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