The Book Thief Novel Study

The Book Thief Novel Study is a comprehensive set of instructional materials with over 100+ resources for teaching The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. With these Common-Core aligned materials, students will deeply engage with the novel and develop their literacy skills. The suite includes 100+ resources to help you implement an engaging, rigorous ELA unit.

The Book Thief Novel Study Snapshot of Resources Included in Unit:

• 34 Literary Analysis Assignments
• 34 Close Reading Assignments (literary skills-based)
• 8 Historical Nonfiction Readings & Questions
• 4 Color Theory Readings
• 6 Extension Activities (to pair with color theory nonfiction readings)
• Assessment Resources - 34 Mini-Quizzes, 10 Novel Quizzes, 1 Final Test, Essay Prompts
• Vocabulary Resources - 3 Crossword Puzzles, 3 Quizzes, Graphic Organizers
• 2 Final Projects
• Instructional Pacing Guide - Outlines 30 days of learning
• Answer Keys for ALL applicable resources!
• Google Slides™ or Google Forms™ links for student pages!

Digital Compatibility: This resource is also technology friendly! It can be utilized in classrooms where computers or tablets are central to instruction because the resource has been adapted for digital completion. The resources include links for students to complete any work assigned, such as in-class tasks and assessments, online via Google Slides™ and Google Forms™. For instance, students can work with the documents in Google Drive™ or via Google Classroom™. With these links, you can have students complete their activities, assignments, and ALL ASSESSMENTS online. All they will have to do for the student pages is either create a text box or fill out a form! There are links for every student page and assessment, making the format friendly not only for technology but also trees.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak: Literary Analysis, Novel Study, 34 Assignments: The 34 literary analysis assignments provide a framework for students to complete a deep analysis of each chapter set in The Book Thief. Each assignment is aligned to the Common Core State Standards. They are designed not only to have students practice literary skills but also demonstrate their comprehension of the text. The literary analysis comes in two formats and could supply homework, facilitate guided reading groups, or stimulate whole class literacy discussions for each chapter. You can choose the purpose that best suits your students and your classroom. ***This resource also comes in a digital format that allows students to complete assignments on a computer.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak: Fiction Close Readings – 34 Assignments: The 34 fiction close reading lessons focus on critical Common Core State Standards to develop students’ literary proficiency. Using the novel as the foundational text for close reading, each lesson focuses on a particular skill and provides students an opportunity to develop and demonstrate their ability to perform that skill. Each assignment also requires students to use textual evidence to support their claims, and the resource includes an answer key. ***This resource also comes in a digital format that allows students to complete assignments on a computer.

Historical Nonfiction Close Readings and Extension Activity (Bonus Materials): The historical nonfiction close reading lessons develop students’ background knowledge about the international dynamics leading toward World War II, the rise of the Nazi regime, and the Holocaust. Each close reading includes questions that will develop essential skills aligned to the reading of informational texts under the Common Core State Standards. After practicing these skills over the course of the unit, you can be confident your students will have mastered numerous standards. For the extension activity, students will dive deeper into World War II with an inquiry of their choosing.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak: Color Symbolism and Novel Extension Activities: The nonfiction close reading lessons and extension activities develop students’ background knowledge about color theory. With these informational texts, students will learn about the color wheel, harmony, and context of color. Each close reading includes questions that will develop essential skills aligned to the reading of informational texts under the Common Core State Standards. Meanwhile, the 6 extension activities take your students deeper, using color theory and applying it to aspects of the novel. You know your students best. Based on their interests, the extension activities provide an avenue for your students to enhance their investigation into color theory and apply it to the world around them.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak: Tests, Quizzes, Essays: After students complete the chapter analysis, close reading assignments, vocabulary assignments, and extension activities, they will know The Book Thief inside and out. The Common Core aligned assessments will then help you measure your students’ comprehension of the text and their ability to apply the literary skills taught throughout the unit. The materials include 34 mini-quizzes, 10 comprehension quizzes (1 for each part of the novel), 1 final literary assessment, and essays. Answer keys are included for all materials.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak: Vocabulary Resources – Crosswords, Quizzes, Key: Teaching vocabulary is an important part of any lesson. This vocabulary suite is a great way to help students learn, acquire, and use new words they will encounter in The Book Thief. The resources will assist students as they learn and use new words while providing engaging activities to have them practice applying those words in academic settings. It will maximize their vocabulary expansion based on the challenging words the resources identify from each part of the novel.

Novel Projects: The two novel projects offer another avenue for students to go deeper with the novel and its content. The activities are designed to have students synthesize understandings and produce creative products. In doing so, they will develop critical thinking skills aligned with essential Common Core standards that have been embedded in the project’s course.

The alignment guide provides a list of the resources and standards that have been woven into the fabric of that resource. The pacing guide outlines a suggested schedule of lessons, readings, and activities in order to complete a 6-WEEK study of The Book Thief. The pacing guide may need to be adjusted to meet the rhythm of your classroom and needs of your students.

PLEASE NOTE: This resource is NOT EDITABLE! It is intended to be comprehensive, but if you have particular needs for your classroom, please contact me! (lauren@lit-lessons.com)