The Boy at The Top of the Mountain

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?

“Anti-Semitism”

• This article describes antisemitism and its causes before, during, and after World War II.
• The information in this article is connected to the novel’s themes of Violence and the Loss of Innocence and Literature and the Arts as Opposition to Destructive Ideologies.
• Why is antisemitism sometimes called “history’s oldest hatred”? What ancient civilizations held antisemitic views? What was the reasoning behind antisemitism during World War II? What are Kristallnacht and the Holocaust?

Chapters 5-7

Reading Check

1. What does Beatrix do for work at the Berghof mansion?

2. What clothing does Beatrix advise Pierrot to wear?

3. Who does Beatrix insist should never write to Pierrot?

Short Answer

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

1. What events provide Pierrot with clues about the dangers of his new life in Berghof?

2. What reason might Beatrix have for insisting that Ernst was not at a meeting?

3. What reason does Beatrix give to Pierrot for never visiting his father?

4. How does Pierrot feel about Emma’s interaction with the chicken, and how does he relate it to Anshel’s experiences in France?

Paired Resource

“How Hitler’s Luxurious Residence Got Built”

• This 4-minute video explores Hitler’s Berghof mansion and the adjustments made to prepare it for war.
• This information connects to the novel’s theme of Literature and the Arts as Opposition to Destructive Ideologies.
• What changes did Hitler make to the Berghof? What are some of its most notable features? Who was Gerdy Troost? How were the arts used to make an impression on visitors?

Chapters 8-10

Reading Check

1. What is the name of the youth organization related to the uniform Hitler gifts to Pierrot?

2. Who is Hitler’s household preparing to receive?

3. What food was used in an attempt to poison Hitler?

4. Who is executed because of Pierrot?

Short Answer

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

1. Why does Beatrix advise Pierrot to spend less time with Hitler?

2. What does Hitler do to manipulate Pierrot into becoming part of his organization?

3. How does Pierrot’s personality begin to change as he spends more time with Hitler?

4. Why does Pierrot have mixed emotions about Hitler?

Paired Resource

“King Edward the VIII”

• This article explores the life of King Edward VIII and his collusion with Nazi Germany.
• This information connects to the novel’s theme of Violence and the Loss of Innocence.
• Why was Edward VIII forced to abdicate his throne? What difficulties ensued as a result of his close relations with Germany? Why is Edward VIII a controversial figure?

Chapters 11-14

Reading Check

1. What is Pierrot’s role in the Hitlerjugend by the time he is 13?

2. What plans are being discussed when Pierrot is asked to join Hitler’s meeting?

3. Who does Pierrot invite to a birthday party?

4. What does Pierrot find in his hiding place in Berghof?

Short Answer

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

1. Why do other members of the Hitlerjugend make fun of Pierrot for his position?

2. How does Pierrot respond when he feels belittled or insecure?

3. Why is Pierrot surprised by Ernst’s sister’s response to his letter? What does it reveal about Pierrot’s thoughts on his own involvement with Hitler?

Recommended Next Reads

An Elephant in the Garden by Michael Morpurgo

• This novel describes the experience of a young woman who cares for an elephant during World War II.
• Shared themes include Coming of Age and Violence and the Loss of Innocence.
• Shared topics include children during World War II, historical events, and compassion.
• An Elephant in the Garden on SuperSummary

Elephant Run by Roland Smith

• This novel is about a boy who struggles to survive in Japanese-occupied Burma during World War II.
• Shared themes include Coming of Age and Violence and the Loss of Innocence.
• Shared topics include World War II, dangerous authority figures, and deception.
• Elephant Run on SuperSummary