The Book Thief - Study Guide Questions

Prologue: A Mountain Range of Rubble

“Death & Chocolate”

1. From what point of view is the novel told? Who is the narrator of the story? How do you know?
2. What theory does the narrator suggest about colors? Purpose? Why does the narrator need distractions?
3. List the specific critical components of the story according to the narrator?

“Beside the Railway Line”

1. What impression does Death give himself? Do you feel you can trust Death as the narrator? Why or why
not?
2. Whose death does Death describe first in the novel?
3. What fact does Death clarify for the reader at the end of the chapter?

“The Eclipse”
1. In addition to describing the pilot’s death, what does Death describe for the reader?
2. What does an eclipse frequently symbolize for Death?

“The Flag”
1. Infer what has happened just prior to his arrival based on the description of the setting.
2. How does Death feel about Liesel? Why does Death not comfort her? What does this imply about Death’s
ultimate power?
3. Why does Death take the item from the garbage truck?
4. Identify the three colors associated with the book thief. What clue to the novel’s historical context does the
reader first get from “the colors?”

Part One: The Grave Digger’s Handbook

“Arrival on Himmel Street”

1. Who are Liesel & Werner Meminger? Describe the setting. How old is Liesel?
2. What happens when Liesel wakes from her dream about the Fuhrer?
3. What observation does Death make for the reader?
4. What falls from the grave digger apprentice’s pocket without his knowledge? What does Liesel do with the
object?
5. Why are the Memingers on the train?
6. What kind of atmosphere does Death describe on Himmel Street? How does Liesel respond to her new
home?
7. Identify and describe Liesel’s foster parents.
8. What literary device does Zusak use to close the chapter? What might the reader infer from the final
sentence in the chapter?

“Growing up Saumensch”
1. How many books made up the story of Liesel’s life?
2. How does Death’s admitted preoccupation with colors show itself in the chapter?
3. What single fact does Liesel know about her father?
4. Summarize the key facts you learn about Hans and Rosa (not just those that Death indicates in the lists).
5. What is Liesel supposed to call the Hubermanns’ after a few months? Why do you think Rosa tells Liesel to
do this?
6. With which parent does Liesel seem to bond more easily?

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“The Woman with the Iron Fist”
1. What makes Liesel’s adjustment to life with the Hubermanns’ particularly difficult? How does Papa help
her?
2. Why is The Gravedigger’s Handbook so important to Liesel?
3. What makes school particularly difficult for Liesel?
4. After Liesel’s tenth birthday, in which group is she enrolled?
5. Describe Rosa’s feelings and behavior with regard to her laundry clients. Why does Rosa tell Liesel she has
to do other people’s laundry?
6. Briefly identify Frau Holtzapfel. What is Frau Holtzapfel known for at the Hubermanns’ home?

“The Kiss (A Childhood Maker)”

1. Briefly identify each of the following characters: Rudy Steiner, Frau Diller, Tommy Mueller, and
“Pfiffikus.” Make sure to note their connection to Liesel, if any.
2. Briefly describe the “Jesse Owens” incident.
3. Who introduces Liesel to the “secrets” of the neighbors? Explain.
4. What is Schiller Strasse and what does it foreshadow?
5. What challenge does Rudy offer Liesel following their taunting of Pfiffikus? What is the outcome?

“The Jesse Owens Incident”

1. Who is Jesse Owens?
2. How does Death’s explanation of Mr. Steiner’s politics explain his anger with his son's emulation of Jesse
Owens?
3. What is Rudy’s father trying to make Rudy understand when he tells Rudy that he should be happy he was
born with blonde hair and blue eyes?
4. What is the significance of the event Death foreshadows at the end of the chapter?

“The Other Side of Sandpaper”

1. What important number does Death provide in regard to the Germans’ support of Hitler? How does it relate
to Hans?
2. What event led to Liesel’s bed wetting? How is it a defining moment in her life?
3. Why is Hans more effective at teaching Liesel to read than her teacher is?

“The Smell of Friendship”

1. Where does Papa take Liesel for reading lessons? How does he get Mama to agree?
2. Liesel notices a change in Hans when they are at the river, but doesn’t realize what it means. Why do you
believe Hans is going to the river?
3. Where do Papa and Liesel work on reading while at home? Why?
4. What elements blend together to create the “Smell of Friendship” for Liesel? Why do you think Liesel finds
the smell so appealing yet Rosa finds it so offensive?

“The Heavyweight Champion of the School Yard”

1. What piece of news arrives at the Hubermann household? How does Papa react?
2. What event in the classroom sets Liesel up for antagonism in the school yard? Why does she attack both
Ludwig and Tommy?
3. How is violence at school used to balance with the war in this chapter?
4. Why is Liesel overcome with emotion? How does Rudy respond?
5. What literary device does Zusak use in the final line of this chapter to describe Liesel’s future in school?

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Part Two: A Shoulder Shrug

“A Girl Made of Darkness”

1. In a work of literature, there are various methods of arranging the details of the story such as cause and
effect. How does Zusak use this method to reveal future events in the story?
2. What is special about the second book which Liesel steals? What does it signify?

“The Joy of Cigarettes”

1. Despite her hardship, several things have brought Liesel happiness; what are they?
2. Why does Death like Papa?
3. What gifts does Liesel receive for Christmas from the Hubermanns’? How do they pay for these gifts and
what does this tell us about Papa?

“The Town Walker”

1. Why does Mama put Liesel in charge of collecting and delivering the laundry? How does Liesel feel about
her new job?
2. To whom does Liesel write her letters? Why does she have a foreboding sense with regard to one of the
letters?
3. What conversation does Liesel overhear and what is she now concerned about?

“Dead Letters”
1. Briefly explain why the title of this section is appropriate.
2. Explain why Liesel receives a severe beating from Mama. What is Mama’s response when she understands
and what does Liesel come to understand that is more painful than Mama’s beatings?
3. While Papa’s accordion causes her to get up from the floor, why does she say that “Papa’s music was the
color of darkness”? How are colours being used here again?

“Hitler’s Birthday”
1. How are the Nazi Party members preparing to celebrate Hitler’s birthday?
2. What do the Hubermanns search for frantically to display? Why couldn’t they find it and what can you
infer about them from this incident?
3. Summarize the unrest between Hans and Hans Junior. What does Death foreshadow for Hans Junior?

“100 Percent Pure German Sweat”

1. Why does Death include Tommy Mueller’s inability to hear in this chapter?
2. How does Liesel feel about the book burning? Why is Liesel compelled to see the fire lit?
3. What realization does Liesel make as she hears the word “Kommunisten” spoken as an enemy? What is her
reaction?
4. Describe the episode with Ludwig Schmeikl. Why is the scene important to the overall novel?

“The Gates of Thievery”

1. What statement does Liesel make about Hitler as a result of the new found opinion she has made
throughout the evening? How does Papa respond and why?

“Book of Fire”
1. How does Liesel personify the three books in the fire? Why is this significant?
2. Why was the book described as “eating her up”? (122)

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“Part Three: Mein Kampf

“The Way Home”

1. What is Papa’ revelation when Liesel shows him the stolen book?
2. Why might Papa’s idea be dangerous? What do you think he will do with Mein Kampf?

“The Mayor's Library”

1. Why does Liesel avoid the Mayor’s house?
2. What does Liesel do when she first sees the library?
3. Why does Liesel end up running back to the Mayor’s house?

“Enter the Struggler”

1. Briefly describe Max.
2. What items does the visitor bring Max, and what can you infer from these items?
3. Who is the visitor and how does this link to the previous chapter, “The Way Home”?

“The Attributes of Summer”

1. Describe the protagonist and plot of Liesel’s book. Why might the Nazi Party want to burn this book?
2. To whom do the books in Ilsa’s library belong? What happened to him?
3. Why is it fitting to discover “the power of words” in Nazi Germany? (147)
4. What solidifies Rudy and Liesel’s friendship? What is the incentive?
5. Briefly identify Arthur Berg. Why does he let Liesel and Rudy join his group?
6. Are Liesel and Rudy successful fruit thieves? Explain.

