The Book Thief is a 2006 historical novel by the Australian author Markus Zusak. 2006: Commonwealth Writers' Prize for Best Book (South East Asia & South Pacific) 2006: School Library Journal Best Book of the Year 2006: Daniel Elliott Peace Award 2006: Publishers Weekly Best Children's Book of the Year 2006: National Jewish Book Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature[3] 2006: Bulletin Blue Ribbon Book[4] 2007: Michael L. Printz Honor Book.[5] The Printz award is given to the best book for teenagers, based only on the quality of the writing. 2007: Book Sense Book of the Year Award for Children's Literature 2007: Sydney Taylor Book Award for the best in Jewish children's and YA literature 2007: Best Books for Young Adults (American Library Association)