The Book Thief

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Zusak, Markus. 2005. THE BOOK THEIF. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN 978-0375842207

PLOT SUMMARY
Narrated by Death and set in Nazi Germany during WWII, this story details the life of the ten year-old girl Liesel Meminger who deals with the devastating and horrific events of WWII, the loss of her brother, the separation from her mother who has been labeled a “kommunist” and the confusion of being placed into a foster family. While with her foster family, Liesel learns how to read, becomes the book thief by learning how to steal books, and develops a love of literature which helps her cope with the atrocities of her world.

CRITCAL ANALYSIS
Markus Zusak's The Book Thief is a dark and powerful tale of death, love, and the beauty of humanity. At first the narrator of the story is unfeeling and full of apathy but as Death narrates the story it is drawn to the life and character of Liesel on three separate occasions on its journey throughout the world collecting lives, which causes the reader to wonder what makes Liesel so special? Even though we know the saddening outcomes of World War II, through Markus Zusak's masterful storytelling we are drawn to experience the lives of the The Book Thief's characters and Death's inevitable victims.

REVIEW EXCERPT

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “Zusak not only creates a mesmerizing and original story but also writes with poetic syntax, causing readers to deliberate over phrases and lines, even as the action impels them forward. Death is not a sentimental storyteller, but he does attend to an array of satisfying details, giving Liesel's story all the nuances of chance, folly, and fulfilled expectation that it deserves. An extraordinary narrative”
VOICE OF YOUTH ADVOCATES review “Zusak brilliantly weaves together many strands of stories, creating a gripping and tragic narrative. The outcome of much of the story is no secret, thanks to Death's propensity to get ahead of himself and inform readers what happens, but it is nonetheless upsetting and affecting. Death admits to being haunted by humans; Zusak's exquisite tale will haunt readers long after its pages are over.”

CONNECTIONS
Readers that enjoyed Markus Zusak's The Book Thief will enjoy reading other stories by Zusak and other WWII period novels such as:

I AM THE MESSENGER. ISBN 978-0375842207

HOW I LIVE NOW. ISBN 978-0553376050

The Arrival

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Tan, Shaun. 2006. THE ARRIVAL. New York, NY: Arthur A. Levine. ISBN 978-0439895293

PLOT SUMMARY
Shaun Tan's graphic novel although wordless details the life a young man who leaves his family in search of a better life. The novel captures the young man's journey across an ocean, his challenges and frustrations at learning the language, finding a home, buying food, and procuring a job. In the end all his hard work pays off as he is able to send for his wife and daughter and they make a home for themselves in the new land.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Shaun Tan's graphic novel although wordless is full of emotion and depth. Younger readers may have trouble following the storyline and still more may not understand the depth and symbolism present in the novel such as the strange characters and unusual alphabet which most likely portrays the confusion that those traveling to a foreign land may feel. Although some readers may not grasp the more intricate details most will understand and empathize will the characters trials and frustrations. Tan's illustrations are artfully done in sepia tones that call to mind old family photographs. Also, the inventive and quirky illustrations set the stage to allow the reader and the main character to the experience the same emotions as they travel through this foreign land together.

REVIEW EXCERPT
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “A wide variety of ethnicties represented in Tan's hyper-realistic style, and the sense of warmth and caring for others, regardless of race, age, or background, is present on nearly every page. Young readers will be fascinated by the strange new world the artist creates, complete with floating elevators and unusual creatures, but may not realize the depth of meaning or understand what the man's journey symbolizes. More sophisticated readers, however, will grasp the sense of strangeness and find themselves participating in the man's experiences. They will linger over the details in the beautiful sepia pictures and will likely pick up the book to pore over it again and again.”

CONNECTIONS
Readers who enjoy Shaun Tan's The Arrival will enjoy other titles by Tan such as:

TALES FROM OUTER SUBURBIA. ISBN 978-0545055871

CHARACTER SKETCHES. ISBN 978-0977562800

The Graveyard Book

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Gaiman, Neil. 2008. THE GRAVEYARD BOOK. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN 9780060530945

PLOT SUMMARY
Reminiscent of the Harry Potter series, The Graveyard Book begins with the mysterious murder of a family in Britain by an assassin named Jack leaving behind a baby boy who escapes by toddling out the front door and ends up in nearby graveyard. In the graveyard, Bod also called Nobody Owens because he looks like nobody but himself is raised by the inhabitants of the graveyard and by a caretaker named Silas who can travel through the world of the living and the dead. While growing up in the graveyard Bod learns history, geography, and literature from the ghosts and experiences a number of adventures and challenges that prepare him for his reuniting with the man named Jack.

CRITCAL ANALYSIS
Written by Neil Gaiman, this sinister and captivating tale is full of dark humor and adventure while still featuring strong albeit unconventional yet meaningful relationships between Bod and the members of the graveyard. “For Scarlett the chamber was once more swallowed by the darkness. But in the darkness, she could hear the twining sound again, getting louder and louder, as if something were circling the round room. Something said, WE ARE THE SLEER.” Gaiman's writing is magic and instantly pulls the reader into the intriguing world of Bod that is full of challenges and fantasy.
Illustrations provided by Dave McKean are interspersed throughout the novel often after at the end or beginning of a new chapter and sometimes take up three to four pages. McKean's illustrations are done in ebony black, dark gray, and muted white and set the tone for Gaiman's Gothic story.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
Starred review in BOOKLIST: “This is an utterly captivating tale that is cleverly told through an entertaining cast of ghostly characters. There is plenty of darkness, but the novel’s ultimate message is strong and life affirming. Although marketed to the younger YA set, this is a rich story with broad appeal and is highly recommended for teens of all ages.”

BOOKMARKS MAGAZINE review “Neil Gaiman's fantasies have entranced both younger readers and adults; this Gothic fantasy, a coming-of-age story modeled after The Jungle Book and with slight nods to Harry Potter, will appeal to all ages. By juxtaposing the world of the dead with the world of the living, Gaiman creates a fantastical world where the thoughtful protagonist comes to understand the power of family as he experiences the fear, pains, confusions, and joys of growing up. Critics praised each illustrated chapter as its own little gem, with moments both tender and terrifying—and each equally exciting. The Graveyard Book is sure to become a book to last the ages.”

CONNECTIONS
Children intrigued by Gaiman's dark humor and sinister stories should try reading some of Neil Gaiman's other work.
Gaiman, Neil. NEVERWORLD: A NOVEL. ISBN 9780060557812
Gaiman, Neil. CORALINE. ISBN 0061649708