The Book Thief.

The Book Thief

Death and Chocolate – pg. 3
The Text Says… Death He is introducing himself. He is talking about colors. The leftover humans – he can’t stand to look at them. A story about a girl… Theivery I Say… It’s weird that the story is being told by Death. What do the colors mean? Why does he not want to look at the survivors? Does he feel guilty? What will the story be about?

Beside the Railway Line pg. 6
I Say… White – Color of snow – What does it symbolize? Who died? Why did the author use the phrase – “white –snow sky who stood at the window?” “The world was sagging now…” The Text Says… White is a color. Someone died on or near a train. A mother and her daughter – and a corpse. Two guards carried the corpse to the train. Death was interested in the girl.

The Eclipse pg.9 I Say… BLACK – What does the black mean?
He recognized the Book Thief. What had happened to the pilot? Why was she and the boy there? What do the eclipses mean? The Text Says… The second time Death sees the Book Thief. A plane had crashed. She and a boy had arrived. It was years after the first time Death saw her. The boy had taken a teddy bear out of a tool box and placed it next to the dying pilot. Death took the soul of the pilot. He speaks about eclipses when people die.

The Flag pg. 12 The Text Says… I say…
The third time Death saw the Book Thief. Bombs had dropped on a German town. She was in the midst of the rubble. She howled. She dropped her most precious item – her book. Death picked her book up and read through it several times throughout the years. Here is her story… I say… RED– What does the red mean? Obviously it is a war. Her town was struck. She was devastated. Wanted to seek sanctuary. It’s interesting that Death picked her book up. Three colors – together RED – WHITE - BLACK He will be telling her story.

the grave digger’s handbook
Part One the grave digger’s handbook

Arrival on Himmel Street pg. 19
The text says… Death thinks about how things got to the time he saw her last – RED. 1939 – January She dreams about Hitler. He smiles at her. We see the story of how her brother died in the train. Liesel is distraught. They bury her brother in a nearby cemetery. Liesel doesn’t want to leave him. Someone drops a book in the snow – Liesel steals it. She is taken to foster parents on Himmel street – the Hubermans. Hans and Rosa – Rosa has a harsh way. Liesel has trouble getting out of the car. I say… Why were there so many people on the train? Where were they going? She isn’t scared or fearful of Hitler. Liesel steals her first book – she doesn’t know how to read and doesn’t know what it says. Ironic that she is going to a street named “Heaven” street after leaving her mother. Why did her mother send her away? They were obviously poor. She had never been in a car. Hans seems nice. He got her out of the car. Rosa seems very abrupt. Funny, yet appropriate, that her first book to steal, or even perhaps to own is A Grave Digger’s Handbook.

Growing up a Saumensch pg. 30
The Text Says… We have a small preview of what will come in the story. Fourteen books stolen. She will write her own story. Max Vandenburg. Her hair was German blond. She had dangerous eyes – brown eyes. Her father was a Communist. She didn’t know him. She felt abandoned by her mother. Description of the Hubermann’s house. Hans was nice – Rosa was not. She did love Liesel, but she showed it with difficulty. Liesel wouldn’t take a bath. Hans taught her how to roll cigarettes. She will call the Hubermanns Mama and Papa. I say… Brown eyes were dangerous – the German ideal was blond hair, blue eyes. The “perfect race.” Communism was not allowed in Germany at that time. The Hubermanns seem poor too. Maybe the difference is, they’re not Communists. Rosa’s character seems harsh, but she seems to want what’s best for Liesel. Hans seems delightfully nice.

The Woman with the Iron Fist – pg.36
The Text Says… A picture of Himmel Street – life Liesel had nightmares about her brother. Hans would come in and comfort her. Hans’s accordian was played often. And he played it at night for money. School – she was in a younger grade, because she didn’t know how to read. Liesel was 10, and in Hitler Youth. Rosa griped about everything and everybody. She delivered washing and griped about everyone. The neighbor spits on the door when she walks by. Liesel goes out to clean it and looks at the sky. I say… They all seem very poor. Hans is such a nice man. “the brute strength of the man’s gentleness” – contrast. His gentleness was overwhelming. School must have been miserable. I would have hated to have been with younger kids because I couldn’t read. What is Hitler Youth? Why a uniform? Rosa has such a gruff exterior – I wonder if she’s more gentle under it all. Liesel probably stares up at the sky to escape her new reality. I’m sure she gets overwhelmed by Rosa’s mouth.

The Kiss – pg.46 The Text Says.. An introduction to the people on Himmel street. Rudy will become Liesel’s best friend and partner in crime. The soccer game. Rudy Frau Diller’s shop The Road of Yellow stars Pfiffikus – taunting him and his verbal abuse Rudy and Liesel race – he wants a kiss – it’s a tie. I Say… The characters of Himmel street seem very colorful. Frau Diller is a huge Hitler supporter. She seems scary. The Yellow Stars are Jews. “Not humans, but shapes.” They didn’t see them as fellow humans. Jews were forced to wear yellow stars on their clothing. Pfiffikus seems extremely foul. The race – I think Rudy and Liesel will get along well.

