BKMT READING GUIDES

Insightful,
Dramatic,
Unconvincing

9 reviews

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

by John Boyne

Published: 2006-09-12
Hardcover : 224 pages

26 members reading this now
50 clubs reading this now
21 members have read this book

Recommended to book clubs by 7 of 9 members

Berlin 1942

When Bruno returns home from school one day, he discovers that his belongings are being packed in crates. His father has received a promotion and the family must move from their home to a new house far far away, where there is no one to play with and nothing to do. A tall fence ...

No other editions available.

Jump to

Introduction

(Berlin 1942

When Bruno returns home from school one day, he discovers that his belongings are being packed in crates. His father has received a promotion and the family must move from their home to a new house far far away, where there is no one to play with and nothing to do. A tall fence running alongside stretches as far as the eye can see and cuts him off from the strange people he can see in the distance.

But Bruno longs to be an explorer and decides that there must be more to this desolate new place than meets the eye. While exploring his new environment, he meets another boy whose life and circumstances are very different to his own, and their meeting results in a friendship that has devastating consequences.

Editorial Review

No editorial review at this time.

Excerpt

No Excerpt Currently Available

Discussion Questions

Suggested by Members

How would you have reacted to people being herded down the street, on rr cars, etc. Would you have interceded for them or just observed and felt helpless or indifferent

by laclairelaffitte (see profile) 02/03/11

destiny - fate

believing-reality

understanding?

by aliciafaierman (see profile) 04/16/10

Weblinks

There are no web links at this time.

Notes From the Author to the Bookclub

No notes at this time.

Book Club Recommendations

Recommended to book clubs by 7 of 9 members.

Member Reviews

Overall rating:

by Aubrey B. (see profile) 08/31/20

by Anna D. (see profile) 07/13/20

by kelsey p. (see profile) 10/06/18

by Joy R. (see profile) 03/26/18

by Lisa S. (see profile) 02/17/18

"Boy in the Striped Pajamas"by Kim R. (see profile) 02/10/16

Provides some deep discussion about a very dark time in our history. Loved the perspective from a nine year old boy's perspective.

"Boy in Striped Pajamas by John Boyle"by Select H. (see profile) 07/24/13

This was an interesting read with an ending that Is a surprise. Bruno is an innocent 9 year old during WW II living in Berlin at the beginning at the story. Fast moving and is an excellent view from a... (read more)

"Probably good YA book, but not great for book clubs"by F Tessa B. (see profile) 06/11/13

Audio book performed by Michael Maloney.

When 9-year-old Bruno arrives home from school one day he finds the family maid, Maria, going through his things. He is incensed until his mother

... (read more)

"Good Discussion"by Denise B. (see profile) 09/20/12

This YA book as well as the movie can be a warning for our day!

"the Boy in the Striped Pajamas"by Dani C. (see profile) 02/09/11

Although our book club discussion was very spirited, the book itself was very simplistic and lacked depth. I would not recommend this book to anyone unless they were doing a study of the Holocaust ---... (read more)

Rate this book

MEMBER LOGIN