Help for Hobbies of all Sorts by Rene' Hobbie

Saturday, August 20, 2011

A librarian friend of mine recommended that I read a book called The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, and it is one that I'll never forget.  The story is told from the perspective of a nine year old German boy who arrives home one day to discover that his family is moving from Berlin to Auschwitz where his father will serve to oversee a concentration camp.  Forced to leave his three best friends, Bruno very soon discovers that life in his new environment is lonely.  He sets out one day to explore and meets a boy his age.  Although he finds out that he and Schmuel have a lot in common, living on "opposite sides of the fence" makes their playtime not only difficult, but has a devastating consequence to their friendship. 

I had a very heavy heart after reading this book, but was captivated by the author's choice of using the perspective of a child to tell the story of such a daunting time in history.  Make sure you have plenty of kleenex available while reading it.  Several moms have told me this week that they need a good cry before Monday when they have to drop their kindergarten babies off at school.  This is your book, ladies.  The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is recommended for YA (Young Adults).  In my opinion, it's not a good fit for elementary aged children to read. 


This title was made into a major motion picture, and I've included a movie trailer for you to view. 


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