The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (by John Boyne)
common sense media says
Intense, powerful Holocaust book offers unique perspective.
parents & educators say
- 50% say it's educational
- 31% say there are positive messages
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.
Educational value:
This can help kids connect with the historical events of the Holocaust in a more realistic way. Could also lead to some great discussions about evil and the nature of man.
Positive role models:
Readers will quickly relate to Bruno, who is uprooted from his home and moved somewhere "nasty and cold." His 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.
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.
Violence:
Implied violence though none graphically shown. But the book is set in a death camp so emotional violence is a real factor to consider when your kids read the book. The ending involves very upsetting death.
Sex:
Not applicable.
Language:
Not applicable.
Consumerism:
Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Not applicable.
More on The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
Review It
Based on 16 parent & educator reviews:
- 50% say it's educational
- 31% say there are positive messages
Most useful reviews by all members
stripesanddots
teen, 15 years old
teen, 15 years old
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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Ilovemedia
kid, 12 years old
kid, 12 years old
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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rynberk
teen, 15 years old
teen, 15 years old
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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jammy145
kid, 11 years old
kid, 11 years old
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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Megumi Yosei
teen, 13 years old
teen, 13 years old
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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Beach_bum_95
teen, 16 years old
teen, 16 years old
For older children, yet for anyone willing to take on its' meanings
Love it and hate it because I hate the ending, as tear-jerking and heart-warming this novel is, I am 14 and am haunted by the climax of this fable. Crying for 30 minutes straight is not my idea of the "perfect ending". Other then how it ended I loved this story and would reccomend this book to anyone who is ready to take on such a meaningful stroy.
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doctorwhovian
kid, 13 years old
kid, 13 years old
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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KatTHEbookWORM
teen, 15 years old
teen, 15 years old
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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Tamagotchi95
teen, 16 years old
teen, 16 years old
Perfect for middle school students and above
I thought the book was great including the movie. I would say this book is age appropriate for middle school students like around 12. That's when they learn about world war II during middle school. If your kids read this while they learn about the holocaust, they can have a better view by reading this book by understanding it better. Even watching the movie before they see much worse what happened to the Jewish people during the holocaust.
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twilightfan2459
teen, 14 years old
teen, 14 years old
we had to read this book at school and it complety exceeded my expectations. The cover doesnt show of much but its a powerful story which anyone can get into.The ending is powerful yet dealt with subtly and the movie is also a must following the reading of the book.
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sarahH.
teen, 14 years old
teen, 14 years old
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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oc
parent of 16 year old
parent of 16 year old
The story is wonderfully awesome as i m feeling to cry! I ve read it right now.! And for all the readers i personally feel that you must watch the movie..its very emotional and heart touching...the two little boys have acted so beautifully especially the nazi's son that at the end of the story i literally felt cry..:'( MUST WATCH THE MOVIE. Thank u.
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K.Erickson
adult
adult
Perfect for tweens and older
I thought it was a great betrayal of events and history. I found myself quite emotional by the end of the story. I would definitely read the book again!
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Mandasia
parent of 3 and 15 year old
parent of 3 and 15 year old
great for 13 and up but under 13 i dont recamend it.
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ocie14
teen, 14 years old
teen, 14 years old
depressing book
this book is sooo sad, but it is good. i wish stuff like this had never happened :(. if u wanna read a more uplifting book, try "Life is So Good" by George Dawson, or "The Starcatcher Series"
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JocelynEB
kid, 13 years old
kid, 13 years old
Sad. Bring and Tissue Box
It is a very good book, but the ending made me really sad and I cried a little bit. I thought reading it from Bruno's point of view helped my understand what was going on more.
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junkie885
adult
adult
The Boy in the Spriped Pajamas
The book is great but movie is very, very sad...
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moviemadness
adult
adult
A total must-read for tweens+
This heartbreaking story of friendship and innocence is too sad for younger kids. The book is well-written, and explores complex issues from a child's perspective. Wonderful and honest. One of the best books ever.
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