I really enjoyed ready 'the boy in the striped pajama's' it took me on an emotional journey and you could sense what it would be like to be involved in war. My class seemed to enjoy it but a little disappointing ending.
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The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
(2006, Fiction - Historical Fiction, Written by John Boyne)
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Is it age appropriate?
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Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 11. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
A unique perspective on the Holocaust.
updated 07.04.08
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 11–13
What to watch out for
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Violence :
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Sex :
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
Parents need to know that even though the main character in this book is 9, this book is a better fit for kids in late middle school and up. The book focuses on complex emotional issues of evil, the Holocaust and raises questions about the nature of man. A great moral discussion can be had with your kids. But they will probably be very moved if not quite upset by some of the events in the book. We recommend you talk with your kids after they've read the book. The book itself contains no overt violence, no questionable language, and little sexuality. However, its theme is complex and powerful, and it will provoke emotions and questions that will need discussion and explanation. Kids may need help understanding the historical context.
Read our full review by Patricia Tauzer
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about World War II and the Holocaust, and the evil actions of otherwise normal people. How could a loving father be the commandant of a concentration camp? How would the story be different if it were told from another point of view? Why didn't Bruno figure out what was going on? What would he have done if he had? Why did he lie to the soldier rather than protect his friend? Would you be able to forgive him as the friend did?
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Most Recent Reviews
Lives inI rate this title on for age 14 and give it- My highlights are:
- Educational
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
Very thought provoking
I really enjoyed this book. Its sad but I enjoyed the way the author handled the holocaust on a kid's level. I read this book months ago, but still think about it quite a bit.
- Lives in ConnecticutI rate this title on for age 13 and give it
Very well written
I was 14 when i read this and found it hard to wrap my brain around the fact that humans could be so cruel. This book shows the holocaust from the view of a child. They drop hints here and there referring to little aspects of this boys life, like his fathers job and where they move to. I thought it was touching and a good read for ages 13 and up.
- Lives in WashingtonI rate this title on for age 10 and give it
A book that will make you cry, you'll love it.
I really loved this book, but the ending is so sad. I almost cried, the author did such a great job you'll feel what Bruno(The Main Character) is feeling. A must read for anyone who is interested in the Holocuast and over 10 years of age.
Lives in OhioI rate this title iffy for age 11 and give itSo sad and moving
Wow, this book was indeed sad. I'm not gonna give it all away, but it's basically about a kid named Bruno. His family moves from their home because their Dad's job has been moved. I can't say the rest since it would give the story away, but it's set in the time of WWll. So, it's the Holocaust. I'm not giving any more, but it's so sad and moving. I never expected a book like this to be this good. Some kids that are maybe 9 and younger, possibly 10 and younger, may not understand everything in the book, because of the vocabulary. Plus, younger kids might not be interested and may even be confused with the book. They may not understand the Holocaust. But, preteens and up can understand this amazing and so sad book. Loved it.
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