Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler’s Shadow by Susan Campbell Bartoletti
Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler’s Shadow by Susan Campbell Bartoletti is a young adult non-fiction book that chronicles the German youth during the Nazi regime under Hitler during WWII. I knew I wanted to read this book after I read The Boy Who Dared, also by Susan Campbell Bartoletti who based that story off of one of the accounts she featured in Hitler Youth (read my The Boy Who Dared review here). In addition, Hitler Youth is a Newbery Honor book, so what better timing than to read it now to coincide with my current book fetish with the Holocaust.
I only wish that I would have read Hitler Youth sooner as it gave such good insight into how much of Hitler’s success was based upon the youth of that country. The book gives a general background of the more than seven million boys and girls belonging to the Hitler Youth and then delves into the lives of twelve youth, some whom fought against the regime and others who were willing to give their lives for Hitler’s cause.
For those of the Hitler Youth who supported Hitler 100%, I actually felt sorry for them. They were brainwashed and truly believed that turning against their friends, family, and even their own parents was the right thing to do for their country. Hitler was very persuasive and many were caught up in his fervor. I only wish that many of them could have seen the errors of their ways. I was touched by a photo near the end of the book when Allied forces had to reeducate the Hitler Youth and show them what the Hitler regime had actually done by showing them films and taking them to concentration camps to see the devastation firsthand. The photo shows hands over their faces, the wiping away of tears, literally unable to watch what they had done to their fellowmen. I can’t imagine being caught up in the biggest mistake of your life and then having to live with it.
For those of the Hitler Youth who fought against Hitler, I was touched by their bravery and wisdom far beyond their years. It reminded me that young people can do great things that make a huge difference in this world, even when faced with their own deaths.
Hitler Youth is a book that I would urge you to consider picking up. The different accounts were fascinating and touching. It’s a fast read and will stay with you long after you’ve closed the last page. It’s a excellent addition for those of us still asking ourselves, how could this have happened?
Have you read The Book Thief? If not, I highly, highly recommend it, particularly if you’re on a WWII/Holocaust kick.
on June 25th, 2008 at 4:46 pmWell, of course I have to add this to my list since I’m also going through a Holocaust book fetish!!
on June 25th, 2008 at 7:40 pmThis book sounds so interesting. I dont think I’ve read a book from that perspective. I’m going to put it in my handy dandy TBR notebook.
on June 25th, 2008 at 11:31 pmI am definitely interested in picking this one up. I haven’t read many WW2 books that approach things that particular angle, so it will be an interesting change for me.
on June 26th, 2008 at 2:20 pmI’m not usually into non-fiction but this sounds rather interesting. Speaking of nonfiction- you might enjoy “Victor Kugler: The Man Who Hid Anne Frank”. I thought it was an interesting story about a man I had never heard of, but had such an important role.
Also for some reason, “The Summer of My German Soldier” came to mind. I think I had to read this in high school. But anyways it fits in with your Holocaust theme right now.
on June 26th, 2008 at 9:24 pmI think the first time I heard about Hilter Youth was when I read The Book Thief–or at least that is when I remember being actually aware of the organization. I think it is interesting how many people–adults included–were brainwashed by the propaganda. But then again, that still goes on, huh. Thanks for bringing this one to my attention.
on June 27th, 2008 at 6:19 pmI’ll definitely add this to my list. I eat up books and documentaries about the Holocaust.
on July 1st, 2008 at 8:18 pmI’ll have to read this. I gave a speech once when I was in Speech and Debate about the Hitler Youth. Fascinating topic.
on July 2nd, 2008 at 1:04 pm