The Book Thief

Zusak, M. (2006). The book thief. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.

The Book Thief has an interesting twist on it because it is narrated by death. It takes place during World War II and tells the story of 13 year old Liesel, living in Germany. She steals books and teaches herself to read. Her family is hiding a Jewish man in their basement and she shares books with him. Her brother dies early in the book and she is separated from her mother. The book goes through the events that take place in history including book burning and stores being raided. Liesel struggles with the hate she has for the people that caused her brother's death and the separation from her mom. 

This book would be helpful to teach when learning about World War II. It is a longer and harder book, more appropriate for 8th or 9th graders. This book would be an interesting choice when discussing narrators. Death is not a common narrator so it gives students a chance to experience something they have never read before. This book recognizes Jewish backgrounds and some students might be able to relate.