The Book Thief

Title The Book Thief
Author Markus Zusak
Zusak was born in Sydney, Australia in 1975 to immigrant parents from Austria and Germany. He is the author of I Am the Messenger, The Underdog, Fighting Ruben Wolfe and Getting the Girl. He lives in Sydney with his wife and teaches part time.
ISBN 978035831003
Publisher Knopf Books for Young Reaers
Copyright Date 2006
Reading Level/Interest Age 15+
Genre Historical Novels
Plot Summary
The Book Thief is a novel set in Nazi Germany and narrated by Death. It follows the life of Liesel Meminger, from the death of her little brother, to her parent's capture and disappearance and her life with foster parents, Hans and Rosa Hubermann. At her little brother's funeral, Liesel steals a book, The Gravedigger's Handbook and Hans teaches her to read. Liesel finds a comfort in words and her theft of books is a theme throughout. World War II is raging around Liesel and the majority of her town are silently opposed to the Nazi regime and the treatment of the Jewish people. This is a novel about courage and dignity, about love and family.
Critical Evaluation
The Book Thief is absolutely deserving of the praise and attention that it has garnered. The first thing that struck me, aside from the fact that it is narrated by Death and he is not the evil, bloodthirsty tyrant he is often depicted as, is Zusak's amazing control of the English language. In an interview, he describes his love of writing as a love of playing with words and I know exactly what he's talking about. Zusak has a way of taking the most ordinary ideas and actions and changing them into something extraordinary. This is a book that might be difficult for some teen readers to get into, but it will definitely be worth the effort. The story is powerful and able to speak profound truths about both the beauty and the ugliness of humanity, without being preachy or sentimental. A great read for mature teens who enjoy historical fiction or just fabulous writing and unique stories.
Reader’s Annotation
When Liesel's little brother dies, she is touched by Death. And Death can't seem to get her out of his mind.
Curriculum Ties A great tie-in with any lesson about Nazi Germany, World War II and the Holocaust. A wonderful supplement to the history which often forgets what many Germans were going through at the time.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Do a plot summary from Death's point of view, emphasizing his strange connection to Liesel.
2. Set the mood by describing Nazi Germany and encourage the audience to read more about Liesel and her experiences.
Challenge Issues
None
Why did I include this book?
Best Books for Young Adults (ALA, 2007); Michael L. Printz Honor Book (2007); Book Sense Book of the Year (2007); personal favorite.