An Introduction with Death: A Close Reading of the Prologue from The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

In this lesson, students will conduct several close readings of an excerpt from the prologue of The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. For the first close reading, students will focus on identifying the narrator and select academic vocabulary. In the second reading, students will analyze different examples of figurative language within the prologue. They will focus on how the word choices impact the tone of the novel and what effect it has on the reader. During the final close reading, students will explore the persona of the narrator. The summative assessment is a two-paragraph writing assignment which will require students to discuss how Zusak's use of figurative language enhances the story. Students will also examine how the structure of the text sets the tone for the rest of the novel.
Resource ID#: 58152 Type: Lesson Plan
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General Information

Subject(s): English Language Arts
Grade Level(s): 9, 10
Intended Audience: Educators educators
Suggested Technology: Document Camera, Computer for Presenter, LCD Projector
Instructional Time: 4 Hour(s)
Keywords: The Book Thief, Markus Zusak, figurative language, narrative, first person, context clues, close reading, text dependent questions, text structure, tone, character development
Instructional Component Type(s): Lesson Plan,  Worksheet,  Assessment,  Instructional Technique,  Formative Assessment
Instructional Design Framework(s): Direct Instruction, Writing to Learn, Cooperative Learning
Resource Collection: CPALMS Lesson Plan Development Initiative

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