The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Reviewed by Lori
Book Thief
Title: The Book Thief

Author: Markus Zusak

Perma-Bound Catalogue #: 23256

Description:  Trying to make sense of the horrors of World War II, Death relates the story of Liesel -- A young German girl who's book-stealing and story-telling talents help sustain her family and the Jewish man they are hiding, as well as their neighbours.

Rubric Rating: Level 4: Love It

Why I Read It: An interest in WWII fiction and a fellow reader's recommendation.

 Lori's Notes: Told from Death's perspective, he relates the tale of Liesel Meminger, a young German girl whose love of books and stories help her to survive during WWII.  Death first meets Liesel when her brother dies, and Liesel steals her first book - The Grave Digger's Handbook.  It is this small act of theft that draws Death's interest.  Liesel is fostered by Rosa and Hans Hubermann.  Liesel feels an immediate kinship with Hans and he supports her love of words by teaching her to read and write.   Liesel's relationship with Rosa is more coarse, just as she is, but is none-the-less one based on love.  Liesel finds it difficult to adjust to this new life until she befriends Rudy.  A neighbourhood boy who's impish and defiant and quite easily in love with Liesel. In fact, he does all that he can to win a kiss from her including, helping her break into the mayor's library to steal books and rescuing her book when it is thrown into the freezing cold river.  Their relationship is one of young love, inexperience and innocence.  Hans also opens his house up to Max Vandenburg, a Jewish fist-fighter, hiding from the gestapo.  Living in the Hubermann's basement, Liesel tells him stories and takes care of him when he is sick, bringing pieces of the outside world into his little shelter in the basement, giving him hope.  When it becomes dangerous for Max to continue to stay with the Hubermann's he moves on but leaves a gift for Liesel. As time moves on, the war gets closer and closer to home for Liesel.  The Nazi party wants to recruit Rudy for one of their prestigious schools but his parents refuse.  Hans and Rudy's father are both recruited into the Nazi party and Liesel becomes angry.  When she sees Max being marched through the town, she becomes distraught, and Rosa shows her Max's gift.  A book he has created just for her.  In order to sort through her own feelings Liesel begins to write her own book.  One she titles "The Book Thief".  It is while finishing her story in the basement that Himmel street is bombed.  Liesel is the only survivor.  This book was heartbreaking. I don't often cry while reading and I wept, particularly when Liesel finally gives Rudy his kiss.  This book stuck with me for days after reading it.

Recommended Reader:  A fantastic book for anyone interested in WWII history, the power of words, and the importance of writing.  Grade 9 and Up.

Themes: World War II, Death, Foster Families, Relationships, Coming-of-Age, Young Love, Friendship, Writing, Reading, Power of Words, Importance of Recounting, Story-telling, History

Cross-Genre Links:
Movie: The Book Thief (2013)
Book: Anne Frank's Diary
Media Search: The Power of Words
Book: Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow

Possible Discussion or Essay Questions:

  • Why is Liesel sent to live with a foster family?  How do you think this changes her life?
  • Rudy and Liesel are best friends.  What do you think about their relationship?  Why doesn't Liesel kiss Rudy?  Do you think she regrets that decision?
  • Liesel's foster family hide a Jewish man in their basement.  How does this put the family at risk?  What might have happened to the Hubermanns or Liesel if they had been caught.
  • Why does Death take such an interest in Liesel?  Why does he stop in and check on Liesel?
  • Why do you think the author chose to write the Story from Death's perspective?  How would the story have changed if written from another character's perspective?

Other Support Materials:


Other Titles by Markus Zusak:
I am the Messenger
Getting the Girl
Under Dogs



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