The Jesse Owens Incident pg.56
The Text Says…. Rudy is 6 years old. Jesse Owens has just won the gold medal. He decides to pretend he is Jesse Owens He paints himself black with coal and goes to the local track and runs. His dad catches him and tries to explain why he can’t want to be black. Contradictory Politics of Alex Steiner I say…. 1936 Berlin Olympics Nazis see blacks as - sub-human – beneath humans. It’s not that Rudy wants to be black, he just wants to be fast. He’s too young for hate. He just sees someone fast and doesn’t care about the rest. Alex Steiner doesn’t hate Jews but he is in the Nazi party. He also knows, down deep that something is wrong, he just decides not to think about it too much.

The Smell of Friendship pg. 69
The Text Says… Papa changes Mama’s plans They travel to the River to spend the afternoon. “There had been a change in him” Their studies – River and Basement Painting the walls The Smell of Friendship I Say… What is the change that has taken place? What was on his mind? We see some foreshadowing – “That story would arrive…” Papa creates safe places for Liesel to learn. Freedom to paint on the walls. She probably has never done anything like that before. Not much triggers memories like smells. What do you think the “Smell of Friendship” means? Reread the last paragraph of page 72.

The Heavyweight Champion of the School-Yard pg. 73
Why do you think Liesel had begun to disrupt the younger class? Reread the bottom half of page 77. How does the author’s language convey how Liesel is feeling at that point? Give examples. Why did Liesel begin to beat Tommy Muller? “Why did he have to die?” What was Liesel talking about on page 80? Why did Rudy just stand by? And why was that the perfect thing to do at that time? The Text Says… World War II begins – with the invasion of Poland by Germany. Liesel begins to act up in school. Progress test at school. The teacher skips Liesel – Rudy points it out. Liesel goes up and tries – recites “The Gravedigger’s Guide.” During a break Liesel is taunted. It doesn’t go so well for the boy who taunts her. She gets in big trouble. Liesel starts to cry. Rudy just waits. I say… Hitler’s act of invading Poland sends a ripple around the world. Why does Liesel act up? Is she afraid of looking stupid? Does she act bad so she won’t look stupid? Or is she merely misunderstood? Liesel wants to show how well she has improved but gets stuck – the only thing she can think to do is recite the book she learned at home. All her pent up frustration comes boiling out at several boys. She lets her guard down with Rudy and cries. Why did her brother have to die?

Part Two The shoulder shrug

A Girl Made of Darkness pg.83
The Text Says… Liesel’s second stolen book Anti-Semitism Overzealous Leader Nation of hate-fed bigots Germans love to burn things. “The Shoulder Shrug” A girl made of darkness - anger I say… This seems to be a chapter of foreshadowing things to come. Descriptive words for Nazi Germany. Hate-fed – propaganda Germany had a history of burning books, shops, synagogues, etc. The name of the second book Why did she turn so dark? She seems like such a nice girl. What could make her so angry?

The Joy of Cigarettes pg. 85
The Text Says… She is finding contentment. She and Hans finish “The Grave Digger’s Handbook.” Her progress at school. A Christmas present – 2 new books “Faust the Dog” “The Lighthouse” A question – How did you pay for these books? By trading cigarettes to a gypsy Mama gets some eggs I Say… She loves her Papa and even her Mama “A girl with a mountain to climb” – she had a huge task ahead of her. She made it to the top – finished the book. Perhaps this was a large part in healing over her brother’s death. Her contentment is finding its way to school. She is thrilled with her new books. Nazis hate gypsies. It’s ironic that he would trade cigarettes for books with a gypsy. This shows that Hans truly isn’t a Nazi. We see a small glimpse of Mama being happy. “She was a girl with a mountain to climb.” pg. 86 – What does this mean? What was her mountain? Do you think she has more than one mountain? What could they be? “It’s much easier, she realized, to be on the verge of something than to actually be it.” pg. 87 What does this quote mean? Do you think it’s true?

The Town Walker pg. 91 I Say… What is the rot? Perhaps things are going to get bad. Rosa thinks people will take pity on Liesel and not fire her. She misses her mom and loves her. She wants to tell her about how things are going. Rosa seems to genuinely care about Liesel. What has happened to her mother? Liesel’s dad is a Communist. The Text Says… “the rot” The first house to cancel service from Rosa Hubermann. Liesel now has to deliver and pick up the laundry. Writing at school – write letters Liesel decides to write to her real mom. The conversation between Hans and Rosa Why did Liesel swing the bag once she was out of Mama’s sight? “Instead of asking him what was wrong, Liesel began writing immediately, choosing to ignore the sense of foreboding that was quick to accumulate inside her.” pg.95 Why does Liesel have a sense of foreboding when she is writing to her real mother? When Mama was asking Hans about Liesel’s mom, her voice was calm and caring. What does that tell you about her? Why did it worry Liesel?

Dead Letters pg.97 What was Liesel’s second Watschen in the kitchen?
I Say… The title of the chapter suggests that there will be no reply to Liesel’s letters. We see that she indeed, never got a response to her letters. With another customer gone, tensions are sure to build, especially with Mama. Liesel gives the gift of contacting her real mother. One last chance – surely this will work! Mama finds out and gives Liesel a Watschen. But then she cries and says she is sorry – probably because Liesel’s mother is gone. Her “second watschen” is when she realizes her mother is gone. She lies on the ground and everything seems hopeless. The Text Says… A brief flash-forward – four years Papa visits with her about the letters. She checks the mailbox for a reply for a couple of months. Another customer drops laundry service. Liesel’s birthday – no gift. She decides to give herself a gift. Mama finds out about the money. Liesel gets two very large Watchens. She lies on the ground and realizes she will never see her mother again. What was Liesel’s second Watschen in the kitchen? Why was that one so much worse than Rosa’s?

