This book is awsome and much less intense then the movie!! definetly a book for OLDER TWEENS to start reading!!!!
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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?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
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.
Themes in this book include: family relationships, friendship, loss
updated 09.25.09
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 11–13
What to watch out for
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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 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, 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?
Our Members Say
See all 39 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Negative role models
AN AWSOME BOOK!!!!!
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
This book is awsome just like the movie!!!! And if your younger child wnats to watch the movie read the book with them first.
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Negative role models
- My highlights are:
- Educational
A GREAT BOOK FOR HOLOCAUST BEGINERS
If your child is atleast 11 years old and is interested about the holocaust then this is a perfect book for them to read!!!! If they already have some knoledge of the holocaust let them read it on there own and make sure to ask if they have any questions when there done. But if they have VERY LITTLE TO NO knoledge about this grusome subject i would suggest reading it to them. (they won't understand much of the book or especially the ending if you don't) BOTTOM LINE: VERY GOOD BOOK FOR OLDER TWEENS TO START READING
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Negative role models
- My highlights are:
- Educational
great book for older tweens and younger teens
this book is awsome and is much less vilont and detailed then the movie. it's a perfect book to read wit your older tween and young teens BEFORE they watch the movie.
- I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
awesome book, for 11+
I loved this book! I think that it is iffy for up to 10. but it's awesome for preteens, teens, adults and up!!
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Ratings at a Glance
| 100% | of parents say it's educational |
| 100% | of parents say it's too violent |
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