The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

Released: 2007

John Boyne's The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is an enticing read because a viewpoint of World War II is told through the eyes of a nine year-old young German boy. Bruno meets a young Jewish boy his same age living in his new neighborhood of Auschwitz ("Out-With"), only the boy is confined behind a fence and Bruno doesn't understand why.

Throughout this short, but impacting novel, Bruno and his Jewish friend Shmuel forge a strong relationship that ends in ultimate tragedy, which readers can expect given the history and the role of Auschwitz in World War II.


Readers will enjoy the terms Bruno uses in describing specific facets of WWII, as he doesn't completely understand the events transpiring around him, such as referring to Hitler as "The Fury". Readers will also appreciate and find endearing the friendship between Bruno and Shmuel.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is a fast and unforgettable read, and therefore should be considered recommending reading for mature audiences.

Readers who enjoy this will also like: Night by Elie Wiesel, The Diary of Anne Frank, and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.