Estimated time: 45 minutes

Think about and discuss these questions from your reading:

1. The author has chosen an unusual narrator for this book. How do you think this affects the story?
2. Color is very important in this story. For example, he identifies the three times he meets the book thief with three colors. How are these colors significant when put together?
3. Describe Liesel's school experience and its effects. Should she have beat up Schmeikl?
4. What is the significance of the title of the first book she stole?
5. Discuss how you know that Hans loves Leisel.
6. Liesel enjoyed sitting in the mayor's library and reading various books. What was she discovering in this activity?
7. Who is Max Vanderburg?

Freewriting

After you have pondered and discussed these questions with your teacher, choose one to complete a freewrite on. If you are unfamiliar with freewriting, here are a few tips:

• Keep your pencil moving. Don’t stop. Just brain dump onto your paper
• Have a set amount of time. Set a timer and write for the full amount of time.
• Ignore all grammar and spelling. Don’t let editing slow down the process. The goal is to get thoughts on paper. Spelling and grammar are not important in this instance.
• Pen and paper aren’t the only ways to freewrite. Feel free to type on the computer. Not only does this accomplish the task, but it builds typing skills.

Share your freewrite with us in the comments below.