Characters and Themes in 'Salt to the Sea'

Miss Slattery introduces 'First Chapter Friday', a series where she shares her favorite books. This session features 'Salt to the Sea' by Ruta Sepetys, a historical fiction novel set at the end of World War II. The book follows four refugees with different backgrounds as they seek safety aboard the Wilhelm Gustloff, a ship that promises freedom but meets a tragic fate. The teacher reads excerpts from the perspectives of the main characters: Joanna, Florian, Amelia, and Alfred, highlighting their unique stories and struggles. The session concludes with a recommendation to explore more of Sepetys' works.

What is the main purpose of First Chapter Friday?

• To discuss movies based on books.

• To write book reviews.

• To introduce students to new books.

• To read the entire book in class.

Who is the author of 'Salt to the Sea'?

• Ruta Sepetys

• J.K. Rowling

• John Green

• Suzanne Collins

What historical event is central to 'Salt to the Sea'?

• The American Civil War

• The end of World War II

• The French Revolution

• The sinking of the Titanic

How many main characters' perspectives are explored in 'Salt to the Sea'?

• Four

• Three

• Two

• Five

What is Joanna's nationality in 'Salt to the Sea'?

• Russian

• Lithuanian

• Polish

• German

What is Florian's role in the story?

• A refugee

• A soldier

• A sailor

• A teacher

What is Emilia's nationality in the book?

• Russian

• Lithuanian

• Polish

• German

What is unique about Alfred's perspective in the story?

• He is a Nazi.

• He is a teacher.

• He is a refugee.

• He is a sailor.

What does the teacher encourage students to do at the end of the session?

• Write a book report.

• Borrow the book.

• Create a presentation.

• Watch a movie adaptation.