Activity Overview
After both reading the book The Boy in the Striped Pajamas and watching the movie, students should be able to identify many similarities and differences. While reading, students can often let their imaginations create the characters and settings. When viewing a movie that has been based off of a book, the characters or settings may seem different than what the reader imagined them to be. When students both read and watch a production of the same story, it can be interesting to see their different reactions.
With that in mind, have students read the entire book. Then, show them the movie adaptation. Once they have read and watched, have them create a comparison chart like the one above.
Examples of Differences
BOOK |
FILM |
|---|---|
| Introduction | |
| Bruno enters his room and sees his maid, Maria, packing and is furious that she is touching his things. He yells and screams to his mother who explains that they must pack and move immediately. He wonders if he's done something bad and is being sent away. | Bruno's mother and father throw an extravagant party in their elegant Berlin home to celebrate Bruno's father's promotion. |
| Ignorance | |
| Bruno is constantly calling the concentration camp, Auschwitz, "Out-with", shows his innocence and ignorance to the atrocities happening all around him. | Bruno discusses how nice the living quarters must be in the "farm" because he saw a Nazi propaganda movie that his father had prepared for Hitler - little did he know that people were living like this. |
| What was Auschwitz? | |
| Bruno never fully understands that "Out-with" is a work camp full of prisoners, never mind a concentration camp that murders hundreds at a time. | Gretel tells Bruno that it is not a farm, it is a "work camp" for Jews. He then sees a propaganda movie that makes it look lovely for the prisoners, but then sees it from the inside, just before being brought into the gas chamber, and he realizes what it is really like. |
| Lack of Security | |
| When Bruno breaks into the camp, he only needs to lift the fence and crawl under. | The fence is electrified and Bruno needs to bring a shovel and dig his way in. |
| Whereabouts of Bruno | |
| Nobody ever knows what happened to Bruno. A soldier found his clothes but nobody could think what happened to him. Mother eventually returned to Berlin thinking that he might have found his way there. | When they find the shovel and Bruno's clothes, they take dogs to follow his scent. When Mother sees them and the smoke from the gas chamber, she begins screaming. Father hears her cries. They both realize that Bruno has been murdered in the gas chamber. |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard comparing and contrasting the book and film. Be sure to highlight key changes or similarities.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify key similarities and differences between the book and movie in the title boxes.
- In the first row, describe how that element is portrayed in the book.
- In the second row, describe how the element is portrayed in the film.
- Create an illustration for each cell using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Click "Save & Exit" when done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison Analysis | Text and images include a clear explanation of similarities and/or differences between the book and the film. These comparisons go beyond superficial elements and show strong understanding of the story elements. | Text and images include an explanation of similarities and/or differences between the book and the film, but the explanation may lack clarity or show only superficial understanding in some squares. | Text and images may include no explanation of similarities and/or differences, or they may make only superficial or inaccurate comparisons. |
| Textual Explanation | The text clearly and accurately describes all the scenes and concepts depicted. | The text clearly and accurately describes most of the scenes and concepts depicted. | The text fails to describe most of the scenes clearly and accurately. |
| Storyboard Image and Effort | Student clearly shows effort to convey the setting, characters and specific scene. The scene is clearly identifiable based on the graphic depiction. | Student attempts to convey the setting, characters, and specific scene through use of graphics, but the depiction may be confusing, disordered, or lack some detail. | Student does not clearly convey the setting, characters, and scene. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Student uses exemplary spelling and grammar. There are no errors. | Student makes one or two minor errors in spelling and grammar. | Student makes multiple errors in spelling and grammar. |
Activity Overview
After both reading the book The Boy in the Striped Pajamas and watching the movie, students should be able to identify many similarities and differences. While reading, students can often let their imaginations create the characters and settings. When viewing a movie that has been based off of a book, the characters or settings may seem different than what the reader imagined them to be. When students both read and watch a production of the same story, it can be interesting to see their different reactions.
With that in mind, have students read the entire book. Then, show them the movie adaptation. Once they have read and watched, have them create a comparison chart like the one above.
