View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Which of Frau Hermann's relatives dies, leaving her deeply depressed?

2. What does Max give to Liesel for her birthday?

3. What does Hans sell in order to buy Liesel two new books?

4. How many soldiers survived the battle Hans Hubermann sat out during WWI?

5. How does the reader know Liesel's brother is sick?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is the relationship between Hans and Hans Jr. strained?

2. How is the mysterious young man in Stuttgart described when the reader sees him for the first time?

3. Where does Rosa get the idea to send Liesel on all of her sales calls for the laundry business?

4. What reaction does Liesel have when she overhears someone use the word "Communist" at the bonfire?

5. Why was Hans Hubermann asked to stay behind while the rest of his troop was sent in to battle in France during WWI?

6. How do Liesel and Rudy manage to steal a food basket from a church?

7. What chores is Liesel expected to complete around the house while she is living with Hans and Rosa?

8. What are Liesel's first impressions of Rosa and Hans Hubermann?

9. How do the Hubermann and Steiner families stretch the food they have during the recession so no one goes hungry?

10. How do Hans and Rosa react when Liesel asks for permission to write letters home to her mother?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 982 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample