Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow



Bartoletti, S. C. (2005). Hitler Youth: growing up in Hitler's shadow. New York: Scholastic Nonfiction.

 

Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow is a fascinating 2006 Newbery Medal Winner about Hitler's method of brainwashing the nation's children to create completely loyal citizens.

 

This book does not follow the traditional plot line.  It is a nonfiction book that uses historical accounts, actual journal entries, and interviews to show the power Hitler gained over the young people of Germany.  Most Germans felt that Higler would get them out of the mess created by World War I.  He was a charismatic speaker and encouraged young Germans to join Hitler Youth groups.  Only healthy girls and boys of Aryan descent could join the Hitler Youth.  No one of Jewish background could join.  Also, before the Hitler Youth was mandatory, children whose parents were not members of the Nazi party were often rejected as well.  Hitler Youth groups appealed to young people because they provided fun activities and camraderie.  On February 27, 1933, a communist set fire to the Reichstag (parliament building), which allowed Hitler to declare a national emergency and suspend civil liberties.  In 1934, Hitler took complete control when the president died.  He began eliminating all other youth groups.  Young Germans joined the Hitler Youth because it was dangerous not to join.  Then, on December 1, 1936, the Hitler Youth became mandatory.  During this time period, teachers were forced to teach Nazi principles in order to create good Nazis.  Any teacher who refused was immediately dismissed.  Students were also taught about their racial superiority over Jews.  Through this indoctrination of his principles and beliefs, Hitler was able to mold and brainwash the youth of Germany to the point that they were loyal to him over their own parents.  Parents had to be careful what they said in front of their children because children were encouraged to report on their parents for any misdeed.  Hitler believed that the best way to maintain control over Germany was to control the children of Germany.