Zusak, Markus. (2005). The book thief. Illus. Trudy White. New York, New York: Random House.
This story is about a young girl named Liesel and her life during World War II. The story has an interesting twist as it is narrated by Death. Liesel is a foster child of Hans and Rosa Hubermann. Her mother had to leave her because she is not safe from the Nazi party. Liesel is also heartbroken by the death of her younger brother, however, she does flourish under the roof of Hans and Rosa. She becomes in love with reading and writing and steals books to feed her affection. Liesel has a talent in writing and composes the story of her own life called, The Book Thief.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Grade Level: 6
Readers who will like this: Readers interested in World War II, teaching about the life during World War II, learning about hope
Response/Rating (1-4): 4. I can’t remember the last time I have cried over a book but this one did it for me. I think it’s beautifully written and I will definitely re-read.
One question you would ask before a read aloud: What do you know about Germany during World War II?
Reading Strategies Connection: A reading strategy/connection that could be used with this story is called Prereading Plan (Tompkins). I think this story would be a great addition to an entire unit focused on World War II. The prereading plan would be necessary for students to understand this book. It will build the necessary background knowledge and vocabulary and will also increase the students’ interest in the story. This is a step by step strategy: first, the teacher would introduce a concept. The concept that should be introduced here is World War II. The teacher will initiate a discussion and assess what students know about World War II. Next, the students will brainstorm about World War II and record their ideas on a chart. The teacher will then introduce vocabulary that students will need to understand the story and the unit. The students can then quickwrite about World War II and share with the class to build a classroom discussion. Finally, the teacher can introduce the book and the unit and students’ interest will have increased by this point.
A great strategy suggestion for a book that deserves pre-reading attention. You described the "pre-reading plan" well and showed why it would be a valuable instructional approach with The Book Thief.
ReplyDeleteI'd say this book is grade 6 and UP, for sure.