The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne

This is Irish author, John Boyne's first novel for children. It is a touching story of a relationship between two boys under horrendous circumstances. The story begins in Berlin, it is 1942 and one day, the main character, Bruno returns home from school to discover that the family is moving to a new home. His father has received a promotion, however, Bruno finds their new home boring and there is really not a lot for him to do. He is confined to the immediate grounds of the house. However, he soon discovers there is many strange people housed in long huts behind a seemingly never ending fence. One day he decidesto explore this new environment and befriends a young boy named Schmuel who is living in circumstances completely different to his own. The story is told from Bruno's perspective with an air of innocence and I think that the harsh realities of the situation the two boys are in will only be appreciated by a mature reader with some knowledge of the Holocaust. This book has been made into a movie. To view the trailer click on the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ypMp0s5Hiw

Let the Celebrations Begin by Margaret Wild & Julie Vivas

Let the Celebrations Begin was shortlisted for the Children's Book Council of Australia Picture Book of the Year in 1992. A girl called Miriam and some other women are planning a special party as celebration of their liberation when the soldiers arrive. No direct mention of the concentration camp is made but older readers with background information would be quick to realize where this book is set. It is certainly not a gloomy book, in fact it is quite an uplifting one. For many Jewish people suffering at the hands of a despotic regime, hope of a better life was paramount.The fact that many Jewish people survived such unimaginable horrors should be celebrated. Wild has written more than forty books for children and she is an author well worth following. Julie Vivas of Possum Magic fame has provided the beautiful water colour illustrations which bring this poignant story to life.