Question 2.

[John]

Why does Liesel have a theme of stealing books in many points in the novel?

[Dominic]

I think she steals the books to learn more English and to learn new ideas because the Nazis are burning all the books because they want to have their own ideas be known and not taken away.

[Samuel]

I think that Liesel consistently steals books as a way to capture and get the words back in a sense. She also wants to learn how to read books and is something she loves to do with Hans. Also, early on in the book when Liesel is having the nightmares, the books are a way to comfort her. On page 64, during the night she has a nightmare and Hans comes in to comfort her and sees that she has the Grave Digger's Handbook, he says "Is this yours? Yes, Papa. Do you want to read it? Again, Yes Papa. A tired smile. Metallic eyes, melting. Well, we'd better read it then." She sees reading as an escape from her nightmares and enjoys the comfort from Hans every night. 

[Nicholas]

I think she wants to steal the books because she is fascinated by words, and likes to learn them mostly because she doesn't understand them through out the beginning.

[Samuel]

Another reason I think is that she wants to rebel against the Nazis even though she shouldn't be reading those books. It is a part of her rebelling from what is happening during the time period. 

[Gannon]

I think Leisel steals the books so she can get a better understanding of the German language and how to read and write words so she can communicate with people, that is why she is always stealing books form places or anywhere she can find them.

[John]

 I realize now that Liesel just found an instant interest in books and it was her sanctuary away from the pain of her loses.