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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 inanimate object does Max credit with saving his life?

2. Which sport does Max regularly dream he is participating in with Adolf Hitler?

3. Who did Hans credit with saving his life during WWI?

4. How does Liesel react when Frau Hermann offers a book to her as a gift?

5. How does LIesel feel after her outburst against Frau Hermann?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where do Hans and Rosa hide Max in their house?

2. When Frau Hermann invites LIesel inside her house, what does she show the young girl?

3. How does Rudy Steiner express his admiration for Jesse Owens?

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

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

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

7. How does Max escape from Stuttgard after the war breaks out?

8. How does Liesel celebrate her first Christmas with Hans and Rosa?

9. How do the citizens of Molching decide to celebrate the birthday of the Fueher?

10. What objects are given to the mysterious young man in Stuttgart to help him escape the city?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

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

Zusak chooses a very interesting narrator in the voice of Death. First, describe at least two scenes in which Death visits with Liesel. What does the reader learn about Death, and Liesel's relationship with him during these interactions? Do you think Death was an effective narrator for this novel? Why or why not?

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