Book Club - The Book Thief
It is 1939. Nazi Germany. Liesel Meminger is a foster girl living outside of Munich, who scratches out a meager existence for herself, when she encounters something she can’t resist… books. This is a fictional book, both sad and realistic.
Carol Burns PhD, ACE Educator
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:(278)
Star Educator
What's included
10 live meetings
6 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
The extraordinary, beloved novel about the ability of books to feed the soul even in the darkest of times. When Death has a story to tell, you listen. It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will become busier still. Liesel Meminger is a foster girl living outside of Munich, who scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement. In superbly crafted writing that burns with intensity, award-winning author Markus Zusak, author of I Am the Messenger, has given us one of the most enduring stories of our time. Join us for this once weekly, 10 week book club as we read and discuss this moving story, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. In this multi-day class, we will meet once weekly for 10 weeks to discuss our reading. During class time, full participation in class discussion is expected. There is grace for a shy student, of course, but students will be encouraged to dive into the discussion as they acclimate to the group. Each student will have a turn to share their thoughts and ideas. I will have questions and discussion prompts ready each week, should conversation lag. After our discussion time, we will end with a game if time permits! My book clubs are typically highly engaging, highly interactive, very lively! This book is written in a unique format, so we will be reading it in parts. There are ten parts which will be assigned to be read ahead of time, before class. The book is also available as an audiobook! All of class time will be dedicated to discussing the books, applying critical thinking, discussing characters, plot, and other literary aspects, designing a book cover, and ending with a fun game, all related to the book. Snacks are always welcome! Please read each Part BEFORE class! 1/3 - Part 1 1/10 - Part 2 1/17 - Part 3 1/24 - Part 4 1/31 - Part 5 2/7 - Part 6 2/14 - Part 7 2/21 - Part 8 2/28 - Part 9 3/7 - Part 10
Learning Goals
Students will gain skills in the following areas:
- public speaking
- interacting with opposing opinions
- practicing active listening
- sharing thoughts and insights
- building vocabulary
- exploring the characters, settings, and plot
Syllabus
10 Lessons
over 10 WeeksLesson 1:
Part 1
In this class, we will discuss our reading of the Part 1, including a discussion of the characters, plot, and setting. 40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Part 2
In this class, we will discuss our reading of the Part 2. 40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Part 3
In this class, we will discuss our reading of the Part 3. 40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Part 4
In this class, we will discuss our reading of the Part 4. 40 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
World War II, Hitler, and the Holocaust are heavy topics to cover. These topics are integrated throughout this book, although it is fictional. It can affect readers of any age. I highly encourage parents to read the book with their student, OR at the very least talk with them about the book throughout their reading. It’s a difficult time in history for any of us to process.
This class is NOT a history class, it is a book club. During class discussion, we will be focusing on the main characters, and their experience. While the book is definitely realistic and sad, it I also beautiful and inspiring.
Supply List
Students will need a copy of the book The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. Students can use their own books, library books, ebooks, or even listen to the audio books. If listening to the audiobooks, it is highly recommended that student reads independently to develop their own reading comprehension and competency.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined March, 2020
4.8
278reviews
Star Educator
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree from Clarks Summit University
Ms. Carol has been a voracious reader since childhood. Her lifelong passion is to cultivate curiosity in children, and to inspire a lifelong love of learning, especially the reading and enjoyment of beautiful literature!
Ms. Carol has a PhD in pedagogy and history, with a Master’s in Cultural Studies. One of my core values is to teach the true and accurate version of history I was not taught as a child. Racism or racial stereotypes is never acceptable to me, and neither is a white-washed version of history.Reviews
Live Group Class
$150
for 10 classes1x per week, 10 weeks
40 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-16
2-6 learners per class
