The Boy in the Striped Pajamas Comprehension Questions & Reading Journal

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas questions by chapter

We know this book well. Every question asks about something that happens in its chapter, a moment, a choice or a character, without giving away what comes next. One question per chapter, across all 20 chapters, and every one is editable before you print. The example answers under 3 of the chapters are the ones printed at the front of the booklet.

1. Chapter 1

   In Chapter 1, what does Bruno discover when he comes home, and how does he feel about the family's sudden move away from Berlin?

2. Chapter 2

   In Chapter 2, how does Bruno react to the new house at Out-With, and what details make it seem different from his home in Berlin?

3. Chapter 3

   In Chapter 3, what do Bruno and Gretel's words and actions show about their brother-and-sister relationship?

4. Chapter 4

   In Chapter 4, Bruno and Gretel look out the window and see the place beyond the fence. What do they notice, and why is the scene confusing to them?

5. Chapter 5

   In Chapter 5, Bruno talks with Father about Out-With and the people beyond the fence. What does Father's response show about his beliefs and his role there?

6. Chapter 6

   In Chapter 6, Maria tells Bruno more about Father and her own family. How does her story make Father seem more complicated than Bruno first thought?

   Example answer: I think Maria's story makes Father seem more complicated because he has helped her family in the past. Before this, Bruno mostly sees Father as strict and important, but Maria shows that he can also be kind in some ways. At the same time, Father is still part of something very unfair at Out-With. This makes me wonder how someone can do kind things but still support cruel things.

7. Chapter 7

   In Chapter 7, Bruno builds a tire swing, gets hurt, and is helped by Pavel. What do Pavel's actions show about him, and how does Mother respond?

8. Chapter 8

   In Chapter 8, Bruno remembers Grandmother and the argument she had about Father's uniform. Why is Grandmother upset, and what does this tell you about her values?

9. Chapter 9

   In Chapter 9, Herr Liszt teaches Bruno and Gretel, and Bruno decides to explore. How is Bruno's curiosity important in this chapter?

10. Chapter 10

    In Chapter 10, Bruno meets Shmuel at the fence. What similarities and differences do the boys discover about each other?

    Example answer: Bruno and Shmuel find out that they are both boys and even have the same birthday, which surprises Bruno. They are also both lonely and glad to talk to someone their own age. But their lives are very different because Bruno lives in a house with his family, while Shmuel is on the other side of the fence and is treated badly. The fence shows the big difference between them, even though they have things in common.

11. Chapter 11

    In Chapter 11, Bruno remembers the night the Fury came to dinner in Berlin. How does Bruno's point of view make the adults and their important guest seem different from how they see themselves?

12. Chapter 12

    In Chapter 12, Shmuel explains how he came to Out-With. What parts of Shmuel's story help Bruno, and the reader, understand more about life on the other side of the fence?

13. Chapter 13

    In Chapter 13, Bruno thinks more about Pavel, and a dinner with Lieutenant Kotler becomes frightening. How does this chapter show that some people have power over others?

14. Chapter 14

    In Chapter 14, Bruno tells Gretel a lie about an imaginary friend. Why do you think Bruno hides the truth about Shmuel, and what does this show about Bruno's feelings?

15. Chapter 15

    In Chapter 15, Bruno sees Shmuel inside his house and makes a choice he later regrets. What mistake does Bruno make, and why is it important to the friendship?

16. Chapter 16

    In Chapter 16, Bruno returns from Grandmother's funeral and later has his head shaved because of lice. How is Bruno changing, both on the outside and in the way he thinks about Out-With?

17. Chapter 17

    In Chapter 17, Mother wants to leave Out-With and take the children back to Berlin. What reasons can you find for her decision, and how does Bruno feel about leaving?

    Example answer: I think Mother wants to leave because Out-With is a sad and uncomfortable place, and she does not think it is good for the children. She also seems unhappy with the way life is there. Bruno has mixed feelings because he misses Berlin, but he also does not want to leave Shmuel. This shows that his friendship has become very important to him.

18. Chapter 18

    In Chapter 18, Bruno and Shmuel plan a final adventure together. What are they hoping to do, and what signs show that the plan may be dangerous?

19. Chapter 19

    In Chapter 19, Bruno crosses under the fence and walks with Shmuel. How does the mood of the chapter change as the boys continue their search?

20. Chapter 20

    In Chapter 20, the family reacts to Bruno's disappearance. What message do you think the ending gives about hatred, choices, and the way people treat others?