The votes are in. Readers have selected The Book Thief as the One Book One Siouxland featured title for 2010. Set in Germany during World War II, this Markus Zusak novel captured first place at the Sioux City Public Library, the South Sioux City Public Library, and at the North Sioux City Community Library.

The story is about a family whose parents are not members of the Nazi Party, and a foster daughter whose love for books helps her triumph at a time when hope is hard to find. Drawing on things his parents had seen growing up in Nazi Germany and Austria, the author explained, "I thought about the importance of words in that time and what they were able to make people believe and do." A thick book at 500+ pages, The Book Thief is nevertheless a quick and compelling read, appropriate for teens and general audiences.

The goal of One Book One Siouxland is to share ideas and build community through the experience of reading and discussing the same book. Discussion leaders are planning book talks and programs on children in wartime, the power of stories, and more. Programs, exhibits and book discussions will be announced in January.