The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

Neither of us have seen the film and it was really interesting when we compared our reading responses because they were both so similar.
Because of Bruno's lack of understanding, albeit because of his own innocence, we did find it hard to empathise with him. However, as the tragic events involving the innocent concentration camp victims unfolded, we were both moved and saddened by them even though we were given very few details about the characters.
We enjoyed the book with its poignant messages and our enthusiasm for it has meant that our school's Year 6 children are now reading it too.

Judy and Elena

A Monster Calls

This book is one of a kind. Definitely unique. It is very easy to be sucked into the illustrations and be taken way back in time. It is thought provoking .I couldn't stop reading it even though it, in some way, opened a wound I had thought had healed-my late grandmother suffered and braved the cancer treatments just like Conor's mum. The fear of the inevitable truth gripped and tightened my tummy throughout. I did cry buckets as I read it.The holding on..., letting go...

It is a must read for every teacher, there might be some children in our classes who might be going through Conor's experience, minus the monster.

Gladys Nyoni.

Greenleaf Primary School

Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

Having seen the film I was interested to read the book and see how they differed. I found it interesting to read about the war from a child’s point of view, to consider the naivety of children who didn’t realise what adults in their country were doing to others. I particularly like the friendship that is created between the boys, regardless of their culture or religion. I feel children can identify with the feeling of being trapped and wanting to explore what is ‘out of bounds’. A book creating great opportunities to discuss ‘difficult’ topics with children and consider how they affected others.

Rebecca, Eye CE Primary School 

The Boy in the Striped PJs

Unfortunately, I knew the ending of this wonderful book before I started it. My husband had seen the film a while ago and had told me I was not, under any circumstances, to read or watch it! He then told me why!! Of course I ignored his proclamation and read the book. Therefore, while I was saddened by it, I did not cry. If I had read it 'cold', I know I would have bawled like a baby!

I was immediately engaged by the simple story-telling in child-like language. The connotations of the misheard 'Fury' and 'Outwith' were very well done.

I also liked the way in which Bruno denied his friend in much the same manner as Peter and Jesus in the Bible.

I'm glad I read this book and it has only strengthened my resolve to visit Auschwitz and see for myself what the place was like. It is so important that we never forget what happened, and books like this will remind readers of all ages for many years to come.

Laura, Eye CE Primary.

The boy in the striped Pyjamas

I had heard of the film and story and put off starting the book as I wondered if it might be rather sad.

However, once started the story hooked you in with the character of Bruno and his innocence to the events that started to unfold around his family and country. This made me want to read on to see if he was going to find out the 'dark truth' and events that I knew of from the history of the holocaust.
The story told through Bruno and his friendship with the 'boy in striped pyjamas' certainly made me think of the events from the World war from a different angle: the innocence of those involved and drawn into war through no choice of their own, seen via Bruno himself and his mother (when she learns the deeper darker truth!). 

The simple friendship between the boys showed how barriers could be broken down in the innocence of youth, even as Bruno's knowledge of 'Jews being the enemy' started to unfold via his stern propaganda filled tutor!   As the final events developed I felt myself torn between wanting Bruno to get out of the camp and escape (along with his young innocent friend)  and wanting his father to have to pay his own price for the events that he was supporting!!  At the end, it was certainly the mother and her loss that I felt for with greater depth and related to as a fellow mother.

I would have liked to know what was going to 'happen next' but I then put this together and predicted for myself!  The book certainly finished at a thought provoking point and has left an impression on me and I'm sure will do for many other readers.

Joanne |Sewell
Duke of Bedford school

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

Wow. I had not watched the film because I am very good at avoiding things that I think will upset me, so being asked to read the book made my heart sink if I'm honest!

I put it off for as long as possible, then when I started, of course I couldn't put it down. I loved reading this book. I loved the way I realised gradually what was going on, even though the subject matter was challenging and as horrific as I had expected. 

The way Bruno's innocence - ignorance led the story I found very clever and terribly sad. I couldn't bring myself to read the last chapter for ages, because I knew what was going to happen. I found myself wishing there had been more about the father's suffering, I really wanted to know what happened next - although of course what isn't written is far more powerful. That's what I found so clever about this book, I will definitely be looking for more by this author. 

I have learned that I need to challenge myself and read material that I don't really like the sound of, or that I think will make me uncomfortable. I will probably watch the film now too, though I completely expect to cry my face off!!!!

