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ABOUT THE BOOK
NO SPOILERSLouis Zamperini grows up a troublemaker in Torrance, California, until his older brother Pete channels his wild energy into running. Louie transforms into a record-setting miler who competes in the 1936 Berlin Olympics and sets his sights on the 1940 Games. When World War II erupts, he enlists in the Army Air Forces and becomes a bombardier flying dangerous missions over the Pacific. On May 27, 1943, his plane goes down over the ocean, and Louie and two crewmates find themselves adrift on a small rubber raft with no food, no water, and no rescue in sight.
Free Battle of the Books questions for Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption
SPOILERSEvery one of these has the same answer, and that is the point. In a real battle the question is read aloud with a dozen other books in play, and students have a few seconds to place it. Here is what a battle might ask about Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption. Use them as a quiz, a trivia round, or BOTB practice.
Where in the book they come from
- Early in the book
In what book does a toddler leap from a moving train and stroll calmly up the track?
✓ Answer
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand
Two year old Louie Zamperini leapt from a train as the family was moving from New York to California. His older brother Pete spotted him strolling up the track in perfect serenity. The scene establishes Louie's lifelong refusal to be confined.
- First half
In what book does a gunner shoot down a fighter after his big toe is blown off inside his boot?
✓ Answer
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand
Over Nauru, Stanley Pillsbury shot down a Zero whose pilot wore a white scarf. After the fight Louie pulled off Pillsbury's boot and found Pillsbury's big toe still inside it. So much shrapnel was embedded in his leg that it bristled like a pincushion.
- First half
In what book does a passing plane circle a raft and then open fire on the men waving up?
✓ Answer
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand
On day 27 the castaways spotted what they thought was a rescue plane. The bomber circled back, but it was Japanese. It strafed them seven times. Phil and Mac played dead in the raft while Louie repeatedly went into the water to dodge bullets and sharks.
- Second half
In what book does a runner shave a cruel guard's eyebrows down to a thin coquettish line?
✓ Answer
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand
After the guard nicknamed the Weasel kept stiffing him on rice-ball payment, Louie let his razor slip while shaving the guard's forehead. The other guards howled with laughter and shouted "Marlene Dietrich!"
- Second half
In what book do prisoners run a "University of Thievery" to steal food from their captors?
✓ Answer
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand
At Omori the slave laborers turned stealing into an art form. Veteran thieves taught novices their craft, and the final exam was an actual heist at the work sites.
- Near the end
In what book does a reporter at Yokohama tell a returning prisoner that he is dead and ask for proof?
✓ Answer
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand
When Frank Tinker pointed Louie out to journalist Robert Trumbull, Trumbull replied that Zamperini was dead. Louie produced a USC football pass from a hidden wallet pocket to prove his identity.
