
Section 1: Chapter 1
Vocabulary
- murmur: a soft indistinct sound
- thunderous: relating to the sound of thunder
- startle: to feel shock or alarm
- tatter: small piece of cloth or paper
- peasant: a poor farmer of low status
- rumor: a currently circulating story of uncertain or doubtful truth
Vocabulary Sentences
- A rumor was going around the village that a lion was roaming nearby.
- When the space shuttle flew over head it made a thunderous sound.
- Alice nervously pulled at the threads on her tattered sweater.
- The doctor heard a murmur sound when she listened with her stethoscope to the child’s chest.
- Oh! You startled me when you came around the corner suddenly.
- There were many peasants gathered around in the fields hoeing corn.
Comprehension Questions
- Clara heard her parents talking about leaving Austria before it is too late. (pg. 1)
- Clara’s father says Austrian money can still buy a way for us to escape Hitler and the Nazis (pg. 4)
- The thunderous voices behind Marta and Clara roared, “Juden! Juden!” (pg. 5)
- The Jewish families often live in backrooms and basements, hoping to make a quick escape. (pg. 7)
- Clara asks Mama, “Will they take us away?” (pg. 9)
- Mr. Duessel is arrested for baking kosher goods to sell to Jews. (pg. 11)
- Clara’s Grandmother tells her she had carried the dolls in her arms during a night crossing. (pg. 12)
Section 2: Chapter 2
Vocabulary
- fob: a chain attached to a watch for carrying in a waistcoat
- candlesticks: a holder for a tall thin candle
- freedom: to act or change without constraint
- forbade: refuse to allow
- satchel: a bag carried on the shoulder by a long strap
- vanity: a piece of furniture used for dressing
Vocabulary Sentences
- I love my new brown leather satchel, it looks so stylish.
- My Grandmother’s silver candlesticks glow in the candlelight.
- Jose forbade his son to play down by the train tracks.
- There was a lovely old vanity at the used furniture store.
- All people yearn for freedom once they experience it.
- The movie actor’s costume had a watch fob coming out of his vest.
Comprehension Questions
- Papa used the pillow case to collect family possessions that could be sold. (pg. 14)
- The family would pretend they are Swiss citizens returning home. (pg. 15)
- Some of the money would be given to people who would risk their lives helping the family. (pg. 19)
- Mama always begins the Sabbath by lighting the candles. (pg. 19)
- Mama has sewn the candlesticks into the folds of Marta’s petticoat. (pg. 20)
- Papa says the family must not look like they are escaping. (pg. 21)
- Papa toasts to freedom and a safe crossing. (pg. 22)
Section 3: Chapters 3–4
Vocabulary
- journey: travel from one place to another
- foothills: a low hill at the base of a mountain
- crouch: knees are bent and body is low
- patrol: expedition to keep watch over an area
- altitude: the height of an object in relation to sea level
- huddle: crowd together, nestle together
Vocabulary Sentences
- Clara had to crouch down in order to hide from the bully.
- It would be fun to journey from Canada to Alaska.
- The air was thin at the altitude we had climbed to.
- Let’s huddle together to stay warm from the cold wind.
- The foothills looked misty with clouds swirling around them.
- Soldiers patrol the perimeter fence at the Army base.
Comprehension Questions
- Papa whispers to the four of them, “Absolute silence.” (pg. 25)
- Marta reads from books and Clara plays with her dolls in the barn. (pg. 28)
- Papa picks Clara up and carries her on his back. (pg. 30)
- When Mama’s stomach rumbles loudly they freeze in fear. (pg. 33)
- Papa’s shoulders slump because the farmer wants more money. (pg. 36)
- Marta jingles her bracelet because she wants to tempt the farmer’s wife. (pg. 38)
- Papa exclaims, “Good Marta-very good!” (pg. 40)
Section 4: Chapter 5–Epilogue
Vocabulary
- crept: to move slowly and carefully to avoid being noticed
- urgent: requiring immediate action
- petticoat: worn under a skirt or a dress
- insincere: not expressing genuine feelings
- flatlands: land with no hills, valleys, or mountains
- courage: the ability to do something frightening
Vocabulary Sentences
- The flatlands stretched on into the distance for miles and miles.
- Lilly’s hot pink petticoat bounced around as she danced around the floor.
- The cheetah crept in the under brush, stalking his prey.
- An urgent call came over the ham radio about a boat beginning to sink in the lake.
- Javier showed great courage when he helped pull the missing dog from the drain pipe.
- Julia was feeling very insincere about apologizing to her brother after she said something mean.
Comprehension Questions
- The icy winds in the Alps are making two miles seem like a hundred miles. (pg. 42)
- Clara thinks the candlesticks will be safe inside Gittel and Lotte. (pg. 44)
- Papa’s hand tightened around Clara’s hand. (pg. 47)
- The solder asked Clara where she got her dolls. (pg. 48)
- When the war ended it became like it had been before the Nazi terror. (pg. 52)
- Marta and Clara began to truly understand what happened. (pg. 53)
- The two candlesticks on the mantel in the parlor are the most treasured possession. (pg. 54)