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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What has recently been built just outside of Gerda's hometown?

2. What news crushes Gerda and her family's hopes and dreams?

3. Where will Jewish men have to go?

4. Why does this person admire Gerda?

5. What happens to many Jews after Christmas in Poland?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is taken from Gerda?

2. After the invasion, what are the Jews forced to do?

3. Who visits Gerda's father while he is sick?

4. What does the family receive from Arthur?

5. What is Gerda's last meal with her family?

6. How long does it take the Germans to conquer Poland?

7. Why didn't Gerda's family escape sooner?

8. What must Jews wear sewn on their clothes?

9. What does Gerda's family give her for her birthday?

10. What does Abek promise to bring Julius?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Gerda is 15-years-old when the Nazis are invading her small town of Belitz, Poland. She is 21 when the war comes to an end. Compare and contrast the life of a typical girl who is 15-21 years old to the life that Gerda is forced to live.

a. What experiences would a 15-21 year old girl have (specifically)?

b. How does being in a concentration camp affect her physically and emotionally?

c. How does being separated from her family change the way she develops?

Essay Topic 2

During the war, Gerda meets a character named Frau Kugler. In what way was the character relevant to the story?

a. Why does Frau Kugler help Gerda during the book?

b. Do you feel that this character had a positive or negative effect on Gerda's views of the Germans?

Essay Topic 3

Early on in the story, the Weissmanns receive a note in the mail saying that all men between the age of 16-50 must register. Why did they only want men? Why doesn't Arthur want Gerda to go to the train with him to say goodbye? Do you think that Arthur or David could have escaped or hidden so as not to be taken away? Why or Why not?

(see the answer keys)

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