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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. When does Germany annex Czechoslovakia?

2. In 1942, what does Helmuth do after he hears another prisoner killed?

3. In 1933 who brings news of the emergency decree Hitler declares to Helmuth's grandparents?

4. What does Helmuth keep saying in a prayer in 1942?

5. When is Austria reunited with Germany?

Short Essay Questions

1. After a radio speech Hitler makes in 1933, what does Helmuth's grandfather say about Hitler?

2. In 1932, what do Helmuth's grandparents fear?

3. In 1938 why is Rudi interrogated by the Gestapo?

4. In 1932, what does Helmuth imagine as he plays with his soldiers and Gerhard reads?

5. What does Helmuth ask his mother after Hugo returns from riots against the Jews in 1939, and what does she tell him?

6. In 1932, what suggestion does Gerhard make when he sees Helmuth playing with toy soldiers?

7. What is the Hitler Youth group, and how do its members dress?

8. In 1928 what does Helmuth see on the street when he is walking with his mother and half-brothers?

9. In 1932, where and how is Helmuth playing with toy solidiers?

10. In 1938 when Helmuth joins the Hitler Youth, what does Hugo say and do?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the flashbacks, Helmuth is three when readers first meet him. How does Helmuth mature and come of age through his experiences during the Hitler era?

Essay Topic 2

Helmuth reads in a book by Heinrich Mann that “revolutions are rare because people are too selfish.” What happens to people who dare to question Hitler’s government? What do most people in the novel do when they see injustice or lose freedoms? Based on what the author reveals about characters and their actions, are people too selfish to revolt against Hitler?

Essay Topic 3

Helmuth begins to realize that Hitler and the Nazis are lying. What are the circumstances and people who influence Helmuth? How do those circumstance and people influence Helmuth and lead him to want to tell the truth?

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