Liesel Meminger is a young, German girl who lived with her mother and brother. When her mother is unable to properly care for her, Liesel is given up and sent to live with her new adopted family, the Hubbermans. The 9 year-old girl quickly takes a liking to Mr. Hubberman. He soon becomes Liesel's saving grace and one of her best friends. She also becomes friends with a boy on the street, Rudy. Rudy, Liesel, and all the other kids on the street spend their free time playing soccer and hanging out. As the war intensifies, Liesel soon becomes a "book thief." The rest is a surprise: you'll have to read the book to find out what happens to Liesel, Rudy, and the whole town they live in.