The boy in the striped pyjamas

I wasn't too sure if I wanted to read this book as I have visited Aushwitz which had a very powerful effect on me. I have since been very sensitive about the subject and I can't really bear any evocation as it makes me dreadfully sad and utterly helpless.  I know my son has seen the film in Year 6 but I hadn't watch the film or read the book. It is a well written book with the innocent point of view of a 9 year old and I really enjoyed the style. The ending was an unbearable poetic justice for the father. I am not sure at what age children should be exposed to this issue and how much they can learn from it but if it is possible to get them to learn a life-changing lesson from this story then I am hoping that all year 6 teachers use either the book or the film. I found the book much more powerful than the film personally and it would make a perfect read aloud book after studying the subject in Humanities.
Valerie Marsh, Sherington Primary School