The Book Thief - Markus Zusak
Smore by: Ella F.
Historical References: Explain at least 3 references to REAL Events in your novel. Use the novel to cite specific text examples as evidence for these references. Include the page number if possible and remember quotation marks.
There were many historical references in my book, The Book Thief. Once of those references in World War 2 was when there was bombing near their town - Munich, Germany on Himmel Street. "Although creating considerable apprehension about the quality of the shelter, at least they could hear the three sirens that would signal the end of the raid and safety. They didn't need a Luftschutzwart - an air-raid supervisor."
Another World War 2 reference from my book was when Liesel's foster parents took in a Jewish man to hide. "There was a young man standing in the kitchen. The key in his hand felt like it was rusting into his palm."
The last, but not least, World War 2 historical reference in my book was when the German Nazis burned the books for Hitler's birthday on April 20th. "A collection of men walked from a platform and surrounded the heap, igniting it, much to the approval of everyone."
Rosa Hubermann & Hans Hubermann
(Liesel on the the left, Rosa in the center, Hans on the right)
- Picture from the movie
Liesel Meminger
- Picture from the movie
Rudy Steiner
- Picture form the movie
WHO ARE THE MAIN CHARACTERS? GIVE AN IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION OF EACH OF THE CHARACTERS, INCLUDE PERSONALITY TRAITS, QUALITIES, AND OTHER SPECIFIC DETAILS OF THE CHARACTERS
The main characters in the book are Liesel Meminger, Hans Hubermann, Rosa Hubermann, and Rudy Steiner. Liesel Meminger is the main protagonist in The Book Thief. She is a 12/13/14 year old girl in Germany. Liesel's mother gave her to foster parents (Hans Hubermann and Rosa Hubermann) who live on Himmel Street - which translates to "Heaven Street". Liesel has always had a fascination for books, which in the end, she steals from people - and fires. Hans Hubermann is one of Liesel's foster parent's. Hans Hubermann was a painter and an accordion player who survived the first World War. Hans Hubermann has always been at Liesel's side to comfort her and teach her how to read. Rosa Hubermann is also one of Liesel's foster parents. Rosa does the mayor's, and the neighbor's laundry for money. At first Rosa Hubermann is "cold" to Liesel, but throughout the book she gets warmer/closer to her.
What is your opinion of the book? Would you recommend the book? Why or why not? Clarify your point of view with 3 or more reasons. Support your reasons with specific examples from the book
I world recommend the book because all the characters are interesting and how they are developed throughout the book is amazing. I would also recommend the book because everything connects, such as Hans Hubermann and the accordion. Also how Hans Hubermann's painting skills are useful when covering the lights of all the buildings and houses in case of bombing. The writing style of the author is also very interesting because there are parts in the book where Death - the narrator - tells you what will happen, but not in full detail. Then in some parts he gives more information about what's happening and his perspective on World War 2 and the concentration camps.
What is the main setting of the book (location and time period)?
Explain some of the major problems the main character faced and how they were resolved?
Some of the major problems the Liesel Meminger - the main character - faced were when she discovered her brother dead on the train which led to her stealing her first book - The Grave Digger - at her brother's funeral in a graveyard. The problem of stealing her first book was resolved by Liesel hiding her book, but then led to Liesel learning how to read.
Quotable Quotes: Find at least 3 memorable quotes that impacted you. Remember to use quotation marks!
“I have hated words and I have loved them, and I hope I have made them right.”
"Every page in every book can have a gem in it."
"The consequence of this is that I'm always finding humans at their best and worst. I see their ugly and their beauty, and I wonder how the same thing can be both."