Examples of Differences
BOOK |
FILM |
|---|---|
| Introduction | |
| Bruno enters his room and sees his maid, Maria, packing and is furious that she is touching his things. He yells and screams to his mother who explains that they must pack and move immediately. He wonders if he's done something bad and is being sent away. | Bruno's mother and father throw an extravagant party in their elegant Berlin home to celebrate Bruno's father's promotion. |
| Ignorance | |
| Bruno is constantly calling the concentration camp, Auschwitz, "Out-with", shows his innocence and ignorance to the atrocities happening all around him. | Bruno discusses how nice the living quarters must be in the "farm" because he saw a Nazi propaganda movie that his father had prepared for Hitler - little did he know that people were living like this. |
| What was Auschwitz? | |
| Bruno never fully understands that "Out-with" is a work camp full of prisoners, never mind a concentration camp that murders hundreds at a time. | Gretel tells Bruno that it is not a farm, it is a "work camp" for Jews. He then sees a propaganda movie that makes it look lovely for the prisoners, but then sees it from the inside, just before being brought into the gas chamber, and he realizes what it is really like. |
| Lack of Security | |
| When Bruno breaks into the camp, he only needs to lift the fence and crawl under. | The fence is electrified and Bruno needs to bring a shovel and dig his way in. |
| Whereabouts of Bruno | |
| Nobody ever knows what happened to Bruno. A soldier found his clothes but nobody could think what happened to him. Mother eventually returned to Berlin thinking that he might have found his way there. | When they find the shovel and Bruno's clothes, they take dogs to follow his scent. When Mother sees them and the smoke from the gas chamber, she begins screaming. Father hears her cries. They both realize that Bruno has been murdered in the gas chamber. |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard comparing and contrasting the book and film. Be sure to highlight key changes or similarities.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify key similarities and differences between the book and movie in the title boxes.
- In the first row, describe how that element is portrayed in the book.
- In the second row, describe how the element is portrayed in the film.
- Create an illustration for each cell using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Click "Save & Exit" when done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison Analysis | Text and images include a clear explanation of similarities and/or differences between the book and the film. These comparisons go beyond superficial elements and show strong understanding of the story elements. | Text and images include an explanation of similarities and/or differences between the book and the film, but the explanation may lack clarity or show only superficial understanding in some squares. | Text and images may include no explanation of similarities and/or differences, or they may make only superficial or inaccurate comparisons. |
| Textual Explanation | The text clearly and accurately describes all the scenes and concepts depicted. | The text clearly and accurately describes most of the scenes and concepts depicted. | The text fails to describe most of the scenes clearly and accurately. |
| Storyboard Image and Effort | Student clearly shows effort to convey the setting, characters and specific scene. The scene is clearly identifiable based on the graphic depiction. | Student attempts to convey the setting, characters, and specific scene through use of graphics, but the depiction may be confusing, disordered, or lack some detail. | Student does not clearly convey the setting, characters, and scene. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Student uses exemplary spelling and grammar. There are no errors. | Student makes one or two minor errors in spelling and grammar. | Student makes multiple errors in spelling and grammar. |
How Tos about Comparing Book to Film: The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
Engage students with a classroom debate on book vs. film interpretations
Invite students to share opinions about which version—book or film—better tells the story. This approach sparks critical thinking and encourages respectful discussion of different perspectives in your classroom.
Assign roles for structured group discussions
Designate students as discussion leaders, note-takers, or presenters to encourage participation and ensure everyone has a voice. Clear roles help keep conversations focused and productive.
Set debate guidelines and time limits
Clearly explain rules for respectful listening and speaking. Use time limits so each side has a fair chance to present ideas and avoid off-topic tangents.
Provide guiding questions for deeper analysis
Prepare prompts like "How did the film change a key event from the book?" or "Which medium made you feel more connected to the characters?" to encourage evidence-based arguments and keep discussion meaningful.
Wrap up with a reflection activity
Ask students to write a short reflection on what they learned from hearing others’ viewpoints and how their opinion may have changed. This deepens self-awareness and reinforces respectful discourse.
Frequently Asked Questions about Comparing Book to Film: The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
What are the main differences between The Boy in the Striped Pajamas book and movie?
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas book and movie differ in several key scenes, character portrayals, and details. For example, the book opens with Bruno's confusion and anger about moving, while the film begins with a party for his father’s promotion. The movie also clarifies details about Auschwitz and the characters' fates more explicitly than the book. These changes affect how students interpret the story's themes and emotional impact.
How can students compare and contrast The Boy in the Striped Pajamas book and film in the classroom?
Students can create a comparison chart or storyboard highlighting similarities and differences between the book and film. They should note how events, character motivations, and settings are portrayed in each version. Illustrations or discussion can help deepen understanding of the story and the impact of adaptation choices.
Why do books and their movie adaptations often have differences?
Books and movies differ because films must condense complex narratives into shorter formats, making changes for pacing, visuals, or audience engagement. Filmmakers may also interpret characters or events differently, which can alter themes or details compared to the original book.
What is the best way to help students identify similarities and differences when comparing a book to its film adaptation?
The best way is to have students read the book, watch the movie, and then use a chart or graphic organizer to document key similarities and differences. Guided questions and classroom discussion can further support analysis and critical thinking.
What lesson objectives can be achieved by comparing The Boy in the Striped Pajamas book and movie?
By comparing the book and movie, students can improve critical thinking, analyze how different media present stories, understand literary adaptation, and develop skills in observation, inference, and interpretation.
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