The Book Theif

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Markus, Zusak. The Book Thief. New York: Random House Children's Books , 2005.

ISBN 978-0375842207

2. Evaluation

I will forever be haunted by the words of The Book Thief. I loved the perspecitive of Death. Written for his view point, The Book Thief becomes a beautifully written, mesmerizing tale. I listened to the audio recording, narrated by Allan Corduner, and I was in rapture through every line of his narration. Markus Zusak's unique writing style draws you into the book and keeps you entertained and completely engulfed. To see death not as a single moment, or a point in time - but as a hue of colors, will stay with me. Liesel Meminger is a 9yr old girl surrendered by her mother in Nazi Germany during the time of ration cards & poverty. On the way to the start of what will be her new life, Liesel awakens on a train only to find her brother next to her, dead. This one moment is the catalyst that will define who The Book Thief is. Her first book, stolen from the graveyard of where they bury her brother, The Grave Digger’s Handbook, also sparks her relationship with Hans Hubermann. Accordion player, Silver eyes. Her Papa. Haunted at night, in her dreams by her brother's death, she is consoled by Papa, who looks for any distraction to calm her fears in the darkest hours of the night. Discovering her stolen book, she asks him to read it to her. Each night this becomes their ritual: a dream, a haunting, rescued by Papa and working through The Grave Diggers Handbook. Liesel's desire to know the words, to understand them, sparks her desire to have more of them. And so, The Book Thief is born. This books also introduces you to the cast of characters that makes up Liesel's life on Himmel street. Fierce and loud, Rosa Hubermann, Liesel's Mama, Rudy Steiner (aka Jessie Owens), her best friend and accomplice in thievery, Frau Holtzapfel, Ilsa Hermann the Mayors wife, and one unforgettable character, the one that stood on my heart... Max, the Jewish Fist Fighter. This book is a testament to the power of words, family, love and friendship and how far you would go to protect the ones you love.

Liesel is a great character that I feel many High school students would greatly relate to. Her interactions with her friend Rudy, her father and Max all lead to a lot of emotional scenes that won't disappoint. While the characters may seem stereotypical--it's hard not to considering the setting--I found the Author's unique voice passionate. It's obvious he put his heart into this story. I would, however, strongly caution the use of this book with younger students (middle school) because of some of its content and needed background knowledge.

3. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Zusak not only creates a mesmerizing and original story but also writes with poetic syntax, causing readers to deliberate over phrases and lines, even as the action impels them forward. Death is not a sentimental storyteller, but he does attend to an array of satisfying details, giving Liesels story all the nuances of chance, folly, and fulfilled expectation that it deserves. An extraordinary narrative.–Francisca Goldsmith, Berkeley Public Library, CA 

The Book Thief "will be widely read and admired because it tells a story in which books become treasures." – BookMarks Magazine

 2006 - Commonwealth Writers Prize for Best Book (South East Asia & South Pacific)
2006 - Horn Book Fanfare
2006 - Kirkus Reviews Editor Choice Award
2006 - School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
2006 - Daniel Elliott Peace Award
2006 - Publishers Weekly Best Children Book of the Year
2006 - Booklist Children Editors' Choice
2006 - Bulletin Blue Ribbon Book
2007 - ALA Best Books for Young Adults
2007 - Michael L. Printz Honor Book
2007 - Book Sense Book of the Year

2009 - Pacific Northwest Young Readers Choice Master List[5]

4. CONNECTIONS

I love that this book doesn’t fall under the typical “gender” categories as far as books are concerned. Because of this, I feel that so many students can connect and relate to the book’s characters. I would easily suggest the book to a higher level reader in High School only because of some of the content and needed background knowledge to really understand the story.

My biggest connection for this selection, however, is the use of audio recording in the classroom. After listening to this recording, I have become very interested in how to best incorporate this into my classroom.