Contents
Chapter 20 - The Attributes of Summer
Overview
Liesel’s summer centers on reading, the mayor’s library, street soccer, and her first organized thefts. She glimpses Ilsa Hermann’s private grief over her dead son and feels the power of words. Rudy’s hunger pushes Liesel into Arthur Berg’s fruit-stealing crew, cementing her bond with Rudy and deepening her resourceful defiance.
Summary
Death frames the summer of 1940 for Liesel as four “attributes”: nightly reading of The Shoulder Shrug with Hans, visits to the mayor’s library, soccer on Himmel Street, and a new chance to steal. Liesel finds joy in reading with Hans, savoring images like “shivering snow,” even as the household worries over work and their son possibly heading to war.
At the mayor’s house, Ilsa Hermann silently allows Liesel to read on the floor. Liesel discovers a child’s name—Johann Hermann—inscribed in a picture book and learns he died, likely freezing. Moved, Liesel awkwardly says “I’m sorry” and leaves, feeling pity for Ilsa while sensing, for the first time, the power of words.
Back on Himmel Street, soccer provides relief. Liesel apologizes relentlessly to Tommy Müller for her past beating and briefly plays goalie to help him, while trading playful barbs and rough tackles with Rudy Steiner. Rudy’s joking pursuit of a kiss resurfaces during a frigid swimming lesson that leaves Liesel furious but safe.
Rationing and the Steiners’ hardship sharpen Rudy’s hunger, leading Liesel and Rudy to follow older boys to a farm. Under Arthur Berg’s brisk leadership—with Andy Schmeikl among the crew—they learn the rules of apple theft and pull off their first raid. Rewarded with a dozen apples, Liesel and Rudy gorge themselves by the river and later hide the deed; Liesel vomits at home, blaming pea soup while secretly rejoicing in the stolen fruit.
Who Appears
- Liesel MemingerReads The Shoulder Shrug with Hans, explores Ilsa’s library, apologizes for Johann, plays soccer, and steals apples.
- Rudy SteinerHungry and restless; teaches Liesel to swim, banters over kisses, joins and helps lead apple theft with Liesel.
- Ilsa HermannMayor’s wife; silently hosts Liesel in her library; reveals her son Johann’s death and her ongoing grief.
- Hans HubermannReads nightly with Liesel, comforts her after nightmares, and provides quiet stability amid family worries.
- Arthur BergAgreeable teenage leader of the fruit-stealing gang; instructs rules and rewards Liesel and Rudy with apples.
- Tommy MüllerTimid boy wary of Liesel after her past beating; receives her apologies during Himmel Street soccer.
- Rosa HubermannRuns the household on little; berates Liesel when she vomits, unaware of the stolen apples.
- Andy SchmeiklGang member who praises Liesel’s earlier fight; participates in the apple raid.
- Fritz HammerOlder boy whose apples reveal the theft ring; first to bait Liesel and Rudy’s curiosity.
- Harald MollenhauerSoccer player who orders Tommy back into goal after a clumsy foul.
- DeathNarrator who frames the chapter’s themes and foreshadows future turns.