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.

Comprehensive independent learning contracts / response activities for The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Response activities incorporating

• higher order thinking skills,
• conscious communication and essential skills,
• tools for developing self and co-regulation skills,
• specifically designed to enhance the links between reading and writing and the development of key language skills.

We’ve even done the teaching for you – the children simply follow our QR codes for detailed guides on how to complete the learning activities. You’ll never hear “I don’t know how to do this” again!

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.