Zusak, Markus., The Book Thief, Alfred A. Knopf, 2006, New York ISBN- 9780375831003
This is a detailed story narrated by death and mimics poetry. This novel is about a young girl name Liesel. The setting takes place in World War II. Liesel mother is no longer able to care for her and her brother as a result Liesel and her brother must have foster care, on the way to their new home Liesel's brother dies and has to be buried. Liesel is encourage to steal for fun by her neighbor Rudy. Liesel enjoys reading the books that she steals by using them to escape her life. Zusak uses fiction to introduce a strong young lady that faces uncontrollable situations and use the only coping skills she knows, Zusak uses the WWII setting but the main character Liesel face some of the same issues that today's teens face. Zusak reveals Liesel having encounters with a separated family, death, loneliness, violence,racism, finding comfort, and peer pressure "At school , Rudy made a special point of seeking Liesel out during the breaks. He didn't care that others made noises about the new girls stupidity"Liesel was a victim of people she knew and people she did not know. The author's story is revealed through reading a young girl finds the strength to rise above her stressful life and find happiness. The narrator which is death contributes to a bit of confusion to the novel by entering in and out and presenting his problem of been haunted by humans as he gathers souls of the dead as he continues to tell Liesel's story. Zusak reveals that both Liesel and Death learn lessons of endurance, inflicting, bestowing, and accomplishing from sadness. This piece of work reveals desuetude but offers hope, this is a good read for older teens.
"Outstanding" Children's Book and Play Review
"Struck with this books uniqueness" Children's Literature
" Unforgettable Novel" Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices
" The writing is elegant, philosophical and moving. Even at its length, it's a work to read solely and savor" Kirkus Reviews
Awards
Parent's Choice Award 2006
American Booksellers Book Sense Book of the Year (ABBY) Award 2007
Garden State Teen Book Award 2009
Indigo Teen Read Award 2010
Essay Questions
1 Why do Max and Liesel become friends? What do they have in common?
2. When Liesel reads reads aloud to the others in the bomb shelter for the first time, a voice inside her says "This is your accordion" what does that mean?
3. Why does death tell Liesel that it is "haunted" by humans?
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