FlumeAward – The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
I think this book sparks lots of discussion about the Holocaust and does it in a way that is not graphic but still very powerful. It deals with a point of view not often seen in books about this topic, the German side. It shows how some Germans were afraid, how some turned a blind eye, and how many young children may have been unaware in a large sense. It is certainly a book that you have to have some background to really appreciate, but I think most high school students have the knowledge to understand and pull apart this book in all its nuances. I would recommend it….sometimes controversy is a good thing if it gets people talking about such a difficult subject. Amy Inglis Barrington Library
Discussion page for The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
This book actually has a lot of bad reviews. The problem is that kids don’t get the allegory, I can see the book being useful in a classroom discussion about the holocaust but if it is read out of context there is room for a lot of misunderstandings. I’m looking forward to seeing the movie. I hope it works better in film. Gail Zachariah, Keene Public Library
There is some controversy surrounding this book (Revisionist Holocaust history – it’s connected to the spate of Holocaust movies that have come out in the last few months). Although I enjoyed reading the book, I think there are better Holocaust books out there if you want to add a Holocaust book. – Kelly Budd, Keene High School
Not only did I enjoy this book, but 14 teens read and enjoyed this book as well. It was an excellent choice for our teen book discussion group. I highly recommend.
Kathy Watson
Kimball Library