Hitler’s Birthday, 1940 pg. 101 The Text Says… Celebration preparation for Hitler’s birthday. They cannot find their flag. Behind accordion. Hans Jr. and Trudy visit – like at Christmas Hans Jr. and Papa do NOT get along. They have different political views. Hans hasn’t joined the Nazi party yet. Hans Jr. sees Liesel reading and says she should be reading Mein Kampf. Hans and Hans Jr. argue – Hans Jr. leaves mad. Foreshadowing about Stalingrad. Liesel asked Hans about what happened. She has to go to the celebration – Hitler Youth. I Say… National holiday – You Must display your flag and your loyalty. “The Road of Yellow stars – awaiting renovation – Ghetto? The flag hid behind the accordion – is this symbolic for Hans vs. Nazis? Hans Jr. is a die-hard Nazi. He is the 90%. Hans used to paint Jew’s homes. This was a “mistake” in Jr.’s view. Mein Kampf – influential book by Hitler – written while he was in prison. Outlines all his plans for Germany. “take out the garbage” – groups the Nazis didn’t approve of? “tragically in Stalingrad” – Does Hans Jr. die there? We see foreshadowing – “a book will be stolen” - Will Liesel steal her second book? Why was not being able to find their flag an emergency? What does this sentence mean? “Hans Junior had the eyes of his father and the height. The silver in his eyes, however, wasn’t warm, like Papa’s – they’d been Fuhrered.” –pg.103 Why wasn’t Hans allowed in the Nazi Party yet? Do you think Hans is a coward? Why or why not?

100 Percent Pure German Sweat pg. 108
The Text Says… Parade marches through town. At the end they are dispersed. They start the burning. Speech – Communism is mentioned as inferior. Liesel begins to try to get out of the crowd. She tries to escape and sees Ludwig Schmeikl. He is injured. They finally sit by a church. I Say… Liesel is proud as she marches with a sense of purpose. She hates to see books burned because she loves them but she has to look and see. The word Communism hits her because of her dad and perhaps her mother. She begins to see the beast. She stops seeing people, just uniforms and signs. She and Ludwig share apologies – she helps him. She is greatly bothered by the word Communism – but uses him as a distraction. On page 109, a “mound of guilt” is mentioned in the last paragraph of that page. What is that referring to and why is it considered a mound of guilt? In the beginning of the chapter Liesel’s chest swelled with pride, what changed? “A single word leaned against the girl.” pg What does that mean? Why did the author phrase it like that?

Questions Look at the bottom of page What does “mound of guilt” refer to? Why is that metaphor used? Look at page What does the phrase, “a single word leaned against the girl” mean? Why does that have significance?

The Gates of Thievery pg. 114
The Text Says… Liesel sits and looks over the remains. Hans finds her sitting on the steps of the church. He asks her what is wrong. She comes to the realization that it’s Hitler that is the they, they talk about. She says she hates him. Hans slaps Liesel. She is shocked and greatly hurt by this. He tells her never to say that again. Makes her “Heil Hitler” After a while they make amends. The gates of thievery. I say… She is stunned by the Communist remarks. Hans finds her after searching where she should have been. She slowing comes to understand what Nazis and Hitler really are. She hates Hitler for what he did to her parents. Hans slaps her because she cannot say that aloud. She will be taken away and he loves her. This is the most painful thing that could happen to her. He feels sorry, but feels it was necessary. Makes her be a “good German” She is on the cusp of becoming a thief – will she always be one? “Everything was sad.” pg Was everything sad to everyone there or just Liesel? Why? A SMALL ADDITION – pg. 115 What is the significance of this “math problem?” Why did Hans slap Liesel when it’s clear that he doesn’t care for Hitler either? Why did he make her “Heil Hitler?”

Book of Fire pg. 118 I say… Liesel is still affected by what has happened. She doesn’t see people, just uniforms still. She is drawn to the pile of books. It’s a magnet to her. She sees the “survivors” She gets/saves a book. Perhaps this is her going against Hitler, the man who broke her family. She is paralyzed with fear when she thinks she is caught. She can’t move. Who is it she sees in the shadows? Is it a Nazi? Probably not because she would have been punished. It seems like someone she knows. She’s trying to pretend nothing is wrong – but the book is burning her. The Text Says… Hans and Liesel start to walk back home. Hans gets stopped by someone he knows. Liesel stays near for a moment, but she is drawn to the burned pile. She sees books that survived. She reaches down and grabs a book. It’s smoking. She puts it in her shirt. It starts to get hot and burn her. She thinks she is caught. She looks and sees that someone has seen her from the shadows. Hans and she head home. “Liesel wandered toward the mountain of ash. It sat like a magnet, like a freak. Irresistible to the eyes, similar to the road of yellow stars.” pg. 119 What do these two sentences mean? To what is it referring? Make a prediction – Who saw Liesel take the book? What will happen?

