[LIT] The Book Thief

[Amy Holtzer]

This is a high school book, in my opinion.
 
My almost 16 year old daughter, entering 11th grade this fall, is a very strong reader.  Her favorite author is Jodi Picoult.  She has read everything by her and recommends her books often to her friends.
 
Talya began reading The Book Thief on my strong recommendation.  She told me yesterday that although it was hard at first for her to get into the book, and she is still somewhat put off by the short chapters and the frequent use of bulleted "titles" as text, she is now (about halfway through the book) drawn in and eager to continue reading.
 
I will let you all know her final comments when she finishes, probably sometime later this week.
 
Amy Holtzer

________________________________

From: lit-bounces at literacyworkshop.org on behalf of Ginny White
Sent: Sat 7/28/2007 8:36 AM
To: A list for improving literacy with focus on middle grades.
Subject: Re: [LIT] The Book Thief



On Jul 27, 2007, at 7:50 PM, Ty Dartez wrote:
> Seems like I've been hearing talk of The Book Thief this summer....is
> it really long? Is it a Y.A. novel or an adult one that they might be
> able to relate to?

I also read The Book Thief this summer - it is a powerful book, for
sure, and absolutely beautifully written, multi-layered and
intertwined.  I found it slow reading for myself - could only read a
bit at a time before I was just so full I had to put it down and absorb
a while or at least walk away from the intensity for a bit.  Brenda,
sounds similar to your reaction (not sure if this is the same list
group).

It's been on the best seller list now for something like 50-60 weeks. 
I think it was first promoted as an adult book but then crossed to YA
too - I think it will be the rare (probably pretty mature) 7th or 8th
grader who will choose to read it.  I found profound meaning for myself
- it haunts my thinking, thoughts about it returning in the midst of
something else.

I'd be most interested to hear about kids' responses.  And Tena, I know
you said you used it as a mentor text - can you share more about this? 
Thanks much.

Ginny White
Fernandina Beach Middle (FL)


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