At Sammilsdalskolan, Leksand, they read the novel “The Boy In the Striped Pyjamas” by John Boyne in year 9. The book takes place in Auschwitz, called Out-With in the book, and it is written from the perspective of Bruno, an 8-year-old boy.
The students read/listened to the book, they had discussions in smaller groups and together in class. The students wrote reading logs. One of the questions was where the main characters could find a Safe Place:
An example written by a student:
Bruno: I think Bruno’s safe place is exploring and when he is with his new friend Shmuel. I also think he feels safe when he is talking to Maria because he can say what he thinks to her. I think his mother is his safe place too.
Shmuel: I think his safe place is his spot where he sits everyday to get away from the other boys when they are fighting and on his spot he gets space.
Gretel: I think that Gretel's safe place is her room and her dolls.
Parents: I think that Bruno’s father’s safe place is in his office and in his family. I think that Bruno’s mother´s safe place are their children, Gretel and Bruno."