The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

Bruno is a typical 9 year old boy who loves exploring with his friends and hates being teased by his older sister and her friends. Bruno's father works for "The Fury" and he isn't sure exactly what his father's job entails, but think he must be good at it since he is suddenly promoted to "Commendant." The bad news is, Bruno and his family must leave their lovely five story Berlin home for a far away place Bruno knows only as "Out-With." It is a depressing and strange place. There are no neighbors or boys to play with. There are no markets or cafes busy with people. There is only a large barbed wire fence in the distance, where hundreds of people live in huts and all wear the same odd striped pajamas.

This book is another heartbreaking book about the Holocaust, told through the eyes of 9 year old Bruno. One I will definitely use in the classroom.