82 pages 2 hours read

John Boyne

The Boy at The Top of the Mountain

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2015

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Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Reading Check and Short Answer questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Chapters 1-4

Reading Check

1. What event caused Wilhelm to begin drinking heavily?

2. Where does Pierrot go after living with Mrs. Bronstein?

3. Who arranges for Pierrot to live with her?

4. What does Simone give to Pierrot as a parting gift?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What challenges does Pierrot face with his parents in France?

2. How do Anshel and Mrs. Bronstein show kindness to Pierrot?

3. What is life like for Pierrot while he is with the Durand sisters?

4. How does Simone’s description of Hugo create empathy?

Paired Resource

Nazi Germany – Hitler Youth

  • This article explains the formation of the Hitlerjugend, or Hitler Youth, and the motivation behind the organization during World War II.
  • The information connects with the themes of Violence and the Loss of Innocence and Coming of Age.
  • Who was the leader of the Hitler Youth movement? What were common activities associated with the Hitler Youth? Why did Hitler believe it was important to form this organization? How was media used to increase involvement in the group?

Related Titles

By John Boyne