Age rating and parents' guide:The Book Thief

by Markus Zusak

Ages 12–14

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is best for children aged 12–14. It has moderate violence, some scary moments, a little romance and mild language. Worth knowing: War, death, Holocaust backdrop.

Death narrates Liesel’s life in Nazi Germany as stolen books, friendship, and words sustain her through war.

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Content ratings

How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.

Violence: Moderate
Scary moments: Moderate
Romance: Mild
Bad language: Mild

Worth knowing: War, death, Holocaust backdrop

Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on 21 September 2026.

At a glance

Novel
A demanding read, best for confident readers
Mostly text
Some emotionally heavy moments

Great for kids who like

Historical Fiction
Friendship

Reading mood

Thoughtful
Suspenseful

Good to talk about

Friendship
Survival & resilience

Books like The Book Thief

Similar stories for the same ages, none more intense than this one should be for its youngest readers.

Ages 9–14
Number the Stars
by Lois Lowry
Danish girl Annemarie helps protect her Jewish best friend during the Nazi occupation of Copenhagen.
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Ages 12–14
The War That Saved My Life
by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Ada escapes an abusive home during wartime evacuation and slowly learns trust, independence, and love with her brother Jamie.
Know more Get book
Ages 9–14
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
by J.K. Rowling
Harry discovers he is a wizard, enters Hogwarts, makes loyal friends, and confronts a threat tied to his past.
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Ages 9–14
Anne of Green Gables
by L.M. Montgomery
Imaginative orphan Anne transforms life at Green Gables while finding family, friendship, and belonging on Prince Edward Island.
Know more Get book
Ages 12–14
The Diary of a Young Girl
by Anne Frank
Anne Frank records hiding, fear, family tensions, and hope while her Jewish family shelters from the Nazis.
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Ages 9–14
Amina's Voice
by Hena Khan
Shy Amina fears change as her best friend befriends someone new and her family’s mosque faces hatred.
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On these book lists

Books for 14 year olds

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Questions parents ask

Q: What age is The Book Thief for?

The Book Thief suits children aged 12–14. It is a novel: a demanding read, best for confident readers, mostly text.

Q: Is The Book Thief appropriate for a 12 year old?

Yes. Bookstaken rates it for ages 12–14. It has moderate violence, some scary moments, a little romance and mild language. Worth knowing before reading: War, death, Holocaust backdrop.

Q: What should my child read after The Book Thief?

Try Number the Stars, The War That Saved My Life and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. They share the same kind of story and suit the same ages.

Age rating and parents' guideThe Book Thief

by Markus Zusak

Ages 12–14

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is best for children aged 12–14. It has moderate violence, some scary moments, a little romance and mild language. Worth knowing: War, death, Holocaust backdrop.

Death narrates Liesel’s life in Nazi Germany as stolen books, friendship, and words sustain her through war.

Books like The Book Thief

Similar stories for the same ages, none more intense than this one should be for its youngest readers.

Ages 9–14

Number the Stars

by Lois Lowry

Danish girl Annemarie helps protect her Jewish best friend during the Nazi occupation of Copenhagen.

Know more Get book

Ages 12–14

The War That Saved My Life

by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Ada escapes an abusive home during wartime evacuation and slowly learns trust, independence, and love with her brother Jamie.

Know more Get book

Ages 9–14

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

by J.K. Rowling

Harry discovers he is a wizard, enters Hogwarts, makes loyal friends, and confronts a threat tied to his past.

Know more Get book

Ages 9–14

Anne of Green Gables

by L.M. Montgomery

Imaginative orphan Anne transforms life at Green Gables while finding family, friendship, and belonging on Prince Edward Island.

Know more Get book

Ages 12–14

The Diary of a Young Girl

by Anne Frank

Anne Frank records hiding, fear, family tensions, and hope while her Jewish family shelters from the Nazis.

Know more Get book

Ages 9–14

Amina's Voice

by Hena Khan

Shy Amina fears change as her best friend befriends someone new and her family’s mosque faces hatred.

Know more Get book

Questions parents ask

Q: What age is The Book Thief for?

The Book Thief suits children aged 12–14. It is a novel: a demanding read, best for confident readers, mostly text.

Q: Is The Book Thief appropriate for a 12 year old?

Yes. Bookstaken rates it for ages 12–14. It has moderate violence, some scary moments, a little romance and mild language. Worth knowing before reading: War, death, Holocaust backdrop.

Q: What should my child read after The Book Thief?

Try Number the Stars, The War That Saved My Life and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. They share the same kind of story and suit the same ages.