Discussion Guide

The Web of the Spider

Book 2: Threat of the Spider

By Michael P. Spradlin​

About the Book

Threat of the Spider, the sequel to Rise of the Spider, shares the story of Rolf’s best friend Ansel, as he continues to live in Germany during the rise of the Nazi Party. Danger has grown in the community, and Ansel’s family is feeling the effects of this threat. With the Nazi Party’s growing membership, Ansel’s dad, a newspaper reporter for the daily Nuremberg Zeitgeist, is resolved to share the truth of what the Nazis truly represent. However, when immense trouble comes his way, Ansel is determined to destroy the control of the “spider,” a symbol of creeping control, before more innocent lives are affected. Ansel enjoys reading detective novels but is now caught in a real-life conflict of secrets, fear, and great risk. He is forced to make tough choices to protect and save the lives of the people he loves. Guided by his fictional hero, Detective Dirk Goodly, Ansel relies on strategy, intelligence, bravery, and especially determination to fight injustice during this difficult time in history.

Discussion Questions

1. Threat of the Spider is the second book in the Web of the Spider series, following book one, The Rise of the Spider. How might the book titles in this series foreshadow what is to come to both Germany and its people?

2. “The German economy was in tatters.” (Chapter one) What evidence is the reader given that shows that the country is in decline and its people must adapt to a new way of living? What shocking news does Rolf tell Ansel about how he and his dad are dealing with economic changes? How do you think it will affect their relationship?

3. An author uses symbolism to give objects, people, or events deeper meaning. The brick, or rock, that we encounter multiple times throughout the story represents a bigger idea. What do you think the brick symbolizes? Explain how this small object tells us more about the struggles society is going through.

4. The story follows the point of view of Ansel, the protagonist. We learn that he loves detective books, despises cheaters, and enjoys taunting others. How and when do these traits appear at important moments in the book? What effect does Ansel have on others because of these attributes? Cite specific examples.

5. Ansel’s father, Heinrich Becker, has decisive thoughts about the Nazi Party. Discuss, using evidence from the text, how he feels about it and why. How does his job as a newspaper reporter bring danger into his life during these uncertain times in Germany? How does Ansel feel about opening a newspaper office space in Heroldsberg?

6. There is tension when Ansel’s father notices Hans giving out flyers outside his office. Discuss the demeanor and actions of both of them. Does Heinrich stand up or back down when he encounters members of the Nazi Party? What does this tell us about him?

7. Ansel, Rolf, and Joshua are three friends that have much in common. Even during tough times, they stick together. Describe their friendship. What do they enjoy doing together? Who do you think is the leader of the group and why? Would they risk their lives for one another? Support your responses with text evidence.

8. In 1930, the Nazi Party grows at a rapid pace. Discuss the changes that the people of Germany encounter. What is the behavior of the Hitler Youth? How do they increase their membership? How are the people who were opposed to the party’s ideals treated? How do you think you would behave if you were in their shoes? Explain.

9. Ansel loves the book series Dirk Goodly, Boy Detective. When his dad is missing, Ansel feels the need to try to find him. He asks himself, “What would Dirk Goodly do? . . . He would follow the clues until he found his father.” (Chapter fourteen) How does reading detective novels help Ansel on his quest? What strategies does he use? Which ones are successful and which ones aren’t? Be specific.

10. Ansel and his friends, along with Hans and his friends, decide to play capture the flag to see which is the stronger group. They each come up with their own plans and strategies. Discuss how each team comes together to try to win the competition. Be specific. Do you think capture the flag is a parallel idea to an actual war? What are some similarities and differences between them?

11. The climax is the turning point of the story when everything changes. When Ansel notices that the photographer Klaus, his father’s colleague, exhibits suspicious behavior, he decides to look further. Discuss what happens when Ansel trusts his instincts and how it leads to dangerous events. What does this tell us about the characters involved? Do you think they are brave or foolish? Explain.

12. Klaus points a pistol at Ansel and his father when they try to escape. Klaus states, “‘After Herr Himmler completes his appearance, perhaps you will be set free. Perhaps not. You are quite the thorn in the side of the party, Herr Becker.’” (Chapter nineteen) What does he mean by this? What evidence from the novel proves this statement to be true?

13. When Ansel’s father is adamant about going to the Nazi official Heinrich Himmler’s speech, he must ask for help from Reverend Heinz. Herr Becker tells him he must attend the speech for the sake of the future of the children. “‘The Nazis must be stopped. They are like a tumor on the soul of our country.’” (Chapter nineteen) What is Father trying to express? Based on what we know about history, how does this comment foreshadow events to come?

Extension Activities

1. Ansel spends time listening to the stories of veterans talking about the Great War. He finds them fascinating and terrifying at the same time. Why is it important to hear personal stories from veterans, and how might talking to a veteran help us better understand history, sacrifice, and the impact of war on real people? Take time to meet with a veteran and hear their story. What surprised you, inspired you, or stayed with you after your conversation? What did you learn from their experience that you couldn’t have learned from a book or movie?

2. Rolf and his family are going to move to America due to the economic crisis in Germany. Imagine you are in the same situation where you need to leave your home, your friends, and some of your belongings. If you could only take one bag with you to your new life, what items would you take? Why are those important to you? How might they help you feel safe in a brand-new place?

Discussion Questions for Rise of the Spider and Threat of the Spider

1. The theme of a story is the message the author wants us to learn. In Rise of the Spider, the idea of standing up for what’s right is shown through characters who take risks to protect others and speak the truth, even when it’s dangerous. These moments show that doing what’s right often requires courage and sacrifice. Provide details from the book that support this thinking. How do you think this theme will continue into the other Web of the Spider installments?

2. In Threat of the Spider, the representation of good and evil continues. The life Ansel’s father chooses to live inspires us. He vows to always tell the truth. How do Herr Becker’s motives and actions reveal the theme of the book? Provide specific instances when the theme is represented ,and discuss how his choices reflect the struggle to protect the truth in a time when speaking out could be dangerous.

Guide written by Angela Benevento who is a literacy specialist and elementary school teacher. She teaches and lives with her family in New York.

This guide has been provided by Simon & Schuster for classroom, library, and reading group use. It may be reproduced in its entirety or excerpted for these purposes. For more Simon & Schuster guides and classroom materials, please visit simonandschuster.net/m/prek12-teachers-librarians/teaching-resources.