Award-winning nonfiction that personalizes the children who belonged to the Hitler Youth—the largest youth group in history.
By the time Hitler became Chancellor of Germany in 1933, 3.5 million children belonged to the Hitler Youth. It would become the largest youth group in history. Susan Campbell Bartoletti tells the history of this organization that begins with Hitler's rise to power and moves to the development of the movement, how and what its participants were taught, and the ways their roles changed with the onset of World War II. But this work of nonfiction is much more than an outline of dates. Bartoletti explores how Hitler gained the loyalty, trust, and passion of so many of Germany's young people. She does this through extensive research and includes telling interviews with surviving Hitler Youth members.
Bonus Feature—Author Reads Introduction and Author’s Note
Newbery Honor and Sibert Honor
ALA Children’s Notable Book
ALA Best Books for Young Adults
This Newbery Honor book is enhanced by the narration of Kathrin Kana, who voices the facts and information as a compelling story and leaves the listener to gradually become aware of the implications of Hitler's plans for Germany and the Hitler Youth. Hitler's exploitation of Germany's young bought their devotion to the Nazi cause while blinding them to the true motives behind his quest for power. Kana's steady voice propels the narrative to its conclusion without diminishing the story's brutality. A concluding slideshow of photographs (to be viewed on computer) adds an important dimension to the narrative and demonstrates a meaningful innovation for audiobooks. An added bonus is an introduction and epilogue spoken by the author, which add power to the presentation. L.D.H. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine
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