1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier. Liesel, a nine-year-old girl, is living with a foster family on Himmel Street. Her parents have been taken away to a concentration camp. Liesel steals books. This is her story and the story of the inhabitants of her street when the bombs begin to fall. Some important information – this novel is narrated by death.

This pack contains detailed guided reading plans exploring key literacy elements including inference and deduction, language use, making connection and text organisation, along with key questioning to promote emotional intelligence, metacognition and compassionate inquiry. 

Multiple class/teacher use – this licence is required for Modern and Flexible Learning environments, Syndicate and School orders.

Individual class/teacher use – this licence is suitable for individual class/teacher use. 

Interest age: 13+
Reading age: 13+

Themes explored include: Death and mortality, the power of words, the importance of books and literacy, courage, resilience, hope, friendship, love, family, kindness, compassion, humanity, identity, prejudice, discrimination, propaganda, the impact of war, loss and grief, sacrifice, survival, guilt, innocence, moral choice, resistance, freedom, belonging, empathy, memory, the resilience of the human spirit, the consequences of hatred, the importance of storytelling, the abuse of power, good versus evil, loyalty, trust, community, fear, redemption, perseverance, faith, and the enduring power of ordinary people to make a difference.