Maxine Anderson

Gladstone Primary School

Peterborough

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

The most striking thing initially about the book was the use of different, more neutral and familiar words to replace the German words (like Fury for Fuhrer and Out-With for Auschwitz).  This reminded me of how when children learn difficult words, they often pronounce it incorrectly or change it to sound like a word they know without realising.  I notice children in my class doing it all the time! In a way this distances you from the historical background we know well as adults, but I think in another way it is disturbing because it adds to the naivety and ignorance of Bruno to the horrors that are happening around him.  Having seen the film before reading the book, I think this had such an impact as it does not register in the film version.  This innocence of Bruno is what makes the story so poignant and devastating, amongst other tales of the same period of history.  It would be a brilliant text to use with upper KS2, one which I think would really hook the children's interest and their recognition of the gravity of WWII.

Steph Betteridge
Hillbourne School

boy in the striped pyjamas

Reading this book reminded me that often ' children's books' are more poignant and honest than those aimed at adults. It also shows how even the most difficult of topics, that we often think might be too difficult for children to handle or understand can be simplified to enable honest and open discussions about past events.
New years resolution is to read another children's chapter books every half term

Kate Masters
Stanley Green

The boy in the striped Pyjamas

Simply put this is Schindlers list for children.
This story has life changing implications. Extremely thought provoking, yet still leaves room for the readers own imagination.   Not sure how it will go down with a Y6 class but I know it affected me deeply.  To say this is a deep story is an understatement.  Havn't seen the film but will have to now!

Andrew Awadalla
Gilbert Scott Primary School

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

I read this book for the first time over seven years ago while studying World War 2 with my class. It was so hard to finish once I knew what was going to happen to the two little boys. While I am glad I read and even reread this book I still find it deeply upsetting.

Áine Ní Chuinneagáin

St Patrick's Catholic School

 

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

I have seen the film and found it really disturbing but the book is even more tragic.
The last few chapters filled me with dread as I knew the fate of Bruno.
When he held his friends hand in the gas chamber and said he was his best friend it was so moving.
I found the contrast of what Bruno thought the camp was going to be like compared to what it was in reality interesting. I think the book would only be suitable for year 6 onwards.

Natalie Thorpe - Gilbert Scott Primary

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

I didn't know the story (not having seen the film) but was told that there was a twist at the end. This puts me off books and films as I can't resist trying to predict it, which spoils the story! However, it being on the PoR reading list, I made the effort to persevere and finished it in about a week.

Most effective was the depiction of Bruno's relationship with his father, and the child's-eye view of their conversations. The events of Nazi-era Germany happening in the periphery meant that the reader was given enough clues to place the context of the story without explaining characters' motives to the point that Bruno could understand them. The ending was hard-hitting, certainly for a book that I might use in school, but as mentioned before I was thinking about the ending throughout which perhaps spoiled its impact.

Unfortunately I couldn't help but dislike the character of Bruno and found it impossible to sympathise with him. Since the story was told from his point of view it made the whole experience a bit of a chore. I would have liked to find out more about the maid and the butler/doctor but seeing them through the filter of Bruno's naivety and innocence made that unlikely at best.

Reading the book with a class might make me see it in a different light, and there isn't anything about it that would stop me from using it in Year 6. I found the story behind the book intriguing, and the epilogue concerning Bruno's father was powerful.

Ben
Henbury Court Primary

A Monster Calls

Wow! Never mind one of the best children’s books I have ever read, but one of the best books full stop. I don’t know what I was expecting, but it definitely wasn’t this. ‘Fearless’ is the best word I could use to describe the book and the author, Patrick Ness. The themes are as dark as the cover; best friends that you can't really trust, violence acceptable as a coping strategy, a 'monster' who is as vicious as he is charismatic -apart from the illustrations, nothing else in this story is black-and-white. Whilst I accept that it may not be the best written book ever, for sheer gut-ripping emotional intensity, the last 30 pages of ‘A Monster Calls’ is unlikely to be matched by any book that I read soon. Highly recommended - in fact, stop what you are doing right now and read it! Health Warning: you will cry. A lot.

Andy Leyden
Christ Church New Malden Primary

The Boy in the striped pyjamas

Having watched the film a couple of times I read this book with the knowledge of what lay ahead. I have never read a book after seeing a film, usually it's the other way round, so I kept imagining the film whilst reading and making comparisons. The story itself I found to be so thought provoking and I constantly questionned how anyone could have been involved in committing these dreadful acts. Reading the book developed the characters for me, especially the relationship between the two boys, but also of his sister Gretel too. I did think the ending of the book was not very emotional and whether the author had done this on purpose I wasn't sure. Another fantastic book!

Jo Anderson
Highlees primary school

The boy in the striped pyjamas

I was reluctant to start reading this book, because I assumed I knew what the storyline would be.  However, once I started reading it I quickly became engrossed in it, and found it easy to picture the characters, their journeys and their viewpoints.  I liked the way child speak names of The Fury and Out With.

