Module 5: History, Biography, and Nonfiction

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA:

Bartoletti, Susan Campbell. 2005. HITLER YOUTH: GROWING UP IN HITLER’S SHADOW. New York: Scholastic. ISBN 9780439353793

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

HITLER YOUTH tells the stories of twelve young people and their commitment to Hitler and his promises for a better life. In her foreword, Bartoletti says that this is “not a book about Adolf Hitler,” but instead it is a book “about the children and teenagers who followed Hitler and the National Socialist (Nazi) Party during the years 1933 to 1945.” Bartoletti portrays the young people as ordinary teenagers brainwashed into believing in a better life for themselves and their families, giving a sympathetic face to the group often referred to as the “Hitler Youth.” The book opens with the tragic story of one of the Hitler Youth, Herbert Norkus, being beaten to death by the Communists, or “Reds.” From there, Bartoletti shows readers the ease with which Hitler convinced these young people to join his cause. For example, Melita, a Hitler Youth, says, “I longed to hurl myself into this current…I wanted to belong to these people for whom it was a matter of life and death.” Several fascinating facts are revealed in this book, such as the fact that Hitler and the Hitler Youth even had dangerous power and control over teachers in schools. Bartoletti uses a chilling picture of teachers with very young students raising their hands in the Nazi salute to depict the Nazi control of the schools. HITLER YOUTH makes the clear connection of how unchecked power and a forceful movement eventually led to the vicious and unimaginable discrimination and persecution of Jewish people. The horrid details of the “killing centers” in German are explored. While the facts are difficult to stomach, this book offers a clear look at the frightening effects of unbridled power in the hands of one person, especially when young people are specifically targeted and recruited to serve a dictator’s agenda. The numerous black and white photographs complete with interesting and fascinating captions throughout the book offer a chilling visual portrayal of the events surrounding this atrocity. In particular, a photograph of a young boy no more than five years old wearing a Storm Trooper uniform and raising his hand in the Nazi salute is certain to draw out emotions in readers. Photographs and brief biographies of the twelve young people discussed in book are included. Additionally, a table of contents and various maps are available to assist readers with locating information. An epilogue detailing what became of the young people in the book is also included. Additional extras include a time line of the Hitler Youth, an author’s note, information about the photographs, quote sources, a bibliography, acknowledgements, and an index. HITLER YOUTH is a very thorough nonfiction piece of work, and Bartoletti carefully includes extensive documentation to support what is portrayed in the book. While the subject matter of this book is heavy, it is a fantastic depiction of the lives of the young people who followed Hitler. HITLER YOUTH is sure to “draw in readers and help spark deep discussion” according to Booklist (April 2005), and this book deserves a place in any library serving young adults.

CONNECTIONS:

The History Place offers more historical information on the Hitler Youth at http://www.historyplace.com/worldwar2/hitleryouth/index.html.

Encourage students to seek out other sources of information on the Hitler Youth. Students can compare facts and timelines to the ones presented in Bartoletti’s book, and students can create a research project related to the Hitler Youth.

Encourage students to discuss why they think the Hitler Youth were so eager to join the cause of the Nazi party. Were they easily brainwashed, or desperate for a better life? Can their actions be justified? Why or why not?

REVIEWS AND AWARDS:

From BOOKLIST starred (April 2005):
“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. The extensive back matter is a part of the gripping narrative.”

From KIRKUS REVIEW starred (April 2005):
“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.”

From SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL starred (June 2005):
“Hitler's plans for the future of Germany relied significantly on its young people, and this excellent history shows how he attempted to carry out his mission with the establishment of the Hitler Youth, or Hitlerjugend, in 1926. 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.”

Wilson’s Junior High School

Wilson’s Senior High School

ALA Notable/Best Books 2006

Newbery Honor Book 2006