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