hitlerBibliography:
Bartoletti, Susan Campbell. Hitler Youth: Growing up in Hitler’s shadow. New York: Scholastic Nonfiction. ISBN: 0439353793.

Plot Summary:
Much is known about the events leading up to and throughout World War II, but little focus is placed on the young Germans who pledged strong allegiences to Hitler and their Motherland.  These allegiances led many kids of the Hitler Youth to commit acts of anti-semitism, denounce their families and faith, and participate in some of the atrocities during the war.  Bartoletti shares some of the stories of the kids who quickly grew out of their innocence and grew up saluting the Nazi regime. 

Critical Analysis:
Bartoletti gives a powerful voice to the kids of the Nazi Party during the 30′s and 40′s.  Their stories are woven into the standard historical WWII narrative, and given more spotlight than Hitler himself.  The Hitler Youth came from varied backgrounds and had differing ideals, but they all wanted the same thing for Germany: success.  Bartoletti unobjectively describes the plight of the kids who joined the ranks and sometimes fought for their country, but she does often mention how the Nazi’s used the youngsters as a strategy. 

Nearly every page features a crisp black and white photograph to add visual imagery to the stories.  Some of the youth showcased in the book have more text and photographs to elaborate their tales.  Bartoletti has related the genuine feelings endured by the youth of Germany during this time, and those feelings reverberate in everyone, still.

Review Excerpts:
School Library Journal: “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.”– Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Booklist Starred Review: “The handsome book design, with black-and-white historical photos on every double-page spread, will draw in readers and help spark deep discussion, which will extend beyond the Holocaust curriculum.” – Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Connections:

  • Discuss with age-appropriate kids (high school) why people were drawn to the Hitler Youth organizations. 
  • Read other books on the same topic
    • Hitler Youth: Marching Toward Madness by Alexa Dvorson
    • Hans and Sophie Scholl: German Resisters of the White Rose by Toby Axelrod
    • A Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Germany in the 1930s by Henry Metelmann