The Book Thief

Written by Markus Zusak

A book for readers in grades 7 and up reviewed by Mary

    

This is the story of a young German girl named Liesel, who lives in a small German town during WWII. Liesel loses her mother and brother. She is adopted by a German family. Liesel's Papa teaches her to read, and books become a comfort to her. Books are very difficult to get due to the Germans' restrictions, so Liesel cherishes each book she acquires. Liesel’s family also hides a young Jewish man named Max in their basement, and Liesel and Max develop a strong bond.

I loved this book. It showed how the German people suffered during the war. Liesel’s love of books, family, and friends help her survive during the horrors of war.