Author: Susan Campbell Bartoletti
ISBN: 0439680131
Publisher: Scholastic Press, 2008
Age: 9-12
Genre: Historical fiction
Summary: Just as the Nazis are rising to power, Helmuth Hubener, a German schoolboy, is caught up in all the swashbuckling bravado of his time. The handsome stormtrooper uniforms, the shiny jackboots and armbands, the rousing patriotism – all serve to draw him into this bright new world full of promise and hope. In the beginning his patriotism is unwavering. But every day the rights of people all over Germany are diminishing. Jews are threatened and their businesses are being destroyed. The truth has been censored, and danger lurks everywhere. Anybody can turn on you. The world has turned upside down, Patriotism means denouncing others, love means hate, and speaking out means treason. How much longer can Helmuth keep silent? Written in flashback style as 17 year old Helmuth awaits his execution in 1942 for resistance to the Nazi’s.
Read A-likes: Yellow Star; The Diary of Anne Frank; and Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler’s Shadow.
Personal Thoughts: This book is a gripping read based on the true life story of Helmuth Hubener, a Hitler Youth during World War II Germany. This is the story of a young boy that, even at the threat of death, could not remain silent and do nothing to stop what he knew was wrong. A good book for all, but especially for boys as it shows the friendship between boys, and teaches about hard decisions. A good book for teaching young readers how to stand up for what they know is right even when the world says different and consequences can be severe. Included in the back of the book are pictures of Helmuth Hubener, his family, friends and even the execution chamber where he was executed; as well as historical information about Nazi Germany and World War II in general.
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