“The Aryan Shopkeeper”

1. What treasure do Rudy and Liesel discover on the laundry rounds? What do they do with it?
2. What does this episode demonstrate about Frau Diller?

“The Struggler, Continued”

1. What does Death’s title and introduction to this section indicate about the division of the plot?
2. Why is Max reading Mein Kampf? How is it ironic?
3. What items are in the bag that Walter Kugler leaves? Infer their importance.

“Tricksters”
1. Briefly identify Otto Sturm and how Liesel and Rudy use him.
2. What does Liesel and Rudy’s loyalty to Arthur Berg cause them to do? How is it connected to their
experience with the apples?
3. What inference can be made about Arthur Berg in regards to the “small tribute” that Death offers?
4. How is the tone in the final passage of the chapter contradicted by the example of foreshadowing in the last
line of the chapter?

“The Struggler, Concluded”

1. Why was this not a time for hope for Max?
2. What is foreboding about the description of the house? How do we know to whom it belongs?

Part Four: The Standover Man

“The Accordionist (The Secret Life of Hans Hubermann)

1. Why does Max ask if Hans plays the accordion? Tell the story of Erik Vandenburg and Hans.
2. What “small but noteworthy note” does Death offer the reader in this chapter? How is this a thematic
concept?
3. Summarize Han’s political conflict. Name his major mistake.
4. What life altering event happened to Hans on June 16, 1939?
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“A Good Girl”
1. How does Liesel respond to Max’s arrival?
2. What do you believe is the “wild card” to which Death refers?

“A Short History of the Jewish Fighter”

1. Why is Max angry at his Uncle’s reaction to death? How does Max claim he will die?
2. How many fights did Walter and Max engage in over the years? How does this fit with Max’s lucky
number?
3. How did Max escape capture on the “night of broken glass?” What happened to his family?
4. What is written on the piece of paper from his mother? Why is it important?
5. Who speaks first at the end of the chapter?

“The Wrath of Rosa”

1. Why is Rosa’s reaction to Max unusual?
2. Explain the final line in the chapter.

“Liesel’s Lecture”
1. Analyze the important point Death makes in the beginning of this chapter.
2. How are Rosa’s conversation and reactions different on this day?
3. Of what promise does Hans remind Liesel, and if she breaks the promise what will happen?
4. How does Rosa uncharacteristically greet Liesel after her talk with Hans?

“The Sleeper”
1. What does Max say in his sleep? How do these people contribute to his nightmares?

“The Swapping of Nightmares”

1. How is Max hidden?
2. Why does Max want to get up and walk out of the Hubermanns’ house?
3. Why was “the business of hiding a Jew” so difficult? (211)
4. What helps Liesel keep her sanity?
5. Why is Liesel so strongly connected to The Whistler?
6. What change do the Hubermanns’ make in their routine in order to preserve Max’s health & safety?
7. What prompts Liesel to tell Papa she does not need him to stay with her when she has a nightmare? Why?
8. What gift does Liesel give Max on her twelfth birthday? How does he respond?

“Pages from the Basement”

1. Describe Max’s book. What is her reaction?
2. Who is the Standover Man at the end of this chapter?

“Part Five: The Whistler

“The Floating Book” (part I)

1. What does Death announce about Rudy? Why would it be characterized as “small?”

“The Gamblers (A Seven Sided Die)”

1. Analyze the symbolism of the seven sided die. List the 7 sides.
2. Why does Max ask Liesel to cut his hair?
3. What binds Max and Liesel?
4. As Max imagines boxing Hitler, how do the rules the referee states mimic the reality of life in Germany?
5. Who is the last person in the ring? Why does the boxing ring disappear at this point?
6. What does the Mayor’s wife give Liesel? Why is Liesel so angry?

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 7. What form does Liesel’s subconscious take when she is verbally attacking the Mayor’s wife? How does she
feel after?
8. Why does the chapter end with Liesel on the “seventh side of Germany’s die”(266)?

“Rudy’s Youth”
1. What is Rudy’s biggest problem?

“The Losers”
1. Briefly identify Viktor Chemmel. Compare him to Arthur Berg as a leader. What parallels might you draw
between their leadership style and leaders from this historical time period?
2. On what terms do Viktor and Rudy separate?

