Book Review: Hitler Youth

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bartoletti, Susan Campbell. HITLER YOUTH: GROWING UP IN HITLER'S SHADOW. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0439353793

2. SUMMARY
In this informational book, Bartoletti weaves the stories of dozens of German youths within the context of the major historical moments of World War II and the years that led up to it. Using the stories of real German children, Bartoletti describes how the Hitler Youth formed in the mid 1920s, before Hitler had gained control of the German government. This organization was founded based on Hitler's belief that the best way to create the all powerful Germany that he desired, he must cultivate the next generation of Germans while they were still young, strong, and easily influenced. Although popular early on, the Hitler Youth was just one of many youth organizations. The Hitler Youth enticed children to join by having many of the same desirable elements as the other organizations: uniforms, sports and camping excursions in the countryside. However, the pull of the Hitler Youth came from the sense of purpose it instilled in members. According to the program's leaders, the children's participation was essential to securing a brighter future for their country. Many parents did not approve of the group, but as the Nazi's gained more and more power, the parents realized that their children's involvement with the Hitler Youth was unavoidable. Military training became the main focus of the groups and joining the Hitler Youth eventually became compulsory for all Aryan boys and girls. When the war begins, some of the youth find excitement and jump into their forced war assistance wholeheartedly, even meeting death with pride and a sense of accomplishment. Others, however, were not so disillusioned. Bartoletti discusses the heroic acts of Hitler Youths like Hans and Sophie Scholl and Helmuth Hubener who were all executed for trying to spread the truth to the German people.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This book is very well written. Bartoletti does not hold back when divulging gruesome details and seems to make no attempt to coddle her young audience. Best of all, the legitimacy of her claims are not only documented in the book with an extensive bibliography, she also takes the time to include a section which lists every direct quote in the book as well along with her source for each. She also describes her entire research project, explaining that she used a variety of research methods including library, museum and archival work, travel, and personal interviews. Bartoletti may include only facts in this book, but the stories she tells are so compelling that there is no need for her to embellish.

The photographs in this book do a lot to add interest and support the text. Being able to see the faces of the children in the story and see pictures of the activities described reinforces the sense of reality that the author wants the reader to feel as they read the book.

4. REVIEWS
Newbery Honor Book
Sibert Honor Book
starred review PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY "offers a unique and riveting perspective"
starred review HORNBOOK "the power of the account is matched by the many period candid and propaganda photographs"


5. CONNECTIONS
*Provide books about World War II from all perspectives, including books like JAPAN AT WAR: AN ORAL HISTORY by Haruko Taya Cook
*Facilitate small group discussions with young adults about the importance of thinking for oneself, and any situations in which someone may have tried to persuade them to behave in a certain negative way in response to someone that was different from them.