Part Three mein kampf pg. 123

The Way Home pg. 125 Make a prediction: What was Hans thinking about?
The Text Says… Mein Kampf The book – The Shoulder Shrug – emerges Hans asks about the book Hans has a revelation He asked Liesel to keep a secret. Hans goes to check on the status of his Nazi Party membership and purchases Mein Kampf. “We will come for him in seven months” I Say… Foreshadowing – Mein Kampf The book is too hot to hide – she would have shown him eventually. She thinks he is about to be angry – instead he is deep in thought – it is obvious he comes up with an idea. Liesel would do anything Hans asked. Why would he go purchase this book? He clearly hates the Nazi Party What does this mean? Will he die in seven months? Who is “we”? Make a prediction: What was Hans thinking about? What will the secret be, Hans may ask Liesel to keep? Was Mein Kampf for Liesel? If so, why? If not, who? “We’ll give him seven months. Then we come for him. And oh, how we come.” pg What does that mean?

The Mayor’s Library pg. 129 The Text Says… Liesel is worried about who had seen her. She can’t stop thinking about it. The mayor’s wife had seen her. She avoided the house for some time. She finally had to go. Rudy went with her. The Mayor’s wife invited her in. She had a library in her house. Liesel was amazed. Finally left. Liesel came back to thank her. I Say… Nothing is right with Liesel until she gets this handled. Will she get in trouble? Avoidance can only work for so long. Does Rudy know about the books? What is the Mayor’s wife’s secret? Why is she being nice to Liesel? She could potentially get in trouble if she helps someone who steals a book out of the fire. Could this be the beginning of a relationship between the two of them? Who had you said had seen Liesel steal the book? Find an example of figurative language on page 133 or Write it down in quotes. Explain what it means and why the author used that language. What do you think is wrong with the mayor’s wife? What does “The mayor’s wife bruised herself again.” mean? Pg.137

Enter the Struggler pg. 138 The Text Says… Not following the same story. We are in a secret room. A Jew. A man in a small place – hiding – not eating. The man is being quiet. His name is Max. Someone is helping him. He gives Max a fake ID, a book, and some food. He is alone again. Every sound is loud. He eats some of his food – saving some for later. He looks at the book and begs “Please” to Hans Hubermann. I Say… Where is this Jew in hiding? Who is helping him? It’s obviously not a Jew, or the man would be in hiding too. It’s so quiet in his small space every sound is amplified. He is trying to ration food. It’s obvious he’s been there a long time, who knows how much longer he’ll be there. Why is he begging Hans Hubermann? What does Hans have to do with a hidden Jew? Is Hans going to rescue him or help him? What book do you think Max used on page 140? What connection could there be between the Hans Huberman and Max? What do you think could happen with Max?

The Attributes of Summer pg. 142
The Text Says… Liesel’s summer activities: The Shoulder Shrug She liked the book. 2. Reading at the Mayor’s wife’s house. She found out a secret about the Mayor’s wife. She lost her son. She lived in her misery. 3. Soccer Liesel is trying to make Tommy more comfortable with her. 4. More stealing. Liesel and Rudy get in with a group of kids that are stealing food. I Say… 1. She understands why Germany doesn’t like that book – it makes the main character (a Jew) look like a good guy. 2. The Mayor’s wife lets her read in her home. They develop a comfort with one another. She finds out why Ilsa is sad – her son died. 3. They continue to play soccer. 4. Liesel and Rudy’s hunger takes over and they start stealing with a group of kids. They are stealing food. Why is it ironic that Liesel thinks The Shoulder Shrug is excellent? In which event did the mayor’s wife’s son die? Why were the words, “I’m sorry,” so giant and clumsy? Pg.146

The Aryan Shopkeeper pg. 154
The Text Says… Liesel and Rudy had gone into Frau Diller’s shop and bought a piece of candy with a found coin. They were sharing the hard candy. “The day had been a great one, and Nazi Germany was a wondrous place.” I Say… We see how hard-core Frau Diller is with the Nazis. Times are getting tougher, even for Frau Diller. Now one coin only buys one piece of candy. Liesel and Rudy were expecting more. This is a perfect day for the two friends. Not a care in the world. It seems ominous as to things to come. The light before the dark. “The day had been a great one, and Nazi Germany was a wondrous place.” pg.156 Explain this sentence – why was it used?

The Struggler, Continued pg. 157
The Text Says… Max is traveling on a train. He has Mein Kampf in his hands. He is pretending it is a great book. His friend, Walter Kugler has to go away, into the army. “the key was still taped to the inside cover” He shaved his hair. He was German – or he had been. He was nervous about his papers. He keeps his face pointed at the book. I say… Max is apparently going with brand new papers to pretend he is not a Jew. Mein Kampf is his shield. Meant to protect him. His friend is going into the Nazi Army? What is the key for? He shaved off Jewish sideburns? Or his face? Something to make him look more German. His papers are fake. If he is found out he will be killed. Will he stop in Munich? Why is it ironic that Mein Kampf is considered Max’s savior? Pg. 157 Why does no one recognize Max for being Jewish? Why does it say Max could taste the words Mein Kampf over and over? (pg. 160) What do you think they tasted like to him?

