A complex and compelling young adult novel about life in World War II Germany. Death (yes, Death himself, and he’s got a sense of humor!) narrates the adventures of Liesel Meminger (foster child, voracious reader, thief) and the fellow citizens of her town, Molching. The characters (including an accordionist, a refugee Jew, and a book hoarder) are vividly drawn, and by the end you feel personally involved with each of them. It’s a tough but wonderful story, and a perfect example of how very sophisticated YA novels can be. --Emily
