Michael McLean

Book: Flames of the Tiger

Author: John Wilson
Grade Level: 7th-12th
Reading Strategy: Making a Model
Description: Model making is exactly what it sounds like. Students
are either assigned or choose a scene of their choice out of a book, or
historical event, or anything really, and construct a model of it. Doing
this shows that students understand the setting of the scene, as well as
a basic image of what is going on during this scene. This strategy can
be used by history teachers, English teachers, and even gym teachers
for demonstration purposes as well as seeing if students in their class understand a sport being
played.
Summary of Book: The story focuses on a young man and former German soldier, Dieter,
escaping from Nazi Germany with the only family he has left: his little sister Greta. As they are
making their way through the German countryside, they run into the lone survivor of a Canadian
Anti-tank unit. The soldier, named Joe, is barely clinging to life from a traumatic head wound
near a Tiger Tank he had just destroyed. Because their father had told them numerous stories
about a friend from Canada who had spared his life in the First World War, they hope this man
can help them escape to safety. To keep Joe awake, and in effect keep him alive, Dieter tells him
the story of his life in Nazi Germany, starting with Hitlers rise to power.
Modifications: Students can work with partners to help with the construction process. Since this
could cost money, the teacher could provide some, if not all, of the materials needed.
Additional Activities: Alongside the model, the teacher can use questions describe what the
model is of, as well as asking for quotes and any questions students may have about the section
they were assigned.
Thematic Units, Topics, or Literature Units: This book could be used alongside a unit studying
World War II. Since American history classes tend to focus more on the Allies side of things, it
would be good to provide an alternate perspective. It could also be used in an English class with
ease, since it is a very engaging book and fairly quick to read, while also not pulling any punches
on the reality of what the time was like in Germany.
Source: Wilson, John. Flames of the Tiger. Toronto: Kids Can Press, 2003. Print.

Reading Reflection and Model Description

Pages 7 29 of Flames of the Tiger
Model description: This is the scene where Dieter and Greta wake up to the ammunition in the__
tank firing off from the heat of the fire. On the right side Dieter is looking over the slope to see if
there is any fighting, with Greta still sitting at the bottom. The tank is at the center on fire, and__
towards the back right is Joe with his dead friend Tom lying on the ground._________________
Why did you choose to model this scene from your chapter?
This is a very important moment in the story. This is when Dieter and Greta find Joe, and Dieter_
starts telling him the story of his life to keep him awake. In short, this is the scene that sets up the
whole book.____________________________________________________________________
Quotes from your assigned pages, with page numbers:

Across the field, a burning Tiger tank lay stark and black against the sunsets fragile
colors, its long cannon pointing uselessly at the heavens. Deep red flames licked upward
from the pools of spilled fuel, and a column of heavy, rolling smoke rose in the still
evening air. (page 7)
(Conversation between Ernest and Reinhard about the Final Solution) (Reinhard)
Theres no need to worry about them they can work for the greater good. (Ernest)
As slave Labor? As slave labor and then what? (Reinhard) Then nothing. They
wont be allowed to reproduce, so they will simply die out. (page 15)
(Joe rambling to his dead friend Tom) And its done for me too, I figure. I want to sleep,
Tom, but I wont wake up, will I? Its not fair, this close to the end. Weve got them beat
okay, and then you go and get your chest blown in and I go and get a bullet to the head.
Im so tired.
(Dieter to Joe, beginning to tell his story) The first thing I remember was a street full
of bright red flags. I thought they were covered in blood.

Questions:

Why does Dieters father trust the Canadians so much after being captured by them?
What happened to Dieter and Gretas family?
How can Dieters brother be so callous about the Jews being enslaved and killed?