Summer of My German Soldier

Chapters 1-4

Reading Check

1. To see the German prisoners of war (POWs) transiting to new camps (Chapter 1)

2. A man named Grover (Chapter 1)

3. Bergen’s Department Store (Chapter 1)

4. The grandmother shows how mature she thinks Patty is by “how much wine she pour[s]” into Patty’s glass. (Chapter 2)

5. She says, “God is on America’s side and anybody who’s against us is on the devil’s side, and that’s the truth.” (Chapter 4)

Short Answer

1. Patty’s family consists of her mother, her father, her sister Sharon, and their African American housekeeper Ruth. Patty has a secure and loving relationship with Sharon and Ruth; however, she struggles to relate to her parents. (Chapter 1)

2. On the way to Patty’s grandparents’ house, Patty tries to make conversation with her parents and joke; however, her parents ignore her. When her sister makes a joke, they laugh and engage with her. Patty becomes reflective about the way she is and blames herself for this lack of parental love. (Chapter 2)

3. In contrast with Patty’s parents, Patty’s grandparents are loving and kind.