The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

The “Hook”
“Now, you don’t have to worry, Bruno’ said Mother, sitting down in the chair where the beautiful blonde woman who had come to dinner with the Fury had sat and waved at him when Father closed the doors. ‘In fact if anything it’s going to be a great adventure.’
’What is?’ he asked. ‘Am I going to be sent away?’
’No not just you,’ she said, looking as if she might smile for a moment but thinking better of it. ‘We all are. You’re Father and I, Gretel and you. All four of us’
Bruno thought about this and frowned. He wasn’t particularly bothered if Gretel was being sent away because she was a Hopeless Case and caused nothing but trouble for him. But it seemed a little unfair that they all had to go with her. (page 3)
‘No.’ said Bruno. He wanted to add the words, ‘I’ll miss you too, Shmuel,’….’So tomorrow will be the last time we see each other until then,’ he continued. ‘We’ll have to say our goodbyes then. I’ll try to bring you an extra special treat.’…’I wish we’d got to play together,’ said Bruno after a long pause. ‘Just once. Just to remember.’
‘So do I,’ said Shmuel.
We’ve been talking to each other for more than a year and we never go to play once. And do you know what else?’ he added. ‘All this time I’ve been watching where you live from out of my bedroom window and I’ve never even seen for myself what it’s like.’…………
Shmuel thought for a few moments and then reached down and put his hand under the fence……
‘Well’, said Shmuel. ‘Why don’t you then?”(pg.197)


Recommendation
Have you ever kept a secret so deadly it could cost your life? Or have to move and start a new life? Well, if you have you can relate to Bruno. He is the youngest under his sister Gretel, (“the hopeless case”). He has to make a friend, someone, and anyone. He HATES it at Out-with, and wants nothing more than to go back to Berlin. But, everything changes when he meets, Shmel. They talk for a long time, and a decision has to be made…. Will they get to play together, or at least touch hands?
WARNING: THIS BOOK IS FOR ADVANCED READERS AND ASK FOR PARENT PERMISSION!
Blog by: Sheridan M and Maddy S
Book by: John Boyne
Genre: Historical Fiction