The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas facts for kids
UK first edition book cover
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| Author | John Boyne |
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| Country | Ireland |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Historical fiction |
| Publisher | David Fickling Books |
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Publication date
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6 January 2006 |
| Media type | Print (hard cover & paper back) |
| Pages | 216 |
| ISBN | 0-385-60940-X |
| OCLC | 62132588 |
| 823.914 22 | |
| LC Class | CS 2006/45764 |
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is a powerful novel written by John Boyne. It tells the story of a young boy named Bruno during World War II. Bruno's father is a high-ranking officer in the army. His family has to move to a new house near a special camp called "Out-With." This move happens because the country's leader, often called "the Fury," gave orders.
After living there for some time, Bruno meets a Jewish boy named Shmuel. Shmuel lives on the other side of a tall fence. They become friends and meet secretly at the fence whenever they can. One day, Bruno is about to move back to Berlin. He tries to help Shmuel find his father inside the camp. Sadly, Bruno accidentally enters a dangerous area where many people are killed. He dies holding Shmuel's hand.
This book was also made into a movie. The film came out on August 28, 2008.
Contents
About the Story
This section explores the main ideas and characters in the book. It helps us understand the setting and the challenges faced by the characters.
Bruno's New Home
Bruno is a nine-year-old boy living in Berlin. He has a happy life with his family and friends. One day, his father gets a new job. This job makes the family move to a strange new house. The house is in a lonely place called "Out-With." It is very different from their old home. Bruno misses his friends and his old life.
The Fence and a New Friend
From his window, Bruno sees a tall fence. On the other side, he sees many people wearing striped clothes. He thinks they are wearing pyjamas. He does not understand why they are there. One day, Bruno explores near the fence. He meets a boy named Shmuel. Shmuel is also nine years old. He lives on the other side of the fence.
Bruno and Shmuel's Friendship
Bruno and Shmuel become secret friends. They talk through the fence. Shmuel tells Bruno about his life inside the camp. Bruno shares his thoughts and feelings. Their friendship grows stronger with each meeting. They do not fully understand the terrible things happening around them.
Historical Setting
The story takes place during a very important time in history. Understanding this time helps us understand the book better.
World War II Background
The novel is set during World War II. This war lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved many countries around the world. Germany was led by a powerful and cruel leader. This leader caused many terrible events.
The Role of "Out-With"
"Out-With" is a fictional name for a real place. It represents a concentration camp. These were places where people were kept against their will. Many people were treated very badly there. The book shows how innocent children were affected by these dark times.
Key Themes
The book explores several important ideas. These themes make the story meaningful and thought-provoking.
Innocence and Friendship
A main theme is the innocence of children. Bruno and Shmuel are just kids. They do not understand the hatred and war around them. Their friendship shows that kindness can exist even in dark times. It highlights how children see the world differently.
The Dangers of Prejudice
The story also shows the dangers of judging people. People were treated unfairly because of their background. The book helps readers think about how harmful prejudice can be. It teaches us to treat everyone with respect.
About the Author
John Boyne is an Irish writer. He was born in Dublin, Ireland. He has written many books for both adults and young readers. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is one of his most famous works. It has been translated into many languages.
Movie Adaptation
The book was made into a movie in 2008. The film helped bring the story to an even wider audience. It showed the powerful message of the book on screen.
See also
In Spanish: El niño con el pijama de rayas para niños
