Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow

by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

Bartoletti, S. (2005). Hitler youth: Growing up in Hitler's shadow. New York, NY: Scholastic. 

While almost everyone may know the name Adolf Hitler, and the atrocities committed under his rule, many are unfamiliar with the millions of children who where brainwashed by his propaganda and blindly followed their leader with the belief that they were building a better Germany.  These were known as the Hitler Youth.  From first hand accounts, Bartoletti shares stories of those who excitedly signed up early on when participation was optional and it was very scout like in nature as well as those who were forced into the organization when membership became compulsory and involved more militaristic training.  Some were die-hard believers who were ready to fight and give their lives for their country, while others began to question what exactly they stood for and secretly worked in opposition to right the wrongs.  Hitler Youth is a very engaging and informative read.

Evaluation Criteria: Organization

Hitler Youth is organized chronologically beginning in 1932 when Hitlerjugend (Hitler Youth) was approaching the 100,000 member mark and Adolf Hitler was rising to power, and ending in 1945 with Hitler’s suicide and the surrender of Germany.  Just following the table of contents, we find two pages of photos and descriptions of real children we will read about in the story.  Each chapter is given a title, along with a subtitle which clarifies the information to be found in that chapter.  All images included are actual photographs taken during the time period.  The epilogue at the end of the book gives us an account of what eventually became of the young people in the story.  Included at the end are also a timeline, quote source, bibliography and index to allow for a quick search for specific information.

Interview with Susan Campbell Bartoletti

Book Trailer for Hitler Youth