Friendship and survival in Nazi Germany

Zusak, M. (2006). The book thief. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf. An unexpected narrator, Death, tells the story of 9-year old Liesel Meminger, given up by her mother to be raised by a sympathetic couple, Hans and Rosa Hubermann, in the small town of Molching, Germany shortly before the start of WWII. Leisel's adjustment to the realities of her new home is difficult, but the tragedy of being uprooted and orphaned is intensified when she is teased for being unable to read by her peers. Hans begins to form a connection with her by calming her during the nightmares she experiences upon arriving at her new home and over time, Hans teaches Leisel to read.

For a period, Leisel is content in her new home, but the outbreak of WWII changes that. Leisel and her friend Rudy are required to join the Band of German Girls and Hitler Youth, and at a local bonfire held to burn 'enemy propaganda', Leisel is able to rescue a book, which is a pivotal moment in Leisel's story. She realizes that Hitler's regime is the underlying cause of the loss of her family, and she begins to question everything having to do with Hitler and the war. Additionally, the mayor's wife, Ilsa Hermann, is intrigued when she sees Leisel rescue the book from the bonfire, and eventually becomes a quiet but influential force in Leisel's life.

While Leisel is struggling to feel at home with the Hubermanns, a young Jewish boxer named Max Vandenburg also comes under the couple's protection. Max's father saved Hans' life in WWI and now Hans and his wife are repaying the favor by sheltering Max in their basement and at their own peril. Leisel and Max become close friends, united by their love of stories and their determination to endure in the face of immense opposition. The Book Thief tells the story of how their friendship saves their lives at a tumultuous time in modern history.