The Book Thief

Zusak, M. (2006). The book thief. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.

ISBN: 9780375842207 | paperback | 552 p. | $11.99 USD

"It’s just a small story really, about, amongst other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery" (p. 5).

Cover image courtesy of goodreads.com

Annotation: Trying to make sense of the horrors of World War II, Death relates the story of Liesel--a young German girl whose book-stealing and story-telling talents help sustain her family and the Jewish man they are hiding, as well as their neighbors.

Book Review:  Death has ample work to do in Germany during World War II, but one soul-taking encounter leaves him mesmerized by the story of a young girl, Liesel Meminger.  The Book Thief, narrated by Death, begins as Liesel is on her way to meet her foster family.  Yet along the journey her younger brother dies, and she finds comfort in stealing a book she finds at his gravesite.  This act forever changes Liesel’s life as it leads to the opportunity to learn how to read, a thirst for more books, and a special relationship with her foster-father Papa and eventually Max, the Jewish boy her family hides in their basement.   

This is a beautifully written book with amazing imagery due in part to the reflective narrator, Death, who sees the world in vivid colors.  The book is teeming with delicious descriptions like a “soft, yellow-dressed afternoon.”  The author, Markus Zusak, has somehow turned a popular book setting (WWII) into something truly unique.  From the original story to the loveable, compelling characters bounding off the page, this book is a must read for anyone—especially lovers of historical fiction!  Though largely classified for young adults, I think even adults would love it.  Some background knowledge of the era/war would be helpful, though not completely necessary and there is some cursing (mostly in German, some in English).  The subject matter is mature (death, war, violence, etc.) so I would recommend it for older teens and above.  If you enjoy the vivid writing, historical war setting, and loveable characters of The Book Thief, you might also like Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein and Milkweed by Jerry Spinelli for younger teen audiences.

Recommended for ages 15 and up.  

My favorite thing(s) about the book:
The imagery—wow!  The format of the book.  There are many instances of words pulled out of the narrative, centered on the page and highlighted in bold. At times, these are definitions of terms. At other times, they are key points that Death wants the reader to remember.

Favorite character(s):
Death—he’s surprisingly sensitive, quirky, imaginative and an enjoyable guide. I also love Papa and Rudy.

First sentence:  
“First up is something white. Of the blinding kind.”

Awards/Honors: 

Michael L. Printz Honor for Excellence in Young Adult Literature, 2007
Notable Book for a Global Society award winner, 2007 
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2007 
Sydney Taylor, 2007

Learn More:
Author Markus Zusak explains why he decided to use death as his narrator and why he's fearful for his publishers to see the way he works.

The Teen Book Video Awards are open to student filmmakers who create book trailers for new YA novels.  In 2006, Jon Haller won with this entry for The Book Thief.