“Sketches”
1. Max intends to write Liesel an autobiography but what changes?
2. What happens when Liesel sneaks a peek of Max’s sketches?

“The Whistler and the Shoes”

1. Why does Rudy need a win?
2. How does Liesel try to improve Rudy’s spirits? What is the outcome?
3. Describe Rosa’s and Liesel’s relationship.
4. Why do you think Liesel is now “truly” the book thief?

“Three Acts of Stupidity by Rudy Steiner”

1. Explain the three acts. Why is Rudy behaving so dangerously? What is the result?

“The Floating Book (Part II)”

1. Explain Rudy’s “victory.”

Part Six: The Dream Carrier

“Death’s Diary: 1942”

1. Why does he refer to the years 79 and 1346? What is his opinion of war?
2. How does Death find relief from the strain of his job?

“The Snowman”
1. Explain the importance of what Liesel brings Max on Christmas Eve.
2. Explain the situation in February about Max. Who takes charge? Why does Liesel feel guilty?
3. Explain the paradox in the final line of the chapter.

“Thirteen Present”
1. Why is it significant that Death visits Max?
2. How does Liesel spend her time with Max? List the gifts that Liesel brings Max and comment on her
selections.
3. How does Mama help Liesel with her grief?

“Fresh Air, and Old Nightmare, and What to Do with a Jewish Corpse”
1. What desire does Liesel express to Rudy? What is the outcome of the venture? What does Death suggest
about the open window?
2. What problem would they face if Max died? How does Liesel put an end to that conversation?
3. Interpret the dream Liesel has of Max replacing her brother?
4. What fear does Max admit to Liesel? How does Liesel ease his fear?
5. As Max recovers, Liesel’s world is returning to normal; how is that contrasting with the outside world?
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“Death’s Diary: Cologne”
1. What event is described in this chapter?
2. Contrast the collections at the end of the chapter.

“The Visitor”
1. Who is the “visitor,” and what implications could this have for the family?
2. How does Liesel get home to warn her family?
3. Explain the outcome of the episode. In what condition do the Hubermanns find Max?

“The Schmunzeler”
1. Who is the second visitor?
2. What does ‘schmunzel’ mean? How is it fitting for Rudy?
3. How does Liesel classify her condition after the day’s events?

“Death’s Diary: The Parisians”

1. Death claims “the sky was the color of Jews.” Why would he say this in 1942? What are Auschwitz and
Mauthausen?
2. Describe Death’s inner conflict and your reaction to it.
3. What is implied by Death’s knowledge that “the sun was blond, and the endless atmosphere was a giant
blue eye”(350)

Part Seven: The Complete Duden Dictionary and Thesaurus

“Champagne and Accordion”

1. In 1942, what is the inevitable event the people of Molching are waiting for? How does this benefit Hans?
2. Characterize Hans based on Liesel’s explanation of their painting experiences.
3. Liesel writes about her life and vows never to drink champagne again, why?
4. What does Death foreshadow? How do you explain the author’s use of the simile “Hard times were
coming. Like a parade.”?

“The Trilogy”
1. How does Rudy spend his time while Liesel is working with Hans? What is his goal?
2. How does Rudy respond when Liesel asks why he would intentionally disqualify himself from the race?
Why do you think he did it?
3. What does Rudy do with his medals?
4. What does Liesel do after she finishes the Dream Carrier?
5. Why does Rudy take Liesel to the mayor’s house? Explain why Liesel stops and looks back at the mayor’s
house.
6. How does Liesel respond to the letter from Ilsa? Why does she believe she doesn’t deserve to be happy?

“The Sound of Sirens”

1. What dilemma confronts the Hubermanns’ in regards to air raids?
2. How is the Fiedler shelter different from others?
3. How does Death feel about the individuals in the shelter?
4. What does Max admit to the family? How long has it been since Max viewed the outside?

