The Book Thief is an important historical fiction novel to incorporate in many historyclasses. Not only does this book provide readers with the perspective of a young child in Germany during WWII, it also shows students the difficulties Germans faced under Hitler's regime. Not all Germans were supporters of the Nazi party, and many of them felt they had to go along with Hitler's government in order to protect themselves and their families. Many times, historians and books focus on Jews during the Holocaust or Allied soldiers fighting on the front. They do not usually show the perspective of WWII from a German, especially a German child. While depicting the horrors of war, the novel also shows love, courage, and strength from the main characters. It shows that words are powerful, and they have the power to completely transform a situation or person. The Book Thief proves to be doubly historical, presenting students with an account of WWII, but also bringing to light conflicts that arise during all wars and the constant threat of death. Bombings were a constant worry for civilians during WWII, but they also remain an issue currently in the Middle East where civilians are bombed daily.
The Book Thief also aligns with many of the NCSS Thematic Strands and the South Carolina state standards (these are listed under "Instructional Activites"). The novel can relate to Thematic Strand 1: Culture because the book provides an inside look at what German culture was like during World War II. It details what society valued during this time, gives examples of the German language, and shows how many Germans were forced to act in order to remain safe. Even thought the novel only covers a few years (1939-1943), it still can relate to Thematic Strand 2: Time, Continuity, and Change. Even in this brief time period, the town of Molching and its residents undergo numerous changes due to outside forces of war. Thematic Strand 4: Individual Development and Identity also aligns well with this book. This theme deals with individual development that occurs in part due to society and the surrounding culture. The Book Thief focuses specifically on Liesel's individual growth over the years, and it shows how surrounding events shaped her thoughts and beliefs. The novel also aligns with Thematic Strand 5: Individuals, Groups, and Institutions. This strand focuses on how institutions impact society and individuals, and The Book Thief illustrates this theme by showing the many ways that the Nazi party influenced everyday life in Germany. The book also falls under Thematic Strand 6: Power, Authority, and Governance because it shows the form of government in Germany and the overwhelming power that the Nazi party held. Thematic Strand 8: Science, Technology, and Society can also be used to teach this book. Teachers can examine the new developments in weaponry and airplanes throughout the war and how these were used to target military bases and even civilians, like in the novel. The novel aligns with Thematic Strand 9: Global Connections, as well. While The Book Thief does not delve into much detail about other countries during the war, it does discuss Germany's expanding territory and attacks on other countries. Using this book as a starting point, students can delve further into this strand by researching Germany's relationships with its allies and enemies during the war. The book can even bring to light discussions about peace, poverty, and human rights, all related to global connections. Finally, The Book Thief also relates to Thematic Strand 10: Civic Ideals and Practices. This strand focuses on basic human freedoms and rights, as well as the institutions that support them. Human rights were ignored during the Holocaust as Jews and other minorities were imprisoned and killed simply for being different. Teachers should discuss with their students the laws and historical documents that are meant to protect individual rights and discuss why Hitler was able to bypass these practices.
Source:
National Curriculum Standard for Social Studies: Chapter 2 - The Themes of Social Studies. National Council for Social Studies. Retrieved from http://www.socialstudies.org/standards/strands.
The Book Thief also aligns with many of the NCSS Thematic Strands and the South Carolina state standards (these are listed under "Instructional Activites"). The novel can relate to Thematic Strand 1: Culture because the book provides an inside look at what German culture was like during World War II. It details what society valued during this time, gives examples of the German language, and shows how many Germans were forced to act in order to remain safe. Even thought the novel only covers a few years (1939-1943), it still can relate to Thematic Strand 2: Time, Continuity, and Change. Even in this brief time period, the town of Molching and its residents undergo numerous changes due to outside forces of war. Thematic Strand 4: Individual Development and Identity also aligns well with this book. This theme deals with individual development that occurs in part due to society and the surrounding culture. The Book Thief focuses specifically on Liesel's individual growth over the years, and it shows how surrounding events shaped her thoughts and beliefs. The novel also aligns with Thematic Strand 5: Individuals, Groups, and Institutions. This strand focuses on how institutions impact society and individuals, and The Book Thief illustrates this theme by showing the many ways that the Nazi party influenced everyday life in Germany. The book also falls under Thematic Strand 6: Power, Authority, and Governance because it shows the form of government in Germany and the overwhelming power that the Nazi party held. Thematic Strand 8: Science, Technology, and Society can also be used to teach this book. Teachers can examine the new developments in weaponry and airplanes throughout the war and how these were used to target military bases and even civilians, like in the novel. The novel aligns with Thematic Strand 9: Global Connections, as well. While The Book Thief does not delve into much detail about other countries during the war, it does discuss Germany's expanding territory and attacks on other countries. Using this book as a starting point, students can delve further into this strand by researching Germany's relationships with its allies and enemies during the war. The book can even bring to light discussions about peace, poverty, and human rights, all related to global connections. Finally, The Book Thief also relates to Thematic Strand 10: Civic Ideals and Practices. This strand focuses on basic human freedoms and rights, as well as the institutions that support them. Human rights were ignored during the Holocaust as Jews and other minorities were imprisoned and killed simply for being different. Teachers should discuss with their students the laws and historical documents that are meant to protect individual rights and discuss why Hitler was able to bypass these practices.
Source:
National Curriculum Standard for Social Studies: Chapter 2 - The Themes of Social Studies. National Council for Social Studies. Retrieved from http://www.socialstudies.org/standards/strands.