The opening chapters foreshadow the difficulties children face during the war by introducing Death as the narrator, hinting at widespread mortality. Early scenes describe the death of Liesel's brother and a pilot, highlighting the grim realities children witness. The imagery of red, white, and black skies ties to the Nazi flag, symbolizing the pervasive death and horror. These elements suggest that children will endure significant suffering and loss during World War II.

"The Wrath of Rosa" is central to the novel's theme of compassion. It highlights Rosa Hubermann's underlying kindness despite her harsh exterior, as she shows concern for Max, a Jewish man hiding in their home. Despite the danger and food scarcity, Rosa's willingness to share what little they have underscores the novel's message that compassion and humanity can persist even in desperate times.

In The Book Thief, Jewish discrimination, Hitler's propaganda, and the Hitler Youth are interconnected through the indoctrination of German youth. Liesel, the protagonist, experiences this firsthand by joining the Hitler Youth, where members are taught to discriminate against Jews and internalize Nazi propaganda. The organization serves as a tool for brainwashing, emphasizing false victories and burning books to suppress dissenting ideas, making participation more mandatory than voluntary.

The novel illustrates Hitler's indoctrination of German youth through scenes of book-burning events, forced participation in the Hitler Youth, and societal pressure to despise Jews. Liesel witnesses book burnings and Hitler Youth parades, symbolizing the regime's control over culture and youth loyalty. The portrayal of Tommy's struggles in the Hitler Youth highlights the demand for physical and ideological perfection. Additionally, the persecution of Jews, as seen in Liesel’s father’s experiences, underscores the pervasive indoctrination and acceptance of Nazi ideology.

There are several reasons why Markus Zusak chose World War II–era Germany as the setting for The Book Thief. For one, Germany acted as the center of crisis in World War II, even as it radiated out massively and took over the states around it. Hitler and the Nazi Regime headquartered in Germany, and Germany is the site where Nazi antisemitism grew and horrifying misinformation about Jews was allowed to take root.

The Hubermanns and Liesel demonstrate courage in opposing Hitler by hiding a Jewish man named Max in their basement, risking their lives to protect him. Additionally, Hans Hubermann shows bravery by giving bread to a Jewish prisoner during a march, and Liesel defies Nazi censorship by stealing and reading banned books.

The Book Thief connects to the historical context of the Holocaust by depicting life in Nazi Germany, especially the impact on ordinary citizens and Jews. The story highlights the persecution, censorship, and propaganda of the era, as well as the devastating effects of war and genocide through the experiences of the protagonist, Liesel, and her interactions with Jewish characters hiding from the Nazis.