Zusak, M. (2006). The book thief. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf.
Liesel Meminger's life has changed because of Nazi Germany. She just lost her brother on their way to their new adoptive parents' home in Munich, and while he is being buried she finds the first book that leads her to become "The Book Thief." It is with her new parents, Rosa and Hans Hubermann, that she learns to read in the basement, finds out the meaning of friendship and love, learns that not all Germans are Nazi's and Jewish does not equal evil, and that reading changes the world. In the times of war Liesel and her best friend Rudy begin stealing whenever they find themselves starved for food and literature; this usually leads them to the mayor's house because in it he is sure to have a lot of food and his wife Ilse provides Liesel with more books than she could imagine. In the end, the war takes over their small neighborhood and leaves all but one person dead: Liesel. We see her story told through the point of view of Death, and through his eyes we see how this young quiet girl is overtaken by the power of words.
Very few books leave you feeling heartbroken and grateful at the same time, but Zusak's book does. This would be a great book to tie in with Social Studies discussions on World War II, Nazism, Hitler, the effects of war on the community, and Anti-semitism. You can also incorporate point of view, narration, and forms of writing.
I rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars!
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