“The Sky Stealer”

1. How does Liesel cope with being in the shelter the second time? What reaction does she receive from the
others?
2. Explain the impact of Rosa’s retelling of Liesel’s actions in the shelter on Max.
3. Why is Liesel worried about Max?
“Frau Holtzapfel’s Offer”
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 1. Why does Frau Holtzapfel visit the Hubermanns? What are Liesel’s feelings about the deal Mama makes
with Frau?
2. Interpret the last line of the chapter.

“The Long Walk to Dachau”

1. What are the wishes Death hears as he exits the truck with the dead Jew?
2. What is Han’s reaction when he sees Rudy and Liesel on the street? Why does he let them stay?
3. What impacts Liesel about the Jews passing through Molching on their way to Dachau?
4. How does Papa respond to the parade of Jews? Why is it a “futile miracle”?
5. Why is Papa suddenly overwhelmed, and what are the consequences he fears?

“Peace”
1. How does Max react to the events on the day? What is scheduled for four days later?
2. Explain the meaning of the note Hans finds at the river.
3. Why do you think that Death does not equate the word silence with the words peace, quiet, or calm
following this event?

“The Idiot and the Coat Men”

1. Describe Han’s feelings about Max’s departure.
2. Why might the Hubermanns want the Party to come search their home?
3. Who is the idiot and who are the coat men?

Part Eight: The Word Shaker

“Dominoes and Darkness”
1. Why have the men come to the Steiner’s home?
2. Why might the author intersperse the conversation in the kitchen with the conversation about dominoes that
Rudy and his siblings hold?

“The Thought of Rudy Naked”

1. How does this chapter connect with the previous chapter?
2. What does Rudy finally explain to Liesel, and how does she react?

“Punishment”
1. Why might Hans be grateful for punishment by the Nazi Party?
2. Why does the paper make Hans suspicious?
3. What does it mean when it says that “Rosa had a small rp beneath her right eye, and within the minute, her
cardboard face was broken”(419)? How does this contribute to our understanding of her character?

“The Promise Keeper’s Wife”

1. How do Alex and Hans spend the evening? What is Rosa’s reaction?
2. What promises do Hans and Liesel make at the train station?
3. Where does Rudy tell Liesel they are going? Why? How is this characteristic of Rudy?
4. What does Liesel mean when she states to Rudy, “…and you’ve only lost your father …”?
5. What image does Death provide of Rosa on the night Hans leaves? Does this change your perception of
Rosa?

“The Collector”
1. Where are Hans & Steiner stationed? What are their duties?
2. Who are the LSE? Why have they been selected for this section?
3. Why does Death explain that Hans would “need to perfect the art of forgetting.”?
4. Describe the two types of things that Hans is required to prop up. Is he successful?

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“The Bread Eaters”
1. Who are the “three desperate men” that consume Liesel’s thoughts? What has become Liesel’s favorite
distraction?
2. What does Rudy plan to do with the sack full of bread that he shows Liesel? What argument does he use to
convince Liesel to help him?
3. How does the incident strengthen or alter the reader’s characterization of Rudy? Explain.

“The Hidden Sketchbook”

1. What instructions does Liesel recall from Papa?
2. What gift does Rosa give Liesel and why would she choose this particular time to give it to her?
3. Comment on your impression of the Word Shaker. How does the story give hope to Liesel?

“The Anarchist’s Suit Collection”

1. How and where does Liesel obtain Rudy’s Christmas gift?
2. What does Death urge Liesel to do when Rudy falls? Does she oblige? Foreshadow upcoming events.

Part Nine: The Last Human Stranger

“The Next Temptation”

1. What does Liesel find when she and Rudy go to the mayor's house? What does Liesel realize about the
library?

“The Cardplayer”
1. Why is Reinhold Zucker angry with Hans?
2. Explain the last line of the chapter. What is the literary element?

“The Snows on Stalingrad”

1. Who answers Frau‘s door in Jan. 1943?
2. What news does Michael bring Rosa?
3. Why does Death see Russian winter when he looks at Frau Holtzapfel’s kitchen?

“The Ageless Brother”

1. What does Liesel take to 8 Grande Strasse? How does she know she has done the right thing?
2. Who is the cast of characters Liesel sees before she sleeps? Why?
3. What does Rosa do while holding the accordion? How does it affect Liesel?

“The Accident”
1. What order does Zucker give to Hans? How does Hans respond?
2. Discuss the results of the accident. What does Hans claim after he is safe? What past incident is this
parallel to?
3. Why does Schipper choose to send Hans to Munich rather than back to the LSE?

“The Bitter Taste of Questions”

1. Discuss the letter that Rosa and Liesel receive. What is Rudy’s response to the letter?

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“One Toolbox, One Bleeder, One Bear”
1. Explain Rudy’s behavior since his father left and Hans has returned.
2. What commentary does Rudy offer about Liesel’s thieving? What does Rudy end up stealing?
3. Why does Michael Holtzapfel come to the Hubermanns? What is the result?
4. Identify Michael Holtzapfel internal conflict in the shelter.
5. What causes Rudy and Liesel to run to the Amper River? Explain the importance of the event for Death and
Liesel.
6. What does Rudy give to the pilot? Why is the bear the only thing that is in the toolbox both times?
7. Analyze the final paragraph in this chapter.

“Homecoming”
1. How many years have passed from Liesel’s arrival at the Hubermanns home and Han’s return?
2. What is Death’s implication in the last two lines of the chapter? How do Death’s words affect the tone?

Part Ten: The Book Thief

“The End of the World (Part I)

1. How does Death feel about the bombing of Himmel Street?
2. Throughout the novel, Zusak has stressed the power of words. How does this theme ring true in this
chapter?
3. When Liesel is rescued, Death states that he could not fully share in their enthusiasm, why?

“The Ninety-Eighth Day”

1. Why are the Jews brought to the town during this period?
2. Death presents the image of Michael Holtzapfel on July 24 th as a “pendulum, another clock stopped.”
Identify and explain the figurative language.
3. What does Death learn about Michael’s death from The Book Thief? Who gives the news to his mother?

“The War Maker”

1. What does Death reveal in regards to the war and the situation in Germany?

“Way of the Words”

1. How does Liesel try to identify Max in the parade of Jews?
2. How does Liesel reach out to Max a second time she runs into him in the parade? What is the outcome?
3. Analyze Rudy’s actions.

“Confessions”
1. What is symbolic about Hans’ desecration of the accordion?
2. In what ways does Liesel demonstrate her supreme trust in Rudy?
3. Clarify the irony in what Liesel wants from Rudy.

“Ilsa Hermann’s Little Black Book”

1. What act of vandalism does Liesel commit? Why does she feel the need to do it?
2. What does Liesel leave for Frau Hermann? How has the power of words changed Liesel?
3. Describe the scene when Frau Hermann comes to visit Liesel at 33 Himmel Street.

“The Rib Cage Planes”

1. How has the content of the bold sections changed in this chapter?
2. What literary device does Liesel use to describe Papa?
3. Explain the last line of Liesel’s book. How is it paradoxical?

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“The End of the World (Part II)
1. Why is Death telling the story of the Book thief?
2. Why does Death provide a detailed description of collecting the souls on Himmel Street?
3. Describe Death’s and Liesel’s final descriptions of Hans and Rosa. How are they similar? Even though
Hans and Rosa seemed quite different in life, how were they really very much the same?
4. Describe the scene when Liesel sees Rudy’s body.
5. What vision, which Liesel reveals later to Death, does she have of Papa as she kneels next to his body?
Identify the two items she leaves at his body and what happens to them.

Epilogue: The Last Color

“Death and Liesel”

1. Explain Liesel’s life. Describe her passing.

“Wood in the Afternoon”

1. Whom does Liesel live with after the bombing? Explain the connection with Alex Steiner.
2. What does Alex Steiner regret? Why?

“Max”
1. When does Liesel see Max again?

“The Handover Man”

1. When Death shows Liesel her book, why does she ask whether he understood it?
2. Explain what Death means when he thinks that the drivers “were Hitlers and Hubermanns, and Maxes,
killers, Dillers, and Steiners…”
3. Explain what Death means when he considers that he “overestimate[s] and underestimate[s] the human
race” and that “the same thing could be so ugly and so glorious, and its words and stories so damning and
brilliant.”
4. What is the last note that Death offers us as readers? Why might this be true?

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