Summer Reading Assignment

12th

Grade English IV CP and Honors

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Teacher: Mrs. Borland

Follow MLA Format including proper heading, double-spaced, and complete bibliography entry

for novel. Type these using a font such as Times New Roman, using 11-12 font, and double-

spacing.

Follow directions for each question carefully.

Part I. (All classes) Identify the main characters from the story and give a description of each

character based on what you learned about him/her in the story. (List)

Part II. (All classes) In the novel, the narrator, Death, sees the world, people and events in

colors. Explain this and give direct examples from the text of how colors are used in the novel.

(2-3 paragraph essay, MLA format)

Part III. Additional Essays: Honors students choose 2 of the following questions and answer in

essay format; CP students choose 1 of the following questions and answer in essay format.

1. In THE BOOK THIEF, the narrator urges the reader to consider the power of words—both

written and spoken. In your reading, find examples of how characters in the book were

influenced by both types of words and how they influenced others through language. Then think

about the significance of words in your own life and write about these significant words in a 3-5

paragraph essay.

2. In wartime, conventional notions of morality and legality are continually tested. Discuss the

ways that the main characters must make decisions about how to behave, and how these

decisions usually proved to be fateful. How would you have behaved in their situations? Do you

think you would have obeyed the law or your own conscience? Explain your answer. (3-5

paragraphs)

3. This novel explores non-traditional or unusual relationships. Characters are brought together

by hardship and chance, gradually developing strong bonds of attachment. Discuss these

relationships between characters in a 3 to 5 paragraph essay.

Part IV. Honors students answer ALL of the following questions. CP students answer 3 of the

5 questions.

1. Describe how personification is used in this novel and discuss whether you think it is

effective or not. Make sure to support your argument with examples from the text. (2-3

paragraphs)

2. Explain why Rudy idolizes Jesse Owens and through research (cite source(s)), understand

why this would have been a problem for him in the time and place that the action of the book is

set. (1-2 paragraphs)

3. Describe what is ironic about the first book that Liesel “steals”. (1-2 paragraphs)

4. What is the setting (time and place) of the novel and how does it shape the events in the

novel? (1-2 paragraphs)

5. Compare and contrast the characters of Liesel and Rudy in a Venn Diagram or chart.

(at least 3 similarities & differences)