The Book Thief

Bibliography

Zusak, M. (2007). THE BOOK THIEF. Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN: 978-0-375-84220-7.

Plot Summary

THE BOOK THIEF is about a young girl, Liesel Meminger, living in Nazi Germany during World War II. She is living with foster parents and begins to steal books to learn how to read with her foster parents’ help. Then, they begin to hide a Jewish man, Max, in their basement. Liesel begins to learn about the world around her and how powerful words are during a dark time.

Critical Analysis

THE BOOK THIEF is a great historical fiction novel for young adults. Focusing on the emotions of Liesel and her experiences, many young adults can connect with her character. The telling of this historical event through Liesel's experience is a great way to teach young adults about the experiences those may have faced during this time period. 

Intriguingly, Death is the narrator of this book. This gives the book such a haunting but reflective tone. It reminds readers how much loss and death are surrounding Liesel's world and this time period. The suspense of Death's voice gives every time he hints at something happening an engagement with readers throughout the story. 

The setting taking place in Nazi Germany is an important part of this novel. The novel contains details of book burning, propaganda, Hitler Youth, and the hiding of Jewish people. All details that are factual to the time period and allow readers to understand the danger and overwhelming feeling of the time. It gives readers a chance to see how this war affected ordinary parts of life that many can connect to.

Overall, this novel is powerful because of the ordinary life of Liesel and how much she is affected by war. The narration, symbolism, and character development help this novel because of an example of Liesel's journey of understanding there is power in words. 

Review Excerpts

"More than the overt message about the power of words, it's Liesel's confrontation with horrifying cruelty and her discovery of kindness in unexpected places that tell the heartbreaking truth." Booklist, starred review.

"This big, expansive novel is a leisurely working out of fate, of seemingly chance encounters and events that ultimately touch, like dominoes as they collide. The writing is elegant, philosophical and moving. Even at its length, it's a work to read slowly and savor. Beautiful and important." Kirkus, starred review.

Connections

This book would work well in a World War II unit, lessons on symbolism or narration, or a unit on historical fiction. Students could analyze why Death is the narrator. They can also provide examples of how books and words have been sources of power in other situations.