The Book Thief

An incredible young adult novel about how a young girl’s love of books helps a community survive World War II and the Holocaust.

It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. Set during World War II in Germany, this groundbreaking novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist—books. This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul.

“Zusak has created a work that deserves the attention of a sophisticated teen and adult readers…a mesmerizing and original story.”—School Library Journal, starred review

“A tour de force to be not just read but inhabited.”—The Horn Book, starred review