Hitler Youth

Bartoletti, S. (2005). Hitler youth. New York: Scholastic.

Journey with the many youth that gave into the propaganda of Adolf Hitler. Boys and girls of all ages wanted to join Hitlers youth, but the luster of what drew them in was quickly washed away when they became actual member. They were forced to get in their best physical shape, work long hours, and were all trained in the art of war. Some Hitler Youth eventually got fed up, and decided to rebel by making flyers with the truth. They dispersed these flyers among the young college students, and made a pack that who ever got caught  would take the blame. The book continues to tell the stories of many brave blindsided youth who thought they were fighting for a good cause. It tells how they eventually had to surrender, and the terrible time they had accepting the truth behind the war. Not even when the Hitler Youth were confronted with death, and Jewish bodies falling out of train cars, did they except what had happened. The people in this book witnessed, and were faced with many inhuman situations. In the end many of them perished, chose to be lost in the world, or decided to tell their story. Regardless of which path they took, they have unkowingly touched the lives of each and everyone who reads this book. This is a heart wrenching story of the otherside, that most people are not familiar with. Knowing that these children suffered under the appressor they chose to follow, is eye opening and sad.  Although this book makes you aware of the unknowing turmoil the Hitler Youth were facing, it also tells you the pain and heartache of the Jewish communities. One of the wonderful things about this book is that is does not choose a side, but highlights the pain and suffering of all. The author does a great job at painting a mental image for the reader, which helps them make an emotional connection through out the reading.     This book would best be read by a mature audience, it would recommend it for high school students and higher. This is a wonderful book that can easily be used in a debate class, and to compare and contrast both sides of the Halocaust in a social studies, world history, or english class.