OPERATION VALKYRIE was a German World War II emergency plan modified by a secret network of officers and civilians to assassinate Adolph Hitler and retake control of Germany. The failure of the coup caused serious repercussions for the families of the resistance leaders.
Read the recently nonfiction work for youth, then learn more at the websites:
ENSNARING IN THE WOLF’S LAIR by Ann Bausum tells the true story of the 1944 plot to kill Adolf Hitler and the ghost children of this revenge. This well-research children’s book uses a compelling narrative along with primary source documents to engage readers in the devastating aftermath of Operation Valkyrie. After the failed assassination attempt, Hitler relentlessly sought revenge on the children and relatives of a secretive network of Germans who were conspiring against Hitler’s regime. Weaving in excerpts from the diary of Christa von Hofacker and other accounts, the story comes alive through the trauma of the children of the resistance. The book concludes with a helpful timeline, family information, list of resources, and author’s note.
THE GERMAN RESISTANCE MEMORIAL CENTER contains primary source documents, biographies, and exhibitions related to the German Resistance. To visit the website, go to https://www.gdw-berlin.de/en/home/.
INTRODUCING THE WARTIME DIARY OF CHRISTA VON HOFACKER shares an interview with the author about her connection to Christa’s diary that inspired the book. To view the video, go to https://bit.ly/31P39co.
ANN BAUSUM’s website contains behind-the-scenes information and classroom activities. To explore the website, go to https://bit.ly/3mkjsrb.
ARC courtesy of National Geographic.
