Susan Campbell Bartoletti. 2005. Hitler Youth: Growing up in Hitler's shadow. New York: Scholastic Nonfiction. ISBN 9780439353793
Brief plot summary:
If you ever wondered how Hitler managed to brainwash an entire generation into believing his Nazi ideology, read this book. Listen to the personal stories of German youth who formed the Hitler Youth and how "Hitler harnessed their enthusiasm and loyalty." Listen to the personal stories of German youth who did not join the Hitler Youth and how their choice influenced their lives. Learn how adults feared Hitler's indoctrination of their children and how the youth were drawn to his charisma. Read as the events unfold leading to concentration camps, World War II, the Battles of Normandy and the Bulge, and Germany's unconditional surrender. You'll understand how powerful our youth can be.
"'I begin with the young,' said Hitler. 'We older ones are used up, but my magnificent youngsters! Are there finer ones anywhere in the world? Look at all these men and boys… What material! With them I can make a new world.' Hilter counted on Germany's boys and girls. This is their story."
Critical analysis:
Bartoletti provides a bibliography, quote sources, an index, and a timeline of the Hitler Youth including photographs of the main characters she uses to tell her story. In the author's note, she discusses the two years she spent researching for this book ranging from specific articles to journals, personal interviews to trips to Washington D.C and Germany. The book starts with how the Hitler Youth began and reveals how it successfully becomes the "largest youth group in history." Although I'm not a reader of nonfiction, this book kept me interested because Bartoletti tells it from the youths' perspective weaving in personal details and historical events. Her diction and style is appropriate for younger audience who will better understand the events that lead up to World War II and what resulted without being too gruesome.
Awards:
- Newbery Honor
- Sibert Honor
- Orbis Pictus Honor
- Parent’s Gold Choice Award
- Sydney Taylor Notable
- Pennsylvania Carolyn Field Award
Review excerpt(s):
"Will draw in readers and help spark deep discussion…gripping."
– Booklist, starred review
"Bartoletti lets many of the subjects' words, emotions, and deeds speak for themselves, bringing them together clearly to tell this story unlike anyone else has."
– School Library Journal, starred review
Connections:
- When studying about WWII, the Holocaust, Germany, Hitler, National Socialism and or propaganda.
- The author's note could lead to a discussion about the research process since she elaborates on how the book came to be.
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