"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..." (Page 5)
This book is about Liesel Meminger, a foster child who lives in a town called Molching in Nazi Germany. Her stepmother, Rosa Hubermann, is the disciplinary parent, the one who punishes Liesel, but truly does love her. Her stepfather, Hans, might as well be her real father. She builds such a strong relationship with him, and he teaches her a very important skill that ties in with one of her own. Rudy Steiner, her best friend and partner in crime, helps her with quite a lot...
When Liesel was on her way to Molching, her brother died aboard the train, and his death really impacted her. Liesel and her mother attended his funeral, and she noticed something in the snow. Buried in the snow was a book, and without a thought, Liesel took it. She couldn't read, but seeing this book reminded her of her brother.
Liesel and Rudy had committed one unbelievable crime countless times-thievery. Liesel and Rudy stole many books, from Nazi book-burnings, the mayor's house, and really anywhere they could find a book. Hans Hubermann provided her with a skill that would be very helpful-he taught Liesel how to read. She came to love and hate words because they had given Hitler his one true power, but they also provided knowledge and enjoyment.
So many things happen in this story. For example, Liesel meets some unexpected people along her journey, like Max Vandenburg, the Jewish fist-fighter, who changes her for the better. Some young boys even help to provide Liesel with food, as long as she steals it. And Rudy Steiner becomes a bigger part of her life, bigger than what she imagined. So what will happen to the book thief? Read to find out(:
