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The Book Thief
(2006, Fiction - Historical Fiction, Written by Markus Zusak)
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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?
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Common Sense says
Powerful teen novel about poor Germans in WWII.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 14–15
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
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.
Read our full review by Matt Berman
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.
Our Members Say
See all 36 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
Lives in FloridaI rate this title on for age 11 and give itMy concerns are:- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
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.
- I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
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
- I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it
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.
- I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it
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!!!!!!!!!
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