother to Death, who narrates the story. Liesel does have, however, a
book called The Grave Digger’s Handbook, which she steals at the graveside after her brother’s
burial. Liesel is unable to read, but during the years she lives on Himmel Street, she steals more
books, and her beloved foster father Hans uses the stolen books to teach her how to read. Along
the way, Liesel learns lessons about love, death, grief, courage, and ultimately, survival.
Central Questions
As you read The Book Thief, let the following questions guide your thinking:

The first book that Liesel steals is The Grave Digger’s Handbook. Why does she take the
book? Why does she continue to steal books? What is significant about the titles of the
books Liesel steals?

Death says that Liesel is a girl “with a mountain to climb.” What does he mean? Is he
correct? Also discuss whether or not Liesel is alone in her climb, or has the help of
others.
Please respond to each central question in one-to-three well-thought-out paragraphs
in your notebook. You may find it helpful to highlight or take notes (in the margins of your
book, with sticky notes, or in a notebook) of significant passages, important quotations, or any
ideas you find unclear.
Essay Assignment
Among other things, The Book Thief is a meditation on words, language, and the way they are
used. This includes both the words one speaks as well as the words one keeps inside. Death,
especially, has a way with words. Unlike the other characters in the novel, he recognizes words
not only for the good they can do, but for the evil they do as well.
Think for a few moments about the power that words – either spoken or not – have on us and on
those around us. Then write an essay in which you describe some of the effects of words to help,
as well as to harm. Support your ideas with specific examples from the novel and your own
reading, experience, or insight. Your essay should be brief (about 2-3 pages in length), and
should be typed, double-spaced, in 12-pt Arial (or similar) font. Bring your essay and your copy
of the novel to our first class. Be prepared for a discussion.