The Book Thief

Bibliographic Information
Title: The Book Thief
Author: Markus Zusak
Narrator: Allan Corduner
Type of Media: Audio CD
Publisher: Listening Library
Copyright Date: October 15, 2013
ISBN: 978-0804168434
Genre: Historical Fiction, Realistic Fiction
Curriculum Ties: World War II
Reading Level: Lexile 730
Interest Age: 12+



Plot Summary
Death tells this story set within Nazi Germany during the heat of World War II. He introduces us to Leisel, at age nine she becomes a foster child and moves in with a German family. On the way there she steals her first item, a book. She makes friends with a young boy and together they steal small amounts of food to keep themselves fed during this difficult time. As she learns to read her desire for more books turns her stealing back in that direction and plays a large part of her story as her foster father teaches her to read and write. When her family then takes in a runaway Jew she befriends him and is changed for life. Death goes on to tell a compelling story of Leisel's life.

Critical Evaluation
The unique aspect of Death being the narrator adds an emotional touch. It reminds readers of the amount of death that was occurring at the time that this story takes place. Death had a lot of working to do and he is telling his story in a different way. The fact that he takes such an interest in a little girl and follows her through her life is an interesting spin on what we think of when we think of death, it portrays it as a friend who is waiting to hug you and help you on instead of a scary being in black robes with a scythe. This is one of the most memorable aspects of the book.
Zusak also does a great job telling the story of WWII through the perspective not usually witnessed, that of a Geman child. You are shown the innocence and struggles of those who were not even persecuted. When Leisel then meets Max, the Jewish man they shelter, you see how tender her heart is and how children view others as simply people.

Reader's Annotation
Don't miss this compelling story about WWII from the perspective of a young child living in Nazi Germany. You will fall in love with her generosity, innocence, and heart full of love.

Author Biography
Markus Zusak was born in 1975 in Sydney, Australia, the youngest of four children of immigrant German and Austrian parents. Neither parent could read or write English when they first arrived in Australia, but they wanted their children to master the language and strongly encouraged them to read and communicate in English from an early age. Zusak began writing fiction at age 16 and pursued a degree in teaching at the University of Sydney. Before becoming a professional author, Zusak worked briefly as a house painter, a janitor and a high school English teacher.

Chicago Public Library. (n.d.) Markus Zusak biography. Retrieved from http://www.chipublib.org/markus-zusak-biography/

Book Talk Ideas

• World War II
• Innocence of children
• Unique narrators

Possible Challenges

• Violence
• Graphic Imagery

Defense File

Have the library's selection policy and the Library Bill of Rights ready to hand out

Access to honest reviews from trusted sources

Know the awards, if any, the book has earned

Understand the material so you can explain the use of the book as a good talking point for serious and sensitive issues

A lot of times people just want their concerns heard, so make sure you listen

If they are still persistent be able to offer them a reconsideration form

 
Reason for Inclusion
This is a top historical fiction book with many awards attached to it, making it an obvious choice for inclusion within my collection. The reader of the audiobook adds an additional flair to the already fantastic story which is why I chose that edition.