Tricksters pg. 161 The Text Says… Another washing customer is lost. Rudy and Liesel have even more plans. Otto Strum biked to deliver food to the priests every week. Rudy poured water over the road to make ice. The plan worked. They stole his basket of food. They shared it with the group of thieves. One big heist. Potatoes. They got caught by the farmer – Rudy got caught by the fence. Arthur helps him escape. He moves. His sister dies. Arthur gives them chestnuts. They sell them and buy mixed candy. “Triumph before the storm” I say… Things are becoming even tighter at home. Accordingly, Rudy and Liesel make more plans to steal. They feel a bit guilty about Otto – they share. It’s bad that they can’t take it home to share. Will this be their last big thieving opportunity? Did Arthur leave because the farmer found out it was him? Something bad is coming – foreshadowing… Why are so many customers bowing out of Rosa doing their washing? What does that say about the German economy? Why won’t Rudy and Liesel share their new found food with their family? What could “Triumph before the storm,” mean? (pg. 167)

The Struggler, Concluded pg. 168
The Text Says… “the juggling comes to an end” Max and Liesel’s lives will come together. Max journeys to Himmel Street He is scared. He has a suitcase and Mein Kampf. “he would die alive” He questions his decision – How could he risk other people’s lives? He pulls out the key. I say… Max makes his way to the Hubermann household. Are they going to hide him? Himmel – Heaven street – maybe it’ll be Heaven for him as well - to save him. At least he would die not hidden, walking the streets. Being hidden was like death. He is trying to not appear Jewish. What is the key for? Is it a key to the house? Why would counting his steps give Max some comfort? What do you think is about to happen in the story?

Part 4 the standover man

The Accordionist pg. 173 The Text Says… Max comes in the house – asked for Hans and asks if he still plays the accordion. We flash back to WWI – Hans was good friends with a man named Erik Vandenburg. Erik died in battle. On a battle day, Hans didn’t go to the battle. He was volunteered to write by Erik. He got the accordion – tried to give it back to Erik’s wife after the war. She didn’t want it – he played for her. He gave her a piece of paper with his information on it – Max comes in – small boy Hans would be needed – but not for painting – twenty years later. I say… Maybe Max didn’t really think it would happen. Maybe the realization of such danger shocked him. Hans has a dear friend who died in the war, who is Jewish. That is why he doesn’t see with such harsh eyes. Erik had taught him how to play. He meets Max for the first time. Hans has no idea how their paths will cross, years later. He will be asked to help on a level he never suspected. Why is it ironic that Eric Vandenburg fought for Germany in World War I? Why was painting Eric’s family’s apartment a “useless compensation?” (pg.179) Why would the decision to not follow Hitler potentially be a disastrous one? (pg.180) Why would Mr. Kleinmann send Hans away? (pg.181)

The Accordionist I Say… The Text Says…
For ten years, Hans’s life seemed back to normal. When Hitler came to power – Hans didn’t join the Nazi Party. The hatred of the Jews made Hans lose customers. He noticed a Jewish store vandalized. He tries to help – he paints the store front. He refuses to be in the Nazi Party. He is started to be suspected. His accordion playing kept him relatively safe. June 16, 1939 He met with Walter Kugler – about saving Max. I Say… Hans did not agree with the hatred. A Jew had saved his life. German business-owners were struggling because many of their customers were taken away by the Nazis. It actually hurts some parts of the country. His two mistakes – Repainting the Jewish shop – he did it to be nice. Not joining the Nazi Party – They are suspicious of Hans – like today’s terrorist – perhaps he is watched. He’s not contributing to “German ideals” No one played the accordion – that kept his skills in demand - Erik saves his life again. Walter Kugler sets up the meeting for Max.

A Good Girl pg. 185 The Text Says… Max arrives in 1940
He is 24 years old He’s worn out and shaken. As Max is about to relax, Liesel comes around the corner. It scares him. Hans reassures him – “She’s a good girl.” She goes back to bed and listens. I say… Max has been through so much. He has been hiding and not eating much. He has been living in fear. He has a moment where he can finally relax after being tense and worried for so long. At that moment Liesel comes in a spoils it. Max is scared that Liesel will tell. She is a German. Hans might call on her to do her favor for him – “keep a secret” I’m sure Liesel is wondering just what is going on. Does she know he’s a Jew? What will she feel about that?

A Short History of the Jewish Fist Fighter pg. 187
“When death captures me,” the boy vowed, “he will feel my fist on his face.” (pg.189) What did Max mean by this? How would this affect him during World War II? Do you think the author keeps using the number 13 on purpose? (pg.169, 191) What do you think the purpose is? Who was the Nazi that came to get Max? Why did he? (pg.193) Why did Max’s family want him to go? Why did Max feel guilty? Would you have felt guilty if you were in the same situation? Max’s father died when he was two. His uncle died when he was thirteen. He became a fighter. His favorite fight – Walter Kugler Fought each other several times over the years. Became friends in 1933 – worked together until ‘35 – when Jews were laid off. Kristallnacht changed everything. Walter came to rescue Max. Max felt guilty for leaving his family. Walter puts Max into hiding for two years. They see that his mother gave him Hans’s information – a new plan emerges. Walter checks Hans out – Hans agrees to help. Hans’s copy of Mein Kampf arrives to help Max. Walter is sent to Poland. Max to Munich. Max, in his foolish youth, thinks he can fight off death. We are told the story of his and Walter’s friendship. Tensions rise in Germany. Walter rescues Max. Max feels guilty for leaving his family – it’s not like he could have rescued them (but he’s a fighter) His mother gives him a slip of paper – Hans’s information. I cannot imagine being in a small room, hiding for two years. Walter says Hans is a good man. Max goes to Hans’s house. Rosa comes in the room – does she not know? If she doesn’t she’s going to explode.

