Making Bombs for Hitler

Making Bombs for Hitler is a gripping, fast-moving novel. How does Skrypuch quickly engage the reader? What techniques does she use to build suspense and maintain tension?

Why do the Nazis make prisoners wear different badges? What effect does wearing a label have on the enslaved laborers? How do Lida and her fellow prisoners feel about the badges? Cite examples from the novel to support your answers.

Describe three ways in which the Nazis’ prejudiced ideology informs their inhuman treatment towards the enslaved laborers and other groups whom the Nazis discriminate against. In contrast, describe three ways Lida and other characters show that humanity still exists even in times of hardship and hatred. Support your answers with evidence from the novel.

What is the significance of Lida giving Zenia her crucifix? What does the crucifix represent to Zenia? What does it mean to Lida? What does her gift reveal about Lida’s character?

Why do her captors tell Lida there are “no such people” as Ukrainians? What do they mean? How does this make Lida feel? Similarly, after the war, Pani Zemluk tells Lida that her home “no longer exists” (201). Discuss both the Nazi and Soviet policies towards Ukraine and how they impact Ukrainian people like Lida.

Why do you think Officer Schmidt reassigns Lida to work at the bomb-making factory? What are the pros and cons of this new job for Lida? Use examples from the text to support your answer.

Lida says that feeling “powerless” is one of the worst feelings she has. In what small ways does Lida overcome her feelings of helplessness? Support your answer with evidence from the novel.

Lida declares that she has found “friends of the heart” amongst the other enslaved laborers. What does she mean? Detail three ways in which the enslaved laborers support and encourage each other during their time in the work camp.