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The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
- By John Boyne
- Genre: Historical Fiction
Common Sense Media says
Intense, powerful Holocaust book offers unique perspective.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that even though the main character in this book is 9 years old, this book is a better fit for kids in late middle school and up. The book focuses on complex emotional issues of evil and the Holocaust, and raises questions about the nature of man. It could spark a great moral discussion. But kids will probably be very moved if not quite upset by some of the events in the book. Its theme is complex and powerful, and it will provoke emotions and questions that will need discussion and explanation. We recommend that you talk with your kids after they've read the book, or even read the book together.
What's the story?
When Bruno is forced to move away from his enormous Berlin home with his family, his life changes forever. Besides moving into a smaller house with no "nooks and crannies" to explore, besides having no one to play with except for his older sister (also known as the "Hopeless Case"), he's surrounded by soldiers that are constantly in and out of his father's downstairs office as well as other grown-ups who always seem angry or unhappy. Bruno misses his friends, his grandparents, and the city itself. And he doesn't understand what's going on around him. He hates everything about "Out-With" and is very lonely until he meets the boy on the other side of the fence.
Is it any good?
This powerful book about the Holocaust stands out in part because of the unusual perspective: It's told through the eyes of the 9-year-old son of the commandant at Auschwitz, a boy who has no clue as to what is going on around him. This perspective allows readers to feel a strong sense of foreboding, long before they know the extent of the terror surrounding Bruno's world. Readers will be struck by the contrast between Bruno's normalcy and naivety, and the extreme horrors of the time.
Readers will quickly relate to Bruno, who is uprooted from his home and moved somewhere "nasty and cold" where he has no friends; he is lonely, his sister bugs him, and adults treat him as if he's not there. He wants to study art and read fantasy books rather than history and geography. He wants to get outside and explore. At one point Bruno even covets the life of the boy on the other side of the fence because at least he has other boys with whom he can play.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about World War II and the Holocaust. How is reading a story different than reading about facts in a history book? Which do you find more moving? Which are you more likely to remember?
How would the story
be different if it were told from another point of view?
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AGE
BORINGWITHALLCAPS
With unintelligent word choice, this historically inaccurate book is extreamly lacking in important details and description. "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas" had amazing potential that wasn't nearly reached.
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AGE
Amazing Book for Mature Readers
I had to read this book for school and I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did. I highly recommended it. It was very educational and it was great to see the friendship of Bruno and Shmuel. The perspective it was written from is amazingly unique (you would never think of what it must have been like to a Nazi's nine-year-old son). The ending was unfortunate and I wasn't really expecting it. There never really is any violence shown/written, although it is implied. I think it's okay for 12+.
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AGE
wonderful; a unique perpective
Somehow, events are all the more tragic when narrated by those who do not understand. It's a very good tale of friendship. It ends sadly, and I feel the ending sort of communicates that everyone is harmed by hate and violence. Of all the Holocaust novel I've read (and believe me, that's a lot) I think this is the only one I've read from this perspective-that is, from the point of view of a Nazi's son. The book shouldn't be used as an introduction to the Holocaust- you have to know, or it won't make any sense. You should also know that Out-With=Auschwitz (is that obvious?).
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AGE
Very Sad
Of couse it has a some bad examples because his dad is a Nazi himself. But besides the obvious he is a great father and it is obvious that he loves his son. Great book hands down.Must warn you that it is very sad at the end.Good if your kids know about the holocaust and its impact.
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AGE
Loved it!
I picked this book up at the book store whilst looking for a book to read for my language arts class at school.I read it bit by bit, but it wasn't 'til the end when I really got into it.Mainly because it was due on monday, I had about 130 pages to read, and it was friday.Anyways aside from the point, once I really sat down properly and started reading the book, I couldn't put it down.The ending was so shocking and sad though, but I've always liked sad endings because I've found them to be more interesting.So basically to round things up-great book, educational, have to know at least a bit about WWII to sort of fill in the blanks, recommended!
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AGE
Sad, Wonderful Masterpiece
This is one of the best books I've ever read. It's unique because normally a you wouldn't think it be in the eyes of a little boy outside of the fence.
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AGE
Heartwarming Friendship, Heartbreaking Tragedy
It is and amazing yet heart breaking novel but a great read. Though the main character is a 9 year old, it is not for someone of that age. They wont fully understand it because some parts need to be understood and you have to read between the lines. Seven themes that describe this novel are unconditional love, innocence, Loyalty, Intolerance, Friendship, Acceptance and Conformity.
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AGE
13+ Pulls on your heartstrings. Recomended if you know about the Hollocaust.
I definately think you should be 13 years of age or older because some readers may find this book to pull on your heartstrings. This is probably the best book I have ever read and I praise the author. If you are thinking about or going to start reading it you should be educated about the hollocaust. You should know about concentration camps & hilter & the nazis or else many parts will not make sense to you. I 100% recomend you to read it if you know about these things.
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AGE
For 12 and Up of Really Mature Kids
I reallly loved this book. It is not good for kids under 12 beacuse it a has a little too much violence and the meaning is so deep that some kids might just read through it and not get anything out of it. I relly love this book and recomend it for kids and young teenagers who are interested in the Holocaust.
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Kid, 11 years old
October 12, 2010
AGE
So Sad
I love this book i think its one of the best i have read i am interested in the holocaust so it was the perfict book for me but horribly sad i cried but most people i know cwho read it cried so anyway i think a great but upseting book
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| Author: | John Boyne |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Historical Fiction |
| Publisher: | David Fickling Books |
| Publication date: | September 12, 2006 |
| Number of pages: | 215 |
| Hardcover price: | $15.95 |
| Paperback price: | $11.95 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 12 - 12 |
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