The Book Thief

Review
The Book Thief by Mark Zusak is a novel that follows the story of Liesel Meminger through the eyes of Death, the book’s surprisingly insightful narrator. Liesel is a tough, bright young girl growing up in a poor but loving foster family in 1940s Nazi Germany. Death follows her throughout her childhood, watching as she develops a love for reading (and stealing) books and examining the bonds of love and friendships she forms with those around her: from the virtuous and caring foster father Hans, to the foul-mouthed (but loving) foster mother Rosa, to the athletic and adventurous best friend Rudy, to the run-away Jewish fist fighter Max. Though her life is filled with the tragedies of war and hate, Liesel stands strong for the side of good. Heartbreaking and poignant, The Book Thief is filled with portraits of empathy and courage.

The Book Thief is a novel that I would enthusiastically recommend, especially to YA readers looking for a challenging and emotional read. The book is beautifully written, filled with passages of vibrant imagery and explorations of humanity from the perspective of Death. The story it tells is complex and draws you in completely with its attention to historical and emotional detail. It’s almost impossible to pull yourself away from the rich joy and deep sadness found in the story of Liesel once you begin.

If You Like This Book, Try These Ones Next

 * Tamar by Mal Peet
 * Stay Where You Are & Then Leave by John Boyne
 * Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

Check Out the Movie


The movie adaptation of The Book Thief was released in November 2013.

Awards

 * Commonwealth Writers' Prize for Best Book - 2006
 * School Library Journal Best Book of the Year - 2006
 * Daniel Elliott Peace Award - 2006
 * Publishers Weekly Best Children's Book of the Year - 2006
 * Bulletin Blue Ribbon Book - 2006
 * Michael L. Printz Honor Book - 2007
 * Book Sense Book of the Year - 2007

Teen Voices
"That book made me cry! It took a long time to read, but it was worth it. I got really attached to the characters. I especially liked Max." - Gabby, age 16

A Little More Information
Zusak, Markus. The Book Thief. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2006. Print.

ISBN-13: 9780375842207

Format Read: Paperback

Paperback Price: $12.99

Annotation: In Nazi Germany, Death narrates the story of a girl who finds hope and love in the books that she steals.