Formats Available: Paperback, Hardcover, E-Book, Large Print, Audio
Awards:
2006: Commonwealth Writer's Prize for Best Book (South East Asia & South Pacific), School Library Journal Best Book of the Year, Daniel Elliot Peace Award, Publishers Weekly Best Children's Book of the Year, National Jewish Book Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature, Bulletin Blue Ribbon Book
2007: Michael L. Printz Honor Book, Book Sense Book of the Year Award for Children's Literature
Annotation: Liesel Meminger discovers a new love of books and words. She will go to great lengths to get her hands on any book she can find, no matter how dangerous it is.
Review: Told through the eyes of Death, we meet Liesel Meminger- the book thief. Following her brother's death she is taken away to live with a foster family in Molching, Germany. With nothing left from her past, Liesel finds new comfort in one thing; a single book she's stolen from the graveyard; The Gravedigger's Handbook. As Liesel struggles with nightmares and sleepless nights, her foster father reads her the handbook which acts as a lullaby and with his help, she learns to read. This begins her passion for books and words. Wherever books are found, Liesel must find a way to get her hands on them- including putting herself in danger during the Nazi book burnings and sneaking into the Mayor's wife's library. As Adolf Hitler rises to power, Liesel attempts to make sense of what will become of her, her new family and Max; the Jewish man her father has hidden in the basement of their own home.
Filled with warmth and beauty, The Book Thief tells the haunting story of Liesel and her escapades during WWII and Germany's submission to the terrifying power of Adolf Hitler. Suited for readers aged 12 years old and up, Liesel Meminger's powerful story of taking action and fighting the good fight during a time of horror and instability will speak to readers well beyond the young adult years. While a dark tale through and through, Zusak manages to work in subtle imagery that portrays the essence of how the struggle to survive can incoporate pure, innocent and beautiful moments. This title would be a wonderful literary supplement to those learning and teaching the history of WWII.
Teen Quote: "Liesel is probably my favorite character ever. She uses something so simple like reading to reach all of these people during such a scary time. Everyone should read this book." ---Gianna, Age 14.
Here's the official film trailer for The Book Thief
Here's my booktalk on The Book Thief!
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