The Wrath of Rosa pg.197 “Her plump figure glowed with worry.”
The Text Says… Rosa discovers Max. Liesel tries to stay out of it but she eventually looks to see what is happening. Rosa is serving Max pea soup. He is eating quickly. He then throws up. “She looked at both her foster parents.” “Who were these people?” I Say… Liesel expects Rosa to be mad and show it. But nothing so loud happens. Max ate too much. He had been in hiding, eating very little, for two years. When someone who hasn’t eaten, eats too much, it makes them sick. Hans and Rosa were changed by the arrival of Max. They were both probably worried beyond what they had ever been before. What will the Nazis do with them? To Max? To Liesel? If they are found out? “Her plump figure glowed with worry.” What does Rosa have to be worried about? Why are her worries legitimate? Why does Liesel think, “who were these people?

Liesel’s Lecture pg. 199 The Text Says.. Helping a Jew – Kind? Ignorant? Insane? Max sleeps in the bed meant for Liesel’s brother. She stayed home from school. Hans explained the situation to her. He scares her and is actually harsh with her. “The shock made a hole in her, very neat, very precise.” She cannot tell anyone or they will all get taken away or worse. Rosa hugs Liesel too. Reread the middle paragraph of page “A few minutes later…” What stands out to you in this paragraph? Why is the word opaque used? Why is Mama’s demeanor bothering Liesel? Why was Hans so harsh with Liesel? Explain the last two sentences. (pg.204) I Say… What motives could someone have for doing something so extreme? Will Max grow to mean as much to her as her brother? He tells Liesel and reminds her of her promise to keep a secret. Burning her books shocks her like being shot. It was a very moving moment for her. He scares her, but it is necessary that she understand the gravity of the situation. Rosa shows kindness to Liesel. We know she loves her.

The Sleeper pg.205 Is Liesel already bonding with Max , in a way?
The Text Says.. Max slept for three days. Liesel watched him sleep. Max talks during his sleep. Family, friend, enemy. Liesel sees some similarities between them – Arrived in a state of agitation – nightmares Max wakes up. “decode exactly where and when” He grabs Liesel and pleads. She yells for Papa. I Say… It is the most physically and emotionally comfortable position he has been in in two years. He is exhausted. Liesel studies him and sees that he has nightmares too. It makes her feel a connection to him. When Max awakes, he has been out for so long he is confused. He sees someone there and grabs that someone. He is pleading for what? Help? Explanation? Is Liesel already bonding with Max , in a way? What do you think Max may have wanted to say to Liesel?

The Swapping of Nightmares pg.207
The Text Says… Max would never sleep in Liesel’s room again – he goes to the basement. A “hiding” place is made under the stairs. “Living was living. The price was guilt and shame.” Liesel is slowing trying to communicate with Max. She sees Mein Kampf and wonders about the book. “She was a good woman for a crisis.” “The secret was buried deep.” She and Rudy continue friendship. The Whistler – The Shoulder Shrug Hans makes Liesel go down to the basement to read – Max is invited. Hans sees that Max is freezing down there. They decide to let Max sleep upstairs. “A Jewish rat, back in his hole.” I say… This is a testament to his character. He would never behave in a wrong way toward a girl. He was ashamed of making Hans and Rosa risk their lives. Perhaps he was even ashamed of how society viewed him. Liesel probably thinks Mein Kampf is full of treasures. The book’s reputation in Nazi Germany certain was that. Rosa had changed and was rising to the occasion. Liesel would not speak of the secret. Books Max and Liesel are drawn to. Liesel is apprehensive about Max. Perhaps she is upset that he stole her sanctuary. Society viewed Jews as rats – ironically his life was very much like one.

The Swapping of Nightmares pg.207
Why did Max apologize for sleeping in the same room as Liesel? “Living was living. The price was guilt and shame.” (pg.208) Explain this statement. What do you think Liesel may have thought was in Mein Kampf? “AN ATTRIBUTE OF ROSA HUBERMAN She was a good woman for a crisis.” (pg.211) Max’s response at Liesel’s question about Mein Kampf speaks volumes. Explain what he meant. Page 221 states that the world inside and outside their house are very different – explain how it’s different, and why it’s vital to keep it separated. Why was the hug Liesel gave Max so meaningful? The Text Says… Christmas time would be dangerous. Hans Jr. did not visit. Trudy could not be trusted. “a ruinous piece of the dumbest luck around” Liesel asks if Mein Kampf is good. Max replies “the best book ever – saved my life” Max begins to tell his story. “I’m so selfish” The Swapping of Nightmares Life continues – two worlds – Inside and Outside The Mud Men – New book For her birthday – Max didn’t have anything Liesel hugs him for the first time. I Say… If Hans Jr. found out he would have the whole family arrested. Only the three of them needed to know of the secret. Being Jewish was just a label for some – if your great-grandparents were Jewish and you weren’t, it still didn’t matter. His response is laced with sarcasm, but he is also genuine in the comment. As Max tells his story, comfort between all begins to start. Max is eaten up with guilt for leaving his family and putting another in danger. Max and Liesel are more alike than they thought. The Inside world houses an illegal man – outside they have to pretend all is normal.

