Questions About The Boy at the Top of the Mountain

by John Boyne (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (8)

What age group would you recommend this book for?

Jschroder I use this book with my 7th graders for a Historical Fiction unit. I don't just give it to them and let them read it, however. We have a lot of instru…moreI use this book with my 7th graders for a Historical Fiction unit. I don't just give it to them and let them read it, however. We have a lot of instruction that includes time period, WWI,WWII, propaganda, etc. They absolutely love this book and beg to keep reading when I stop them at the end of each section.(less)

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not exactly about the book content, but did anyone like 'The Boy at the Top of the Mountain' better than 'The Boy in the Striped Pajamas'? I know most people prefer the second, but the former touched me in a way that 'The Boy in Striped Pajamas' didn't.

Ruyman_S In my opinion, we cannot compare both books, because they are written from different points of view. Both are cruel, but the former book is more scare…moreIn my opinion, we cannot compare both books, because they are written from different points of view. Both are cruel, but the former book is more scareful than the second. I saw the consequences of the power of Hitler.(less)

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Marianne

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While reading this book I couldn't help question the age of the boy and the way he behaves, speaks and the books he reads. I know children can be very mature for their age under certain circumstances, but some things just appear very unlikely for a boy of his age. Does anyone know or has any idea why the author chose this age setting?

Isa Rivera I feel like it's to let the boy grow up so we can clearly see how he changes under the influence of Hitler. What better way to make a story like this …moreI feel like it's to let the boy grow up so we can clearly see how he changes under the influence of Hitler. What better way to make a story like this hit hard by showing us an innocent, albeit mature child get corrupted and lose his innocence?(less)

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Is this book the sequel (or prequel) to The Boy In The Striped Pajamas?

Jschroder It is set in the same time period and has a similar subject matter, but is more of a companion book than either a sequel or prequel. There is a very s…moreIt is set in the same time period and has a similar subject matter, but is more of a companion book than either a sequel or prequel. There is a very small reference in The Boy at the Top of the Mountain to Boy in the Striped Pajamas but you have to read very carefully to find it.(less)

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