Crossword Puzzle Pack for Use with The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas crossword puzzles check vocabulary and story details from The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne, written for Grades 6-8. It is a no-prep 48-page printable PDF with answer keys, sold on Teachers Pay Teachers.

At a glance

• Book: The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne
• Grades: 6th–8th
• Resource type: Crossword puzzles
• Format: 48-page printable PDF
• Answer key: Included
• Teaching duration: 1 Week
• Standards: L.6.4, L.7.4, L.8.4, RL.6.1, RL.6.4, RL.7.1, RL.7.4, RL.8.1 and more
• Price: $3.00

Challenge your students to think beyond simple recall with this no-prep crossword puzzle pack designed for The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne. These puzzles push deeper — from vocabulary-in-context to thematic connections — so your class reviews meaningfully, not mechanically.

Save time while meeting every learner where they are. Each puzzle is built-in differentiated instruction for Grades 6–8, moving naturally from literal clues to inference and analysis. No separate versions needed — one page of clues works for everyone.

What’s Included:

• 10 chapter-based crossword puzzles, each covering a 2-chapter grouping that matches a typical reading pace (Chapters 1‑2 through 19‑20). Every puzzle features 15 carefully crafted clues — 5 literal recall, 7 inference or vocabulary-in-context, and 3 higher‑order analytical clues that require synthesis and theme recognition.
• 2 whole-book review crosswords (20 clues each) that pull characters, setting, plot, and theme from across the entire novel. Perfect as culminating reviews, Socratic seminar prep, pre‑essay warm‑ups, or end‑of‑unit closure.
• Clue types deliberately mixed to keep students engaged: definition, character identity, plot event, setting, vocabulary in context, inference, and theme — giving you natural discussion launch points with every puzzle.
• Full answer keys for all 12 puzzles, making self‑checking and grading effortless.
• Well-illustrated, clean student-friendly layout with chapter labels so kids instantly connect each crossword to the section they’ve just read.
• Available in both full-color and black-and-white (ink-saving) versions — print exactly what you need.
• Approximately 48 pages total.

These crosswords flex beautifully into any novel study routine. Use them as chapter review, guided reading follow-up, homework, no-prep sub plans, literacy centers, early‑finisher challenges, or independent reading accountability. They’re equally effective for whole‑class, small‑group, or individual work.

Because the clues demand close reading and textual reasoning, students practice citing evidence (RL.6.1/7.1/8.1), determining word meaning in context (RL.6.4/7.4/8.4), and acquiring grade‑appropriate academic vocabulary (L.6.4/7.4/8.4 & L.6.6/7.6/8.6) — all without a single multiple‑choice bubble.

Get this pack on Teachers Pay Teachers today and give your students a vocabulary activity that actually makes them think.

Disclaimer:

This product is an independent supplemental resource designed for use with The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the author or publisher. All references to characters, settings, and events are used for educational purposes only to support reading comprehension and classroom instruction. This resource does not include the original text. Students must have their own copy of the book to complete the activities. All content in this resource is original and created by the seller.

Fonts Used:
Roboto by Christian Robertson | Open Sans by Steve Matteson | Playfair Display by Claus Eggers Sørensen | Lexend by Dr. Bonnie Shaver-Troup & Thomas Jockin | Poppins by Jonny Pinhorn | Montserrat by Julieta Ulanovsky
(All fonts are available via Google Fonts and licensed for commercial use under the SIL Open Font License.)

More The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas resources

All The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas activities & puzzles

Frequently asked questions

What grade level is this for?

It is written for Grades 6-8 (TpT lists 6th-8th).

How long is it?

It is a 48-page printable PDF. Suggested teaching time: 1 Week.

Are answer keys included?

Yes. Answer keys are included.

Do students need their own copy of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas?

Yes. This is an independent supplemental resource and does not include the text of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne, so students need their own copy.

How do I get this resource?

It is sold on Teachers Pay Teachers ($3.00) as a PDF download. Use the Buy on TpT button on this page.