Student Name: _______________________________________________ Hour: _______ Date: ________________
THE BOOK THIEF
PART 6
GUIDED READING QUESTIONS
DEATH’S DIARY: 1942
Close and Critical Reading
A. Highlight lines from the text that suggest that Death loathes war.
B. Highlight lines from the text that show similarities between Death and Liesel.
Short Answer.
Be sure you respond to the questions using complete sentences for full credit.
1. According to Death, if you want to know what he looks like, you should find yourself a ______________.
What does this suggest? Explain.
2. Death also states, “…you’re a human—you should understand self-obsession.” What does he mean by this?
How does this relate to what is happening in the novel?
3. Throughout this chapter, Death reveals more information about himself. How does this help explain his
fascination with Liesel? Explain.
4. Overall, how does this chapter offer a different perspective of the nature of life and death? Explain.
CONTINUED 
THE SNOWMAN
Close and Critical Reading
A. Highlight examples of irony.
B. Highlight lines from the text that demonstrate the Liesel and Hubermanns’ concern for Max’s health.
Short Answer.
Be sure you respond to the questions using complete sentences for full credit.
1. What type of effect does the snowman have on Max? Liesel? Hans? Rosa? Explain.
2. Who does the snowman symbolize?
3. Re-read the last two paragraphs. Explain what they mean in your own words.
THIRTEEN PRESENTS
Close and Critical Reading
A. Highlight lines from the text that support the following theme: crime is only a matter of perspective.
B. Highlight lines from the text that help the reader more clearly understand Rosa’s character.
Short Answer.
Be sure you respond to the questions using complete sentences for full credit.
1. What are the thirteen presents that Liesel gives to Max?
2. Overall, what is the writer’s purpose for this chapter?
Student Name: _______________________________________________ Hour: _______ Date: ________________
PART 6 CONT.
FRESH AIR, AN OLD NIGHTMARE, AND WHAT TO DO WITH A
JEWISH CORPSE
Close and Critical Reading
A.
B.
C.
D.
Highlight lines from the text that suggest that Ilsa Hermann wants Liesel to steal from her.
Highlight lines from the text that help convey the theme of the power of words.
Highlight lines from the text that suggest that Liesel associates Max’s illness with brother’s.
Highlight examples of foreshadowing.
Short Answer.
Be sure you respond to the questions using complete sentences for full credit.
1. What book does Liesel steal next and why? Be specific.
2. Why do Liesel’s nightmares return? Explain.
3. Describe Liesel’s conversation with Mama in the school hallway. What does this suggest about their
relationship? Explain.
4. At the end of the chapter, Max reveals that he is afraid of _____________________________________.
DEATH’S DIARY: COLOGNE
Close and Critical Reading
A. Highlight lines from the text that reflect Death’s sense of compassion.
B. Highlight lines which emphasize Death’s hatred of war.
Short Answer.
Be sure you respond to the questions using complete sentences for full credit.
1. Overall, does this chapter change your perception of Death or enhance your earlier perception of his
character? Be sure to use evidence from the text to support your answer.
THE VISITOR
Close and Critical Reading
A. Highlight lines that illustrate Liesel’s resourcefulness and intelligence.
Short Answer.
Be sure you respond to the questions using complete sentences for full credit.
1. How Liesel manage to warn Hans of the Nazi inspection? Be specific.
2. Overall, what is the writer’s purpose for this chapter?
THE SCHMUNZLER
Close and Critical Reading
A. Highlight lines from the chapter that help enhance the reader’s understanding of Liesel’s character.
Short Answer.
Be sure you respond to the questions using complete sentences for full credit.
1. How does this chapter help the reader to understand the nature of Liesel’s relationship with Hans? Rosa?
Max? Rudy? Explain.
Student Name: _______________________________________________ Hour: _______ Date: ________________
PART 6 CONT.
DEATH’S DIARY: THE PARISIANS
Close and Critical Reading
A.
B.
C.
D.
Highlight examples of allusions.
Highlight lines that emphasize Death’s compassion.
Highlight lines that feature colors.
Highlight the example of parallelism.
Short Answer.
Be sure you respond to the questions using complete sentences for full credit.
1. At the beginning of the chapter, Death states, “the sky was the color of Jews.” What does he mean by this?
Explain.
2. Identify two symbols from the chapter and explain what they symbolize.
3. How does the writer use color to convey the symbolism in the chapter? Explain.
4. Why does the writer use parallelism? How does it enhance the message he is trying to convey to the reader?
Explain.