Hitler Youth: Growing Up In Hitler's Shadow

Full Bibliographic Data:

Hitler Youth: Growing Up In Hitler’s Shadow

Author: Susan Campbell Bartoletti

Publisher: Scholastic Nonfiction

Place of Publication: New York

Date of Publication: April, 2005

ISBN: 13: 978-0439353793

Summary: This is an in depth look at the development of the Hitlerjugend (Hitler Youth). Beginning with an organization which exhilarated and captivated the youth of Germany, the movement known as Hitlerjugend grew in numbers at a seemingly exponential rate. Eventually, this growth plateaued with some members changing sides and actively resisting the efforts put forth by their original leaders. Detailed accounts are given of every facet of the appalling operation, known as Hitler Youth, through various perspectives of actual people involved. The piece begins and ends with background and current information on the persons highlighted throughout.

Review: From the first page to the last, it is evident that Campbell has not only done her homework but has made it her mission to accurately portray just how so many children could have been swayed to join such a maniacal movement. While never condoning the brutality of the war, Campbell helps her readers to understand the enticement German youth felt when Hitler came on the scene. Furthermore, Campbell introduces heroes, not usually mentioned in relation to this period, such as the teenagers who formed the White Rose organization which worked to the death to alert the public to Hitler’s lies and destruction.

This book not only informs readers in a manner that is sure to have a lasting impression, but through stark use of black and white images and candid accounts of personal loss, Campbell has succeeded in honoring the memories of all the victims of this movement – some of whom were, indeed, disguised as the antagonists.

Awards:

Carolyn W. Field Award, 2006 Winner United States
John Newbery Medal, 2006 Honor Book United States
Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children, 2006 Honor United States
Parents' Choice Award, 2005 Gold Non-Fiction United States
Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal, 2006 Honor Book United States

Review Excerpts:

“Bartoletti’s carefully researched, fascinating narrative is a compelling work of non-fiction. She provides extensive documentation in a volume that not only informs but also inspires readers to ask difficult questions about choices they may face in their own lives.” (Cooperative Children’s Book Center Choices, 2006).

“Case studies of actual participants root the work in specifics, and clear prose, thorough documentation and an attractive format with well-chosen archival photographs make this nonfiction writing at its best. Essential for WWII collections as well as teaching units on conformity, peer pressure and resistance. Superb” (Kirkus Reviews, 2005).

Related Materials –

Bartoletti’s Official Site: http://www.scbartoletti.com/

Holocaust Education& Archive Research Team: http://www.holocaustresearchproject.org/holoprelude/hitleryouth.html

German Propaganda Archive: http://www.calvin.edu/academic/cas/gpa/kbuch.htm

An essay written by an Hitler Youth official: http://www.calvin.edu/academic/cas/gpa/hjredner.htm

The History Place on Hitler Youth: http://www.historyplace.com/worldwar2/hitleryouth/index.html