Markus Zusak is a renowned Australian author, best known for his young adult novels and children's books. He has written six novels, with his work translated into more than forty languages and sold in several countries. Zusak's German descent and his mother's stories about the Nazis' treatment of Jews in her hometown have significantly influenced his writing. His most famous work, "The Book Thief," has been optioned for film by Babelsberg Studios and 20th Century Fox and spent more than a decade on the New York Times bestseller list.
Despite facing rejection for seven years and receiving numerous rejection letters, Zusak persevered and eventually published his first novel. His other novels, including "The Underdog," "Fighting Ruben Wolfe," "When Dogs Cry" (also titled "Getting the Girl"), "The Messenger" (or "I Am the Messenger"), and "Bridge of Clay," have received numerous awards and honors, such as the Commonwealth Writers Prize for Best Book, Horn Book Fanfare, and Michael L. Printz Honor Books. Zusak's books have been recognized in literary prizes, readers' choice awards, and booksellers' votes, further establishing his reputation as a successful author from Australia.
In 2013, "The Book Thief" was adapted into a major motion picture, and in 2018, it was voted one of America's all-time favorite books, achieving 14th position on the PBS Great American Read. Also in 2018, "Bridge of Clay" was selected as a best book of the year in various publications, including Entertainment Weekly and the Wall Street Journal. Zusak, who was born and raised in Sydney, Australia, currently resides there with his wife and two children.