The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Zusak, M. (2006). The Book Thief. New York: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group. ISBN 9780375842207

 

Plot Summary 

Narrated by Death from the time leading up to World War Two in Germany to many years later, this book follows the reaper as he becomes fascinated by Liesel, who has just lost her brother and steals her first book as the gravediggers apprentice drops it.  Books become a source of escape for Liesel as the horrors of war and the humans that engaged in the genocide begin to keep into her life.  She steals more and more books when convenient, ultimately writing a series of recollections about her life, entitled The Book Thief, that Death carries with him everywhere.

Critical Evaluation 

By making the narrator Death, Zusak places a character who should be wearied by death the source of the reader's information.  Death is suprisingly empathetic though, struggling with the events he sees and with the job that he must perform.  Taking a narrator that should be not only stoic, but objective and making it empathetic and interested in Liesel adds to the gravity of what is happening in the world during World War Two.

Reader's Annotation 

Death comes for us all, but he stays and watches Liesel as she experiences the horrors of Germany during World War Two.

Author Information 

Markus Zusak is an Australian author born in 1975.  He is the author of five books including The Underdog, Fighting Ruben Wolfe, When Dogs Cry, The Messenger, and The Book Thief.

Genre 

Fiction, supernatural

Curriculum Ties 

Reading and Language Arts, History-World War Two

Booktalking Ideas 

As Death, narrate a day in his existence before he met Liesel, giving the reader an incite into the humanity of the narrator--which should not be expected--before they read the book.

Reading Level/Interest Age 
The Book Thief measures a 730L on the Lexile Range.  It's length and subject matter may make it more suited to older teens, ages 15-18.

Challenge Issues 

The ravages of war, death, and genocide are all discussed.

If challenged, I would first suggest being familiar with the work in order to speak about it directly. Then, listen the challenger's complaint, show them to positive reviews, and refer to the collection policy, stating a need to include a variety of works that may not be suitable for all, but should contain something for everyone. As a last resort, turn to the ALA Bill of Rights or First Amendment defense, but try not to let things get there; listen and reassure the patron.

Reason Selected

The unique narrator in this book is enough to warrant inclusion, but the entire book is well-written and thought-provoking, making it even more valuable.