The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

The Boy in Striped Pajamas is about a young German boy named Bruno who is a nine-year old boy with an annoying older sister, named Gretel,  a loving mother, and a highly decorated Nazi official father. The story begins when he has to move away from the perfect home and moves to an isolated home next to a holocaust camp.  He particularly does not like the house; in fact he hates it because of the lack of friends and all of the big and scary soldiers always moving through the building. One day, after living in the new home for several weeks, he sees a camp crowded with hundreds of people all wearing striped pajamas. He always wanted to be an explorer when he grew up so he decides to explore out of his house to go meet the people in the camp. That’s where he meets a little boy and future best friend named Schmuel, and that’s where Bruno’s world changes dramatically.

Overall, the book is amazing and, and recommend this book to anyone. This book is for someone who can handle a tragedy and who has background knowledge of the holocaust, and the time period in general.

Genre:  Historical Fiction

Reviewed by:  Alex Brenton

Teacher:  Mara Pufko

Schindler’s List by Thomas Keneally

Schindler’s List by Thomas Keneally

            Schindler’s List is written by Thomas Keneally. It is his most famous work. Throughout the book, Keneally uses a unique style paired with firsthand accounts to create a extraordinary experience. Other novels by Keneally include The Playmaker, The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith, and Woman of the Inner Sea.

            The story describes the efforts of Oskar Schindler, a German industrial entrepreneur, who saves the lives of over 1000 Jews during the WWII Holocaust. Originally drawn to concentration camps for their appeal to his factory, Schindler witnesses the cruelty within them and sets out to save the prisoners by employing them in his factory. By keeping them under his authority, he ensures that they do not face the horrors of camp without protection. Based on firsthand accounts of the survivors, Schindler’s List retells Schindler’s sacrifice and compassion.

            Keneally establishes a moderate pace throughout his novel. While the book is captivating and never slow, it spends certain amounts of time on historical and biographical subjects, helping the reader find time to put the book down. Despite some slow points, most portions of text were perfectly gripping, and the reader was immersed in the story. However, these sections were brief enough for pauses in reading.

            The characters in Schindler’s List are very lifelike. Even characters less central to the plot come off as actual humans; many of them were in fact real people. Outside of Oskar Schindler himself, Itzhak Stern is a very real character. Between his accurate insights concerning the future of the Holocaust and his faith in Schindler as the Jews’ savior, he provides a hopeful beacon through the evil of the Nazi regime. Additionally, Stern proves to serve as a foreshadowing of events later in the book.

            Keneally’s writing style is ideal- advanced enough for analysis and interest, but simple enough for the average high school reader to follow easily. By using a less advanced style, Keneally opens allows enjoyable reading and increased understanding in a wide field of readers.

            The firsthand accounts and historical references serve Keneally by adding a believable layer of reality to his novel. I found these portions to be both enlightening and enriching- providing knowledge and giving depth to the story. In addition, the portrayal of the concentration camps is graphic enough to make a realistic account, but not so dark as to repulse readers. Both elements allow Keneally to present a realistic and yet captivating work.

            I award Schindler’s List five stars. Due to the historical learning available, attractive style, and fascinating story of compassion and good triumphing over evil, the novel is one of my favorite reads. I believe that anyone could enjoy this book, but those looking for a historically accurate portrayal will be most pleased. While Schindler did a great good in saving the Jews that he did, he was in many ways less than virtuous. Also, the cruelty exhibited in the concentration and death camps, particularly by Commandant Amon Goeth, does not paint a pretty picture of WWII Europe. Despite this, the story is an excellent one, and Keneally’s novel is one that I recommend to any reader at or above the High school level.

Genre:  Historical Fiction, WWII

Reviewed by:  Breece Paisley

Teacher:  Mara Pufko

A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway

A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway

A Farewell to Arms takes place in the middle of the First World War between the years of 1916 and 1918.  The novel revolves around an American ambulance driver, Lieutenant Frederic Henry, on the Italian front, and his passion for the beautiful English nurse, Catherine Barkley.  The Lieutenant narrates his experiences at war, but sometimes switches to second person during reflections on more philosophical matters.  Hemingway portrays the brazen love between the Lieutenant and Miss Barkley as they struggle with and attempt to break free of the relentless breadth of war.  In a story of love and loss and loyalty and self-preservation, A Farewell to Arms carries intensity unrivaled in most modern literature.

