The quote below was Hitler’s view on integrating young people into the Nazi Movement:
“These boys and girls enter our organizations [at] ten years of age, and often for the first time get a little fresh air; after four years of the Young Folk, they go on to the Hitler Youth, where we have them for another four years . . . And even if they are still not complete National Socialists, they go to Labor Service and are smoothed out there for another six, seven months . . . And whatever class consciousness or social status might still be left . . . the Wehrmacht [German armed forces] will take care of that.”
~~Adolf Hitler (1938)
With the youth that would build it. Hitler Youth was fueled in the beginning by the uncomplicated human need to be part of the group and the ideas of building a better future. No one wanted to be viewed as unpopular or an outsider, and who would not want to be part of building a better future for humanity?
“The Nazi youth movement was not only about preparing for the future. The Hitler Youth and the League of German Girls were also used to weaken traditional social and religious authorities. Nazi youth activities intentionally replaced activities previously sponsored by religious institutions in an effort to challenge the churches’ claims to moral authority. The Hitler Youth monopolized members’ daily lives so children did not have time for activities outside Nazi control. The Hitler Youth and League of German Girls also encouraged members to report to their leaders about what was happening in their schools, churches, and families.”
~~ United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
Bartoletti does a great job of objectively telling both sides in this book. She creates heart-wrenching stories of the Hitler Youth supporters and the resistance and avoids typical stereotypes.
Due to her interviews, I have reason to believe the author has expertise in the area of Hitler Youth. These firsthand accounts of what it was like to be part of this movement were a large portion of what makes this book special.
(Note: In 1933, 3.5 million children were members of the Hitler Youth. This would become the largest youth group in history.)
"German boys! Do you know the country without freedom, the country of terror and tyranny? Yes, you know it well, but are afraid to talk about it. They have intimidated you to such an extent that you don't dare talk for fear of reprisals. Yes, you are right; it is Germany—Hitler Germany! Through their unscrupulous terror tactics against young and old, men and women, they have succeeded in making you spineless puppets to do their bidding".
Bartoletti went on to write the book “The Boy Who Dared” in 2015 about this additional section of the book.
Bartoletti's style is subtle but powerful. The book could easily be used as a coffee table book or displayed for its use of photography. It speaks a language of once you look, it's hard to forget. It plays on your mind, and you find yourself returning for just one more glance at those compelling images.
Awards:
- Newbery Honor Book
- A YALSA Best Book for Young Adults
- A Booklist Editors' Choice
- A Bulletin Blue Ribbon Book
- A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year
- A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
- A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
- Winner 2005 Parents' Choice Gold Seal Award
Connections:
Works Cited:
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. “Introduction to the Holocaust.” Holocaust Encyclopedia. https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/introduction-to-the-holocaust. Accessed on 10/27/20
