The Boy Who Dared

The Boy Who Dared
by Susan Bartoletti
Scholastic Press, 2008, 202 pg., Youth Historical Fiction

Helmuth does not want to die. He had known the risk he was taking with the radio. He had known how dangerous it was to write his pamphlets. He does not want to die. But he did what was right. He will not apologize for that.


This story is - incredible, shocking, unbelievable - but it is based on a real boy. Helmuth was born in Germany and grew up in during Hitler's rise to power. He was a talented boy, but he was also just a boy. He used his talents to think for himself and found he did not agree with what the Nazi party preached. Even though his was taught to obey the laws of his country, even if he did not like them, he was also taught to do what was right. It is difficult to imagine what to do in moments such as that. It is even harder to realize that for Helmuth his choice came at a price. This is a fantastic book about what courage, forgiveness, and truth looks like in life's darkest moments. This is a great book for anyone who likes history, WWII, or true stories. Sensitive readers should be aware that this books deals with the harsh realities of Hitler's regime. Those who like The Dairy of Anne Frank may be particularly interested in the book.