The boy who dared / Susan Campbell Bartoletti

"A novel based on the true story of a Hitler Youth."

This story is told in flashback, as seventeen-year-old Helmuth Hubener lies trembling in a prison cell, awaiting the executioner. The reader is hooked from page one of this biographical novel, based on a real person, but presented in a fictional form.

Helmuth is a patriotic German schoolboy, a member of the Hitler Youth, but as the story develops we see him start to question Hitler's Germany; how the Jews are being treated; the censorship of truth. This is the true story of how one heroic youth stood up against the Nazi regime.

The writing style is compelling and suspenseful. The tone both inspirational and moving. This is a beautifully written book that tears at your heart when you finish the story and turn the pages of the detailed Author's Note, to see a photo of the real Helmuth, and other poignant images from his short life.

A Newbery Honor Book Author

The boy who dared / Susan Campbell Bartoletti