The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

This wonderful book takes place during World War 2 in Nazi Germany. 9 year old Liesel Meminger is on a train with her brother and mother. Their mother cannot afford to keep the children, so she is taking them to foster care. On the train, Liesel’s brother dies and Liesel has to be left with her two new foster parents alone. She develops a strong relationship with her Papa, and he teaches her one thing that helps her through the tough times of her life. He teaches her to read. Soon, along with her best friend Rudy Steiner, she is stealing books from burnings, the cold ground, and wherever else they might be available. But during all of this, her family has tough times of their own, and Liesel is not just stealing books for her entertainment, but food for her own life. When her foster family dangerously takes in a Jewish man, they are in mortal fear of getting caught and taken away. This book excellently depicts life as a German during the World War, and the importance of friendship and love during hard times. This book is most suitable for teens and young adults.