Tools for this page
Print

The Book Thief

(2006, Fiction - Historical Fiction, Written by Markus Zusak)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 14.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Powerful teen novel about poor Germans in WWII.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–15

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Several people do what's right at the risk of their lives. There is also much anti-Semitism and hate, some remarks about the subhuman nature of blacks, and kids engage in petty thievery, both for food and for fun.
  • Violence:

    In addition to the violence of the war, which causes the deaths of many major beloved characters, there are also beatings, whippings, fights, and a suicide.
  • Sex:

    A boy and a girl imagine each other naked.
  • Language:

    A fair amount of swearing, both in English and German, including both "s---" and various religiously-themed curses, such as "Jesus, Mary, and Joseph."
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Adults and children smoke and drink champagne.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Book Thief

Parents need to know that this book is intended for teens and adults. In addition to the swearing, omnipresent cigarettes, and devastating violence, it's written in a style that most kids under 14 will simply find too dense.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the historical background, the willingness of the Germans to go along with Hitler, and the dangerous refusal of a few. They could also talk about the way these rough-edged characters care for each other and express affection, and why the author chose Death to narrate.

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you read it? Review It!

  • What did you think about The Book Thief?
  •  I think this book is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review
See all 36 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language

    • My highlights are:
    • Educational

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in Arizona
    I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Negative message

    Not for kids, but good for 12+

    Love this book, but it is hard to get through. It is phenomenal the way it is written from Deaths point of view. My Mother and I both read this, and she didn't think it was bad for me at all.

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0

    The Book Thief is a very harsh book, not shying away from the horrors of Nazi Germany. But if you can stomach it, you'll be rewarded with one of the best pieces of literature based on WWII in years. Creatively narrated by Death himself, the story follows Liesel and her friends and family dealing with the crazy world around them, and their own personal trifles. I don't want to give any spoilers, but don't consider anyone safe from death in this book. The long length may put some off, but the memorable story within is one you won't soon forget! 9.5/10

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 5.0

    the best.

    my favorite book, i've read it multiple times. i think that a mature 12 yr old could read it, and understand most of it.

  5. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 5.0

    If you haven't already READ IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    I loved this book!!! having death as the narrator was brilliant and the way it was written so it is not obvious that death was the narrator was interesting. Although many people commented on how it would have been better without so much swearing, I disagree. It gives you a better perspective on how life was for a German child, and it is in a different language half the time . If you read this book I guarantee 99% percent of you will like it. If you haven't yet, read this book!!!!!!!!!

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Sometimes-dark adaptation focuses on friendship, loneliness.

  • Issue Spotlight

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Set limits long before they get behind the wheel.

  • Book of the Week

    Catching Fire: The Hunger Games, Book 2

    Catching Fire: The Hunger Games, Book 2

    Sequel just as gripping -- and brutal -- as the first.

  • Pick of the Week

    Online Homework Help

    Online Homework Help

    Best Online Homework Helpers

  • Game of the Week

    NHL 10

    NHL 10

    Excellent, authentic pro hockey sim includes brawls.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy