Meeting Monday

There was some confusion, but let's meet on Monday. I thought that's what we had decided at the last meeting; that way everyone should have time to get caught up on pages and we'll all be able to move forward from there.

I am not going to post discussion questions just yet over Part Eight, because I want to give you this forum to ask questions. Has there been anything at all in the book that you are unsure about? Anything you wish to discuss? Let's hear it!

See you guys Monday... Have a great Halloween weekend!
:)
Mrs. P

Bookies-- Meet this Week & Discussion Questions!

Hey guys!
After watching the lunchtime traffic for Book Fair and concessions, I am going to request a postponement of our meeting until Monday; it's just too crazy up here for Book Club time. Since I'm putting it off for a full week and some change, are you guys okay with adding on further reading? Let's go to Part Eight, p. 403. That's an additional 53 pages, which should be very manageable (and maybe give some of you time to catch up... KENNETH).

Some questions to ponder and discuss here between now and Monday are below. FYI-- these only go to our original page goal; I will post some for Part Seven after I read that far!

1. Zusak really starts piling on the figurative language and literary devices in this section. What stands out to you? Metaphors, similes, personifcation, foreshadowing, irony, etc... And that's just in the first few pages of our reading! What are some of your favorite pieces of writing (not just examples of the above)? Explain.

2. Max dreams of boxing Adolf Hitler, of fighting to the death, and he trains daily by doing pushups. Why would someone hiding in a basement barely staying alive train for a fight that will never happen? What does all of this represent?

3. What is the seventh side of the die (p. 244-255)? Are there seven sides on a normal die? What does this represent? This section is pretty difficult; what did you think of it?

4. There are a lot of references in the "Death's Diary" sections to actual historical events that you guys may or may not have knowledge of. No one has really asked any questions yet... Do you have any about these sections-- or anything else for that matter?

5. The last line of our page goals is as follows: "They were French, they were Jews, and they were you." What do you think Zusak was saying to the reader? How did this line change the way you were thinking about the book, or how did it make you feel?

Let's talk!
:)
Mrs. P

Bookies-- Meeting tomorrow postponed!

Hey guys,

Book Fair Madness has begun, and between that and Mia the Puppy, I've had zero time to think about anything else much less read! The Teacher Preview luncheon is tomorrow during the lunch periods, so would you guys be okay moving our meeting to Tuesday or Wednesday? And do you have a day preference? Let me know.

So we're definitely going for Part Seven now!

I'll try to post questions tomorrow, but if I don't get to it, I'll definitely post some over the weekend.

If I don't see you tomorrow, have a great weekend!
:)
Mrs. P

Bookies-- Discussion Questions to p. 238

We'll discuss these tomorrow-- feel free to begin formulating your thoughts about any/all here, so the participating teachers can respond!

1. How does Zusak use the literary device of foreshadowing to pull the reader into the story? Any examples that struck you from this page assignment?

2. Guilt is another recurring theme in the novel. Hans Hubermann’s life was spared in France during World War I, and Erik Vandenburg’s life was taken. Why does Hans feel guilty about Erik's death? Guilt is a powerful emotion that may cause a person to become unhappy and despondent. Discuss how Hans channels his guilt into helping others. Explain Max Vandenburg’s thought, “Living was living. The price was guilt and shame.” (p. 208) Why does he feel guilt and shame?

3. How is the use of Mein Kampf in this story ironic? Look at the description on p. 159 for a quick reference!

4. On p. 189, Death addresses how much he "likes" Max's "stupid gallantry". What insight do we gain into Death's personality? Into Max's?

5. Review p. 198-199. This is a pivotal moment between Leisel and her foster parents. What has happened?

6. "Imagine smiling after a slap in the face. Then think of doing it twenty-four hours a day. That was the business of hiding a Jew" (p. 211).What does this comparison mean to you?

7. "The Standover Man"-- How much do you love this gift from Max to Leisel? :)

See you tomorrow during 8th grade lunch!
:)
Mrs. P

Bookies-- to page 238!

We were ambitious this time as so many people (who shall remain nameless) read ahead or wanted to-- but you guys are still behind me. Not for long, though! I'll post discussion questions Wednesday evening/Thursday morning. Until then, feel free to post questions and comments here!

:)
Mrs. P

Discussion Questions--to p. 123

I'm a little late with this-- sorry! I'll be better next week. :) Questions:

1. I love some of the word choice, imagery and figurative language in this book. What are some of the language choices that stand out to you? Where have you paused and thought about what was being shown to you?

2. Is Leisel a substitute for Hans and Rosa's children? Why or why not?

3. Death says that Leisel is "a girl with a mountain to climb" (p. 86). What is her mountain? Who is her climbing partner?

4. Hans Jr. calls his father a coward. How does it take courage to oppose Hitler?

5. FEEL FREE TO POST HERE any questions that you have... as you have them! We can discuss together.
:)
Mrs. P