The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

About this book

Lines may divide us, but hope will unite us. Nine year old Bruno knows nothing of the Final Solution and the Holocaust. He’s oblivious to the appalling cruelties being inflicted on the people of Europe by his country. All he knows is that he has moved from Berlin to a desolate area where he has no one to play with. Until he meets Shmuel. Shmuel lives in a strange parallel existence on the other side of the adjoining wire fence, where everyone wears a uniform of striped pyjamas. Despite the wire fence separating them, the two boys become best friends. As they grow closer, Bruno starts to learn the terrible truth that lies beyond the fence, and what life is like for his friend. John Boyne’s classic novel explores the friendship and loss of innocence of Bruno and Shmuel, during one of the wor

Similar grade-level books

• 
  To Kill a Mockingbird
  Harper Lee · 870L
• 
  Of Mice and Men
  John Steinbeck · 630L
• 
  Lord of the Flies
  William Golding · 770L
• 
  The Catcher in the Rye
  J.D. Salinger · 790L

See all books like The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas→ — matched on theme + reading level.

Why widely assigned

This Children's title, typically at grades 6–9. Written in the 2010s; cited across 1 curriculum framework.

Where this book is assigned

• Young Reader's Choice Award (PNLA)

  • recommended·6th gradesource: Pacific Northwest Library Association — Young Reader's Choice Award winners (1940-2022), via Wikipedia — 2009 Winner
  • recommended·7th gradesource: Pacific Northwest Library Association — Young Reader's Choice Award winners (1940-2022), via Wikipedia — 2009 Winner
  • recommended·8th gradesource: Pacific Northwest Library Association — Young Reader's Choice Award winners (1940-2022), via Wikipedia — 2009 Winner
  • recommended·9th gradesource: Pacific Northwest Library Association — Young Reader's Choice Award winners (1940-2022), via Wikipedia — 2009 Winner

Common questions

What grade level is The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas?

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is most commonly assigned in US schools in grades 6–9. Specific grade placement varies by curriculum — AP Literature and IB English Literature typically use it in grades 11-12.

How long does it take to read The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas?

It takes about 4h 10m to read The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (228 pages) at an average adult reading pace of about 250 words per minute — roughly 250 minutes. Faster or slower readers will vary; the estimate is a planning guide for assigning the book.

What curricula assign The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas?

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas appears on reading lists for Young Reader's Choice Award (PNLA). Each assignment on this site links to its primary-source citation.

Is The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas banned in schools?

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas does not appear in PEN America's Index of School Book Bans 2022-2024. No documented multi-district removals on record, but individual districts may challenge titles locally.