I would rate Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms a strong 4 on a scale of 5 stars.  Though most people enjoy Hemingway’s work due mainly to his unique style of writing, I enjoyed the novel most because of its subtle humor.  It shows more aspects of war other than the fighting and death.  A Farewell to Arms showcases the region, the industry, and the people who not only inhabit these places, but also continue to live alongside the sweep of war.  I would strongly recommend this book to Hemingway and WWI enthusiasts who love a great tale.

Genre:  Historical Fiction, WWI
Reviewed by:  Antoni Saade
Teacher:  Mara Pufko

The Road of Bones by Anne Fine

The Road of Bones by Anne Fine

Synopsis

The Road of Bones is about the corruption that took place in Russia during World War 2. The Main character is a boy named Yuri who is just beginning to notice everything that is going wrong with his country. Around this time, the government begins capturing people for speaking out against them. One day, Yuri speaks out about how he isn’t getting enough food, and for this comment, the government captures him and sends him to a labor camp in Siberia.

5 Star Rating/Recommendation

I would give The Road of Bones 3.5 stars out of 5. Anne Fine did an extremely good of showing how life would’ve been in a labor camp, however this doesn’t make for a very interesting story and as such this book would really only appeal to people who are interested in history.

Genre:  Historical Fiction, WWII

Reviewed by:  Evan Jamison

Teacher:  Mrs. Pufko

Boy in Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

Boy in Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is a story about a young boy that finds out he is suddenly moving far away for his father’s “important” job. The young Bruno finds the move disappointing and unfair. The new house is small and disappointing as well. In his boredom, Bruno began to explore through the new house and went outside as well. Journeying further away from the house he found something he’d never seen before. He saw tons of boys roaming around in striped pajamas behind a barbed wire. With a new friend made from the other side of the wire, he slowly becomes more involved with something that he never should have let himself find out about.

            The novel had good and bad attributes. The book had decent character development and had a good storyline. But characters and a storyline are only part of a good story, and this novel lacked intriguing events in-between the set up for the story (the beginning), and the conclusion to the story. If it were to be more entertaining, either more would have to be added to the story or it should be shortened.

            Out of five stars, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas would make 2 stars. If an interesting storyline is enough to occupy you as a reader, then you could probably enjoy it through how the story unfolds. But if you lack patience for lengthy chapters centered on one event then it’s hard to read through until you get closer to the end of the novel.

 

Genre: Historical Fiction, WWII
Reviewed by: Cord Bates
Teacher: Mara Pufko

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

This story is about a young boy named Bruno whose father is one of the Commanders of the Army that is taking over Poland and removing the Jews. In this story, the boy and his family moves from Berlin to Out-With, better known as Auschwitz. Bruno looks out his window one day and sees a fenced in area with thousands of people inside, which were all wearing striped pajamas. Bruno then decides to explore this place and walks along the fence until he discovers a boy his age named Shmuel. The boys talk everyday until the day that Bruno discovers that he will be returning to Berlin and will never be able to see Shmuel again. On the last day that Bruno is there, he finally convinces Shmuel to take Bruno inside the fence. This day however, turns out very wrong as the two boys try to find Shmuel’s father.

I would give this book a four and a half out of five stars because it is well written, but is a tad elementary for a high school student. I think that a middle school reader that enjoys historical stories that show someone that could have been there during that point in history would enjoy this book. However, I do not recommend this book to an average high school student, unless they are looking for a light read. Overall, however, the story line is a very serious point in history and could be thought about more deeply if read by a high school student. The book, in my opinion, was well written and has a good historical story line.     

I think that this book was great because of the way the author put the main character as a young innocent boy. This point of view allows the reader to see what the world was like back then through his eyes and prospective. Another praise about this book is that the story was exciting and at some points unexpected of what was going to happen to some of the characters. This gives the reader some mystery to look forward to uncovering if they continue to read. This gives the book a good pace that can draw a reader in, and making them finish the book so that they will find out what happens to the boys.

Genre:  Historial Fiction, WWII

Reviewed by:  Heather Clark

Teacher:  Mara Pufko

Daniel Half Human and the Good Nazi by David Chotjewitz

Daniel Half Human and the Good Nazi by David Chotjewitz

Author Background:

The author of Daniel Half Human and the Good Nazi is David Chotjewitz. He is a German-born author who lives in Hamburg, Germany. He is previously known for writing entirely German books, so he would know about his countries involvement in World War II and Nazism.

