City of Thieves

Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

“Red Star”

Research and write an article from Lev’s perspective as though it were written for publication in the Red Star.

At the conclusion of the novel, Lev works in the army as a journalist for the Red Star.

• Conduct research about the events following Lev’s one-week journey during the siege of Leningrad in 1942.
• Then write an article, as though you are Lev, using his individual voice, perspectives, and experiences in the novel to describe the events in your newspaper article.
• Consider writing about topics Lev might feel passionate about, such as bravery, coming-of-age, breaking gender norms, or other topics related to his experience.

Revise and edit your article before displaying and/or sharing aloud. If time allows, you might spend time peer-editing articles with a partner or small group.

Teaching Suggestion: To reinforce Lev’s voice, students may find it beneficial to incorporate Lev’s personal experiences and his interpretations of events, along with supporting textual evidence. Consider providing students with additional guidelines on the formatting and visual presentation of their newspaper article.