We Will Not Be Silent: The White Rose Student Resistance Movement That Defied Adolf Hitler by Russell Freedman (2016, Clarion Books; 112 pages) This nonfiction book -- by Russell Freedman, American biographer and the author of nearly 50 books for young people -- is an account of the White Rose movement, its origins, its significance, and its extraordinary members. Inspiring brave members who were willing to sacrifice everything for freedom fighting against Germany’s Nazi regime from within. The book is, of course, fantastic, filled with a wonderful historical collection of black and white pictures belonging to that period. The book also contains a fantastic chapter on source notes, and a brilliant selected bibliography for those who will want to continue reading about this crucial period in human history. But beyond that, what is marvelous about We Will Not Be Silent is the fantastic narrative used by Mr. Freedman to introduce us to White Rose members Hans and Sophie Scholl. Brother and sister, both had been loyal members of Hitler Youth as children, but came to doubt the humanity and integrity of their leaders. Details of how they came to those doubts are abundant in the first chapters of the book, and they are, I believe, a great perspective of how the environment can shape our thoughts if we are awake and aware. The Scholls and other like-minded young people decided to form the White Rose to spread the message of resistance all across Germany and they did so by writing and distributing leaflets at the risk of their own lives. One of the most powerful pictures in the book is the picture of Hans' portable typewriter. So much said in just a picture! The format of the book is fantastic, with clear pictures, and great fonts. The reading of this book should be a must, and I recommend it for readers of all ages: youth with a curiosity for history and a desire to get involved in social change projects will devour the story of the Scholls and the White Rose Student Resistance Movement; adults will refresh in their memory a part of history that should not and cannot be forgotten. Find this title in our catalog: We Will Not Be Silent Recommended by: Maite
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Teen Reads BlogTo go to our Teen Reads blog, Bookshelf Envy, click here Archives
March 2018
Categories |