Synopsis:

The year is 1933; Hitler is beginning his rise to power. Daniel was a normal Arian boy, like any other German child. He lived a happy life, he was wealthy, he played sports, he was normally successful in the things he did. Daniel’s best friend was Armin. They sometimes found themselves in trouble, but Armin and Daniel were otherwise very normal German boys. Both boys had a dream to become a high-ranking official in the Nazi army. Daniel was determined to join the army, even against his parents wished, when he got the news that changed his entire life. He was half Jewish.

In the times of Nazi Germany, being a half-Jew was considered to be a crime. Daniel is now faced with a choice, run away and desert his family, or stay with them and try to blend in as best as he can. The book fast-forwards to the year 1938. Daniel and his family are now considered outcasts to his country, even though his father was once a highly respected war veteran. Daniel’s friendship with Armin, who has became an entry-level soldier in Hitler’s army, has started to deteriorate. Yet, Armin still cares for his friend. Daniel has now been forced into hiding, along with his cousin. After they believe to be safe, Daniel and his family plan to leave for America in the year 1940. Daniel and his family are now able to escape to America and are finally safe. In a final chapter, the book fast-forwards 8 years. Daniel is now an adult in the Allied army. He is determining the fate of several Nazi soldiers when he happens across Armin. Armin has been promoted to an SS soldier and tried to hide his past. Daniel still has harsh feelings about his friend betraying him and joining the army, so he decides to mark Armin down as guilty. They talk for a little longer as the book finally comes to a close.

Pace:

            Daniel Half Human’s pace begins slowly, but gradually picks up as he becomes discovered as a Jew. Overall the book’s pace fits the plot and increases the reader’s interest in the book. Though it is not a book that left me craving for more, it was good enough that I was genuinely interested in the plot.

Characters:

            Generally, the characters fit the era of 1930’s Nazi Germany with a few slight exceptions. The characters are well developed and come to life as you are reading the book. Daniel especially becomes a fantastic character as we learn more about his passion for family and his drive to survive. The supporting characters are also well created, but none of them are built to the level of Daniel.

Writing Style:

            The writing style of this book is a flashback type book. We are going forward and backward in time as we learn more about Daniel’s past. This writing style makes Daniel seem much more believable, so it fits the book. This book is a perfect example of a high-school level book. The reader must have at least some prior knowledge of World War II going in, or they will be slightly confused. Daniel Half Human is an average high-school level book.

Praises/Criticisms:

            The book’s use of Nazi Germany to drive the plot was outstanding. The time period was perfectly depicted and it gave the readers insight into how things were. The setting was excellently created and was the driving force base behind the novel. Chotjewitz’s inclusion of a closing scene was fantastic. The scene in which Daniel eventually chooses Armin’s fate was outstanding. The final chapter really closes the book nicely and makes the book feel complete. Overall these two things stood out to me as I read this book.

5 Star Rating/Recommendations:

            Overall, I would give the book 3.5 stars out of 5. As it was a good read, it was also boring at some times, and the climax never really felt like a true climax. I would recommend this to someone who is interested in World War II or someone looking for a quick, decent read.

Genre:  Historical Fiction, WWII

Rewiewed by:  Johnny Crandall

Teacher:  Mara Pufko

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

The Book Thief, written by Markus Zusak, is a historical fiction novel set during Nazi Germany. Markus Zusak, the author, is known for other books, such as I Am The Messenger. He has been writing for fourteen years and gets most of his ideas from his own mind, when he stops and thinks about things. He got his inspiration for The Book Thief from his grandmother’s stories from when she lived in Nazi Germany.

            The Book Thief is about a young girl who was brought to Nazi Germany just prior to World War II. The girl, Liesel, is given to some foster parents, named the Hubermanns, in Molching. There she meets some kids who also live in Molching, and they play around and go to school, the average kid’s life. Liesel learns to steal books and reads them and it becomes her guilty pleasure. Then, WWII hits Germany, and a Jew seeks refuge in the Hubermanns house. The story develops from there and becomes very interesting.

