The Book Thief

 Bibliography: Zusak, M. (2006). The Book Thief. Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN: 9-780375-831003

Plot Summary: Just before World War II, on a train ride with her mother and brother, Liesl loses her brother.  At the end of the ride, her mother leaves her with a foster family as she can no longer care for her.  This is when the book stealing starts. Often, it is the books that save her and keep her moving forward. Then she meets Rudy, a boy her age from school, and they begin stealing more than books. She soon learns that her foster parents, who she has grown to love, have a secret that she must help hide. Through all this, Death seems to follow her everywhere she goes, but somehow she survives. 

Critical Analysis:  The story is narrated by Death, who is privy to all of the events of Liesl's life as he does seem to follow her. He takes almost everyone she loves.  The use of foreshadowing throughout the book is well done. When Death speaks of Hans' pending death early in the book, it doesn't take away from the sense of suspense as we don't know when or how it will happen.  Though in some places the word choice is a little more sophisticated than other YA books I've read (words like "affability" "ominous" "oblivious"), context clues support readers understanding of the words and generally don't take away from the readability. The use of figurative language also helps the reader to create vivid images in their minds as they read: "He could transform a marching line into a dog's breakfast in the blink of an eye" (259); "There is air like plastic, a horizon like setting glue" (309).  The historical references in the book are accurate and reflect the history of Germany in WWII.  References include Kristallnacht, Stars of David on Jewish businesses, book burning rallies and the invasion of Poland to name a few. One of my students recommended this book to me, and I absolutely loved it.  It was definitely a page turner. 

Reviews:

    New York Times: "...it's the kind of book that can be life-changing, because without ever denying the essential amorality and randomness of the natural order, "The Book Thief" offers us a believable, hard-won hope."

    Goodreads.com: "In superbly crafted writing that burns with intensity, award-winning author Markus Zusak has given us one of the most enduring stories of our time."
     
Awards:

    Indies Choice Book Award for Children's Literature, 2007
    
    Kathleen Mitchell Award, 2006

    National Jewish Book Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature, 2006
 

Connections:

    In a middle or high school History class, after reading, have students compare to primary sources accounts of the same events.

    
    In a middle school or high school English, can be used in a lesson to teach figurative language and symbolism.  Make a list of types of figurative language and symbolism, and have students find an example of each in the text.

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