Pages From the Basement pg.223
The Text Says… Liesel is kept out of the basement for a week. He writes a book – The Standover Man on the pages of Mein Kampf The story of Max and Liesel “on her birthday she gave me a gift” She went down to the basement to thank Max. She ends up falling asleep beside him. I say… Max is preparing a surprise for her. Max’s book to Liesel is his story of his life and their friendship. It has him as a bird – because she said his hair was like feathers. There is no difference in two humans. Ironic that Max’s struggle was painted onto Hitler’s struggle. Ironic that he painted on top of Mien Kampf. Why is it significant that Max’s book was made from the pages of Mein Kampf? What did Max’s gift do to Liesel? “Mein Kampf – gagging, suffocating” “The Standover Man – numb, gratified, beautiful itch” Why are the words used to describe these two books significant?

Part 5 the whistler Page 239

The Floating Book pg. 241 Make one prediction about the foreshadowing.
The Text Says… Rudy rescues a floating book. He asks Liesel for a kiss. “He didn’t deserve to die the way he did.” Rudy was robbed of life. Liesel kissed him. I say… What happened with the book? Why is the Mayor’s wife’s book floating down the Amper River? He is always trying to get a kiss from Liesel. Rudy dies????? Liesel finally gave him what he always wanted. Too late. Make one prediction about the foreshadowing.

The Gamblers (A Seven-Sided Die) pg. 243 Intro and part I
The Text Says… Death decides to go back, not get ahead of himself. Gambling – rolling a die by hiding a Jew. The Haircut. Hans and Rosa are arguing. Rosa looks for the scissors. Max asks Liesel to cut his hair. She burned the hair when finished. Max thanked her and vanished back. I say… The narrator always goes forward and then comes back. He gets ahead of himself. Rolling a Jew can have bad consequences. It is a gamble. Hans is seeming more stressed. He didn’t used to fight back like that before Max came. Liesel burns the hair to make sure there is no evidence remaining.

I - The Haircut pg.244 Why do they say they are gambling by hiding a Jew? What significance is a seven-sided die? Why did Liesel burn the hair?

The Gambler Part II The Newspaper
The Text Says… “There’s a Jew in my basement.” “the secret sat in her mouth” As she went through town she always hunted for newspapers and crossword puzzles for Max to do. Weather was warming – Max remained in the basement They would read together. “Where Hans and Erik were united by music, she and Max were by words…” He slept fully clothed, shoes included I say… Why would Liesel want to tell the mayor’s wife? Is it because she feels safe with her? Liesel did not tell. Liesel and Max share a love for reading Reading can make you escape reality. He was always prepared, at a moment’s notice. Ready to move on…

II - The Newspaper pg.245 Why was Liesel tempted to tell Frau Hermann her secret? What does “the secret sat in her mouth. It made itself comfortable. It crossed its legs” mean? Why is personification used? What does “He slept with one eye open” mean?

Part III – The Weatherman – Mid-May
The Text says.. Liesel is excited about the victory at the soccer game. She tells her family and Max all about it. Max asks her for a favor – tell him what the weather is like “big long cloud, and it’s stretched out like a rope. At the end of it, the sun is like a yellow hole…” Max paints it on the wall – “It was a Monday, and they walked on a tightrope to the sun.” I say… Max misses the outside world. It could potentially symbolize freedom to him. It must be hard to be boxed up in a house or room. Liesel’s explanation of the weather is full of colorful language. It is a very poetic exchange between them, cemented by his painting the scene on the wall. Why do you think Max wants to know what the weather is like?

Part IV – The Boxer: End of May
The Text Says… The minutes were cruel. When Liesel came down Max was interested in life again. He needed new projects – began exercising. This is when he imagines he is fighting the Fuhrer. Hitler is beating him at first – then it turns around. Will Max win? Hitler stands up and convinces all to fight with him, against Jews. Max is being beaten – a girl was nice to him I say… Time was crawling by for Max. He needed something to distract his long hours. He looked forward to Liesel’s coming each day. He used to be in good shape. So he started doing this to pass the time. He is very imaginative – he imagines a boxing match between him and Hitler. He has read Mein Kampf and knows all the plans. There is no way to beat Hitler. He is too smart – he turns it all around against Max. The girl is his light. “The minutes were cruel. Hours were punishing.” pg.250 Explain these phrases. Explain the significance of Max’s daydream. Why didn’t he win? How did Hitler change it when he was losing? Why did he do that?

Part V – The New Dream: A Few Nights Later
The Text Says… Liesel comes down while Max is doing push-ups and watches him. He tells her he has a new dream – when he’s awake. He is fighting the Fuhrer. That’s why he trains. He tells her he wins. “It was though he’d opened up her palm, given her the words, and closed it up again.” I say… Is this a nightmare? Perhaps he is fighting to survive. If he survives this, he wins and the Fuhrer loses. We know that in the last day dream he did not win. What does this sentence mean? Was it a secret? Will she keep this knowledge close to her ?

Part VI – The Painters: Early June
The Text Says… Max has a project to finish Mein Kampf. He is painting over each page. Mama, Max and Papa paint the pages and hang them to dry. Liesel gets home and starts to help. Basement Visions, June 1941 Foreshadowing – The Word Shaker I say – At first I think he’s going to finish reading it – but he’s going to finish covering it all up. It’s interesting how they are all helping with this activity. We see Mama hasn’t changed… Each day Max lives, brings him closer to victory over the Fuhrer. Is this a new book Max will write?

The New Dream & The Painters
Why did Max tell Liesel that he won his fights with Hitler? How could that day of painting have given Max hope? Why is it significant that all four of them are painting over Hitler’s words?

