The Boy Who Dared

By: Susan Campbell Bartoletti

Narrated by: David Ackroyd

Just as the Nazis are rising to power, Helmuth Hübener, 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? Told in flashback, Newbery Honor Book author Susan Campbell Bartoletti magnificently explores the life of a heroic German youth who dared to stand up against the Nazi regime.©2008 Susan Campbell Bartoletti; (P)2009 Listening Library

Great story telling and emotion

This is one of a few books I wish could be turned into a movie or series adaptation.. the way the author and narrator pull you into the story and paint such a vivid picture is truly amazing

Loved it

I loved the book I got so into it and I even cried at the end that is how realistic it is read

wonderful inspiring story of a hero

Such a heart wrenching story of a hero that should never be forgotten. bravo

Good historical fiction

We have been reading a lot about this time in history. If you are wanting to read a story that is based on real events, this is a good book to read. As my grandmother grew up two blocks from a concentration camp, I like to hear accurate portrayals of life during this very scary time in history.
The one thing I would change would be to make smaller chapters so that if you needed to go back, the part you needed to go back to is easier to find. Overall, a pretty good book.

Powerful Book

Very powerful book about speaking up for something that you know is wrong! Beautifully written and powerfully performed by David Ackroyd!

Excellent work

I enjoyed how the characters became more alive with the accents and the historical facts of the story.

this is a fantastic book

I had to read this for school but didn't want to but after reading the first 50 pages I wanted more and more but over all this is a great book and if you get the audio tape the reader has a great German accident.

Thought provoking book!

Would you listen to The Boy Who Dared again? Why?

Yes. It was interesting and matched with history.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Boy Who Dared?

I really was amazed that he stood up for his beliefs with honor at the end and purposefully took on as much blame as he could so that his friends would get a lighter sentence.

Which scene was your favorite?

When he stood up for his beliefs at the trial without excusing himself.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The same as the title of the book.

Fitting role model for today!

Brings Helmuth Hubener to life! Such an inspiring person! His story is one of the most heroic stories I’ve ever come across. To be so awake and intelligent at such a young age is truly hope for the rest of us. His example is absolutely needed for today’s political climate, esp for the youth! I hope to call forth this kind of courage in the face of today’s evil. Definitely worth the read!

One of the best historical books I've read

Honestly historical or semi historical fiction is always hard for me to get through because it can be written more like a textbook and I had no problem getting through this incredible story