City of Thieves

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. Consider what you’ve learned from history classes and historical books and films with regard to the Allies and Axis powers in WWII. What major event in June of 1941 prompted Russia to join forces with the Allies? What were some repercussions of that event? Why was Russia’s involvement with the Allies important during the war?

Teaching Suggestion: This novel is set during World War II in the Soviet Union following Operation Barbarossa, Germany’s major attack on and invasion of the Soviet Union. One way to introduce the historical context of the novel may be to discuss the importance of the USSR in World War II. Additionally, students may find it beneficial to develop an understanding of Operation Barbarossa and the casualties the Soviet Union suffered during the war.

• This article describes the Soviet Union’s role in World War II and the political tensions with the Soviet Union following the war.
• This article describes Operation Barbarossa and the subsequent reaction of Allied forces following the German invasion of Russia.

2. What do siege tactics generally involve in warfare? What might have been the consequences for the people of Leningrad when German forces laid siege to the city in WWII? Why do you think Leningrad was important both strategically and symbolically during World War II? Think about residents of the city during the siege. What conditions did they face?

Teaching Suggestion: The protagonist of the novel, Lev, is a citizen of Leningrad following the siege brought about by German forces. Lev is arrested for looting after finding the body of a German parachutist. Looting is a criminal offense in Leningrad punishable by death. Lev, however, is able to escape the death penalty if he can acquire a dozen eggs for the general’s daughter’s wedding. Prior to reading the novel, students may benefit from developing an understanding of the tactical importance of Leningrad, the shortages and conflicts incurred during the siege, and how the civilians of Leningrad suffered. Readers might investigate additional topics such as Hitler’s strategy regarding Leningrad, the length and tactics of the siege, and starvation in the city.

• This 7-minute video reconstructs the Siege of Leningrad and describes the importance of the city in Russia during World War II.
• This article describes the Siege of Leningrad, the military strategies used against it, and what citizens did to survive.

Personal Connection Prompt

This prompt can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before reading the novel.

Describe a time when you felt brave and compare it to a time when you were afraid. What circumstances contributed to your bravery or fear? Is bravery defined by overcoming fears or by acting even when fears arise? Is fear part of a person’s nature, or is it developed later in life? How might bravery be interpreted differently based on cultural norms, age, or gender? Should fears be determined by physical or mental limitations? Is bravery always selfless, or can it arise in selfish situations? What are examples of bravery in your culture? How do the examples provide clues about how bravery is viewed?

Teaching Suggestion: In the novel, Lev wrestles with his own cowardice, especially in comparison to his brave and heroic friend, Kolya. It isn’t until Lev meets Vika, a tomboy working for the NVKD, that his bravery is strengthened enough to act on her behalf. Consider discussing bravery, what constitutes bravery, the role age plays in the development of bravery, and circumstances that increase courage.

Differentiation Suggestion: Students who would benefit from an additional challenge can research and write about the psychology of bravery, how it is defined, and the factors that contribute to it.