I think as a text it is accessible on different levels, and is not dependent on prior knowledge of WW2.  The innocence of Bruno made me smile although as an adult I found his observations too simplistic.

I had to read the ending twice and thought it was dealt with sensitively.

Janet Fletcher
Portishead Primary School

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

I agree with you Carol. I love that fact that we know more than the young boy. As you have not finished it, I will not ruin the ending for you even though I am sure most people have tried!

I do, however, have to disagree with you in being reluctant to read it because of it being emotional as I love books that allow me to explore emotions through a 'safe way'. For example, not pointing out explicitly what happened at the end but leaving me to imagine or presume what happened based on my own experiences or knowledge of the Nazis regime.

Furthermore, the boy in the striped pyjamas is in fact one of my favourite books and I had actually read it before and watched the film so Carol I recommend you to finish it!

Cherise Davis Willow Tree Central Block E

The boy in the striped pyjamas

I watched the film quite a while ago and so had reservations about reading the book as I was familiar with the plot. The book has a different dimension to the film. I am finding the book difficult to read because I already know the ending which was off putting.

Sue Magan
Willow Tree Primary School
Central Group E

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

I love the way that it is written through the eyes of a young boy and all his misunderstandings. You understand what is going on even though the boy himself does not. 

I haven't managed to finish it yet and am reluctant to do so because of people giving me clues about what happens at the end of the book. I am certain that it won't be a happy one. 

Carol Owens

Willow-Tree Primary School 

Central Group E

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

I didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. I thought I would find the subject matter a little upsetting and not enjoyable to read. However, with the story told through the eyes of a 9 year old boy, it has an almost innocence about it and I found a lot of things were implied rather than told in detail. The friendship theme that runs through the story is heart warming and as the story unfolds,and Bruno becomes more educated about life on the other side of the fence, I found I couldn't put it down. As a teacher of Year 1 students, this is obviously not a book I would consider using in the classroom  however I think it is a book every young adult should read as, along with the educational  benefits to be taken from it, it ultimately delivers the message that we are all equal.
Iona McCartney
Old Oak Primary

The Boy in Striped Pyjamas

A thoroughly wonderful read!

It is difficult to say that 'I love the book...' because of the content, storyline and the characters, that at times I felt utter disgust for. I couldn't help the feelings of 'It serves you right...' for the adult characters in the book, but the story told through the innocent eyes of the young boy gives a heart wrenching story that was difficult to switch off from.

Timothy Delves
Langford Primary School

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story and could not put down. I found the story extremely emotional and moving, especially the close and natural relationship between the two boys Bruno and Shmuel. What I found most inspiring was the story being told from a young child's point of view, which created a realistic image in my mind about what happened during such a difficult time. Also, both children displayed such innocence. I would definitely recommend this book!

Meyrem Mercer (Grove Primary School)

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

This book really affected me! I was gripped from the start. I read it during a coach journey during the Christmas holidays and finished on the journey back to London. I couldn't put it down and had a feeling that the ending wasn't going to be a happy one! It made me cry!! I thought the clues along the way were clever and I did guess in the run up that Bruno was going to enter the camp :(... My mum has asked to read it so i'll be passing it on! A great read!

Vicky Thompson - Snaresbrook Primary

Varjak Paw

I work in a Pupil Referral Unit with excluded boys who usually find reading "boring" and dull. We have just finished reading Varjak Paw and here are their comments and thoughts...

It was the ultimate book ever! I just loved it because I love cats!

I can't believe that book was so brilliant! It was really, really good I loved it!

The book was very, very cool!

I liked the book because it was all about a fighting cat. It was brilliant and quite nail-biting, lots of cliff hangers.

Can I borrow it to read? It was very exciting and there were lots of adventures!

We loved Varjak and can't wait to read the sequel. It inspired my boys to write more and enjoy books! We feel quite lost now the story has ended!

Nicki Stockdale
Pathways Primary

Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

This book shows the horrors of Auschwitz through the innocent eyes of a child. Although, I'm glad I read the book but I found the part where Bruno and Shmuel go off to the gas chamber together deeply upsetting. All the time I was reading it, I kept willing someone to realise that Bruno was in there and somehow manage to save the two boys.
You would have to be very careful about which children you shared this book with even in Key Stage 3 as it is it is a very powerful and moving story.

Angela Thompson Hayes Primary School

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

A compelling tale about a naive young boy.  I read it from start to finish in one sitting -at one point I let out an audible gasp.  Just read it yourself - that's all - a definite must read.