Read this when
The Book Thief
'Here is a small fact: You are going to die.' Somehow that's the opener to one of the most comforting books ever written. 📚
Who it's for
Liesel arrives grieving her brother and separated from her mother, and the book shows grief being held by ordinary people: Hans teaching her to read in the night after her nightmares, Rosa's gruff love, Rudy's friendship.
Feelings it meets
What it is
The Book Thief is Markus Zusak's 2005 novel, narrated by Death and set in Nazi Germany during the Second World War. After her brother dies, young Liesel Meminger goes to live with foster parents Hans and Rosa Hubermann in the town of Molching, and finds her first book at a graveside.
Where to find it
In print; libraries (Libby/Hoopla); audiobook available. Film adaptation (2013).
Before you start
Heads up: A child's death; Nazi persecution.
Age: Ages 12+
Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet, “On Death”