Part VII – The Showdown: June 24
The Text Says… The seven-sided die = bad luck Gambling on a Jew – it’ll catch up with you Bad times start for Germany when Germany invades Russia. Rosa lost the Mayor’s business – the last one Liesel views it as rejection She sat on the steps and read the letter. When she got to Munich street she walked back. She was terrible to the Mayor’s wife. The Mayor’s wife was injured. Liesel threw the book at her feet. She comes back to the house and tells Rosa it is her fault. She asks Max to teach her how to do push-ups. Papa knows something is wrong. I say… Things is Germany go from okay to really bad. Perhaps, in this case it’s just bad luck? From hiding a Jew? Liesel is brutal to the woman. She lets her anger, probably about many issues, boil over at the woman. She feels terribly guilty for what she has done. She wants to be punished, but she isn’t. She tries to punish herself with push-ups. Papa knows exactly what to say.

VII – The Showdown pg. 257 Figurative Language – when you get done with your notes, go back and read pages Find three examples of figurative language and write them down in quotations. Explain what each one means. Why would Liesel want to be punished?

Rudy’s Youth pg.267 “One click!” they were told. “That’s all the Fuhrer wants to hear. Everyone united. Everyone together as one!” pg.268 Why would the Nazis want such perfection from everyone? What could potentially happen to Tommy if he doesn’t improve? Why?

The Losers pg.272 How could Hitler Youth have influenced Viktor Chemmel’s view on stealing and his behavior? (Think about the first full paragraph on pg. 273.) Why do you think the trees that were so full of apples last year are lacking this year? What could that symbolize?

Sketches pg. 277 Explain the picture on page 279.
What is a conductor’s job? Why is he speaking music? Explain the picture on 280. Who are the people on top? And who are the people piled up? Why is the sun like that? Why was Liesel frightened?

The Whistler and the Shoes pg.282
Why does she call the Mayor’s library home on page 288? What does the phrase, “The minutes were heavy while he was gone” mean? (pg.290) Why do you think Rudy did each act of stupidity? What does this say about his character?

The Floating Book (Part II) pg.300
Use Claim-Evidence-Commentary to answer this question. That means you will have at least three sentences. Claim- restate the question and answer it. Evidence – The text says “find a quote from the book.” Commentary – Prove – you tell me why that quote proves your point. This is the most important part. How did Viktor Chemmel know Liesel liked the book so much?

Part 6 the dream carrier Look at the features of this part on page Make a prediction of three things that could happen.

Death’s Diary: 1942 pg.307 Why did Death say his workload increased in 1942? How does he feel about it?

The Snowman pg.311 What does the phrase, “For a few minutes, they all forgot,” mean on page 312? Why was the snowman so important to all of them? Why did Papa say Liesel “had to” bring the snow to the basement? Pg. 316

Thirteen Presents pg.317 Why did Liesel tell Rosa to start swearing at her if he wakes up? And why did that comment make Rosa smile? Why do you think Liesel was looking for presents for Max? What do you think the presents could potentially mean to Max?

Fresh Air… pg.325 Why does The Dream Carrier evoke so many memories and emotions from Liesel? “By mid-March, the cracks began to appear.” pg. 329 – Explain that figurative language. What does Liesel’s dream on pages symbolize? “…her voice like needle and thread.” pg. 332 Why do you think the author uses this metaphor?

Deaths’ Diary: Cologne pg.336
How is Death feeling about his job? Why? The Visitor pg.339 What does the phrase “Panic generated in that awful way. Throat and mouth. Air became sand.” mean? Pg.340 Why did “everything slow” on page 343? How did you feel when the Nazi was inspecting the basement?

Death’s Diary: The Parisians pg.349
The Schmunzeler pg.347 Do you think Rudy could tell something was wrong? Why? Death’s Diary: The Parisians pg.349 What does the phrase, “freed them from their fear” mean on page 350?

Part Seven the complete duden dictionary and thesaurus pg. 351

Champagne and Accordions pg.353
What does page 354 tell you about the character of Hans Hubermann? What does the phrase “It was there that he was most alive.” mean? Pg.355 Define competence with your dictionary. Write it in your notes. What does the phrase, “Competence was attractive” mean? (pg.356)

The Trilogy pg.359 What is the trilogy of happiness? List the three things. How do you feel about the letter? Did Liesel handle it the way you would have? Why or why not?

The Sound of Sirens pg.371 What does the reaction of the people in the basement say about the people of Himmel Street? (they were not singing Nazi songs, etc) “only fear and apprehension” pg.375 How would you feel if you couldn’t see the outside for 22 months? What did Max mean on page 378, when he said the stars burned his eyes?

The Sky Stealer pg.379 How does the way the author writes add to the situation on page 380? Use specific evidence from the text. What does the sentence, “This, it said, is your accordion,” mean? (pg.381)

Frau Holtzapfel’s Offer pg.385
Why was Frau Holtzapfel proud and afraid on page 388? Why did the author use this sentence? – pg.388 “They were going to Dachau, to concentrate.”

The Long Walk to Dachau pg.389
Why did Papa do what he did? Why did he start regretting it? What does it say about Hans’s character that he help the Jewish man? What lesson can we learn from this act by Hans Hubermann? Why were people just standing by watching, when some of them clearly wanted to help? Does that ever happen in our lives?

Peace pg.397 Make a prediction as to what may happen to Max?
What does the phrase, “stupid kindness” mean on page 400? How do you feel about what Hans did? Why did it eat him up inside?

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