            The characters are very engaging and believable. Liesel, for example, perfectly describes a child trapped in Nazi Germany during WWII. Her confusion, sense of hopelessness and loss, all contribute to the real feeling of this book. The characters are also very well described in their features and personalities. When reading this book, a person understands Liesel’s personality and reads along, understanding how Liesel feels according to certain things.

            This book has very great imagery and is historically accurate. It also has very believable characters, which makes for a very great story and it just sucks you in. It gets people thinking about WWII and the things that happened there, and leaves you with a genuine feeling. High and low points of the war come out in this book, which makes it a great read.

            I would rate this book four stars out of five, since it was very engaging and interesting, yet I have read better. People who enjoy WWII novels or people who enjoy a long, interesting read would probably love this book and should pick it up. I would totally recommend it to a friend.

Genre:  Historical Fiction, WWII

Reviewed by:  Alex Mulford

Teacher:  Mara Pufko

Tamar by Mal Peet

Tamar by Mal Peet

I just finished reading the historical fiction novel Tamar.  The author of Tamar is Mal Peet.   Peet is best known for writing young-adult fiction books such as Keeper, The Penalty, and Exposure.  Peet is somewhat suited to write a tumultuous story such as Tamar because his family was also not emotionally stable like the characters of Tamar.

In 1945, two men named Tamar and Dart are inside World War II Holland.  They are trying to free Holland from its Nazi oppressors. Tamar gives readers an inside look on the physical and emotional turmoil that millions of men and women had to bear during World War II.   Tamar also describes the journey of a young girl also named Tamar who tries to put together the pieces of her grandfather’s past.   Armed with only the clues her grandfather leaves behind, Tamar has to try to put the pieces of her grandfather’s elaborate puzzle together or risk never knowing her grandfather’s last message. 

The book was written at a pace where at first is was slow and you didn’t care if you finished it, but as the plot advanced, the pace quickened to the point where at the end you couldn’t put it down.  The beginning set the scene with the characters and gave a lot of elaborate explanations.   The scene setting made the book boring but once the scene was set, the action started to happen and the book became interesting.   

One great thing about the book is the historical background it integrates into the plot.  The characters fit the time period and actual events such as the Rauter shooting are blended in to give a backbone to the plot.  Another great thing about Tamar is that the people are relatable even though they are from a different time period.  Their circumstances obviously make them a lot different from people in times of peace, but their core emotions such as anger, fear, passions, and distrust make them seem real.  The characters are not just empty figures that perform actions.  The book actually takes us into the thoughts of the people so that we can better understand their actions. 

I would give Tamar two and a half stars out of five because there were several good parts of the book, but it was difficult to understand at times.  If the person I am recommending a book to has a good deal of patience and a pretty high level of reading comprehension, I might recommend this book to them. The reason I would recommend it is because it has a good historical base that makes it interesting and the mystery of Tamar’s grandfather is very interesting.  If I were trying to recommend a book to a person who was just looking for a book to casually read and not think very hard about, this wouldn’t be a book I would recommend.   The reason I wouldn’t recommend this book to a casual reader is because it has a lot of plot twists and details that a reader has to remember for the book to make sense and a casual reader may not be able to make much sense of the book. 

Genre:  Historical Fiction, WWII

Reviewed by:  Tanner Smith

Teacher:  Mara Pufko

Tamar by Mal Peet

Tamar by Mal Peet  

Tamar is about two America spies, named Tamar and Dart, that are dropped into England in 1945 as undercover agents. Then the story switches to 1995 where a fifteen-year-old girl also named Tamar discovers a secret that her grandfather left behind. It switches back to 1945 where Tamar and Dart are having fights and eventually split up. Then the Tamar in 1995 follows the clues in the briefcase she finds and leads her and a friend of hers named Yoyo on a trip to America that will change her life forever.
          I like this book because it seems to catch my attention and make me want to read more.The transitions between the times keep readers in suspense of what will happen next from where they left off.Also the personalities of the characters always have tensions and arguing between themselves.
           I would give this book a four out of five, mainly because the ending was unclear that there was a transition between the times without you noticing. Other than that the book was great, had a good plot, a great climax, and a twisted resolution at the end. I’m looking forward to reading his other books.

Genre:  Historical Fiction, WWII
Reviewed by:  Matthew Sutherland
Teacher:  Mara Pufko