The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

It’s 1939 in Germany, and the world is at war. After losing her little brother,

Liesel Meminger arrives at a house alone and meets her new foster parents, Hans and

Rosa Hubermann. Once she begins to feel settled, Liesel becomes friends with a boy

who lives on her street, Rudy Steiner, and the two become inseparable.

While the war rages on, Hans teaches Liesel how to read and write and soon

enough, she is fascinated by the world of words. Books become her life, and stealing

them from book burnings and other places becomes a hobby of sorts. She even begins

a relationship with the mayor’s wife, who lets her come and read in her library.

As Liesel grows, she becomes more aware of the war and destruction around

her under Hitler’s rule. This awareness is magnified when the family takes in a Jewish

refugee, Max, and hides him in their basement. Liesel forms a very special bond with

Max even though his presence puts the whole family in significant danger.

As the war continues and bombs fall, Liesel realizes that words alone are not

enough to save the people she loves. This is a beautifully written book with powerful

figurative language and symbolism.

**Interesting note about the narrator**

This story is told by Death.