One of the most significant themes of The Book Thief is the importance and power of literacy. While words can have a negative impact on the world (such as when Max observes that Hitler used Mein Kampf to change the world for the worst), they can also inspire and liberate people. Liesel's learning to read not only opens her to a world of literature but also empowers her in a time of tyranny. Even before she is fully literate, Liesel steals books intended for burning at Nazi rallies. The book burnings are intended to silence ideas not in line with Nazi thought, and by saving these books, Liesel is rebelling against the social order in her own small way.

Another way in which literacy is powerful in The Book Thief is through the relationships it can forge between people. Liesel's learning to read bonds her with her foster father, Hans. Her desire to read bonds her with the mayor's wife, who lends her books from her library. Most powerfully, Liesel's reading The Whistler to the community when they are all gathered in the bomb shelter also shows how books can not only bring people together but give them comfort in hard times.

There are many different ideas in the novel The Book Thief, and the themes and morals intertwine to create a very unique story. One of the prevailing themes is the idea of fate. Liesel, having witnessed Death early in the story and "caught" him in the act, is spared the fate of death until she becomes an elderly woman. Many instances occur that may be deadly, but she avoids them narrowly, showing a sense of fate and fortune in her life.

The overall moral lesson, however, is about knowledge and rebellion. Living in Nazi Germany, Liesel learns to read from her foster father, Hans. This grows into a deep love and passion for books and learning that even pushes her to steal books from Nazi book-burning events. This small act of rebellion and defiance serves to preserve a small piece of literature from the destruction caused by the Nazi regime.

I think one of the most important lessons, or the overall take-home message of this novel is the power of words. First, the main character ironically becomes a "book thief" before she even knows how to read. The idea of words, to her, is initially a mystery that she sets out to unlock. She is bonded to her foster father, Hans Hubermann, but the power of words, and the night reading lessons they share together.

Later, on the night of the book burning, she hears the word "communist" from the podium and things finally start to fall into place for her about what must have happened to her real parents. She is later bonded to two more characters, the Mayor's wife and Max, through books.

Consider that all of Hitler's power rested on his ability to persuade people through words. This book is not a traditional Holocaust story, however, it does tap in to this very typical Holocaust theme. Instead of revealing the predominantly negative side of the power of words, however, this book shows how this power created friendships, preserved life, and ultimately was used for good over evil. In contrast to the historical evil taking place in Europe during WW2, The Book Thiefteaches readers to appreciate freedom of expression in writing.