Synergy: OPERATION VALKYRIE

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.

Synergy: Grand Prix Racing

Grand Prix racing is a motorsport competition that began at the turn of the 20th century in France. Today, it’s known as formula racing.

Read the recently published books, then learn more at the websites:

THE RACERS by Neal Bascomb is a young readers’ adaptation of the adult title FASTER. It tells the true story of how an outcast driver, an American heiress, and a legendary car beat Hitler’s best. The combination of fascinating characters, world history, and racing will appeal to a broad audience. This well-research title incorporates historical photos, maps, and detailed race information. Teens with an interest in racing may prefer to read the adult edition.

To learn more about Rene Dreyfus, go to https://bit.ly/3j0YMCX.

To learn more about Lucy O’Reilly-Schell, go to https://bit.ly/2YtvZNO

To watch a video from the 1938 Grand Prix de Pau, got to https://youtu.be/LgiYUlEcTlE.

To watch a discussion with the author, go to https://youtu.be/5wUXihroUEk.

ARC courtesy of Focus, an imprint of Scholastic.

Book Review: We Will Not Be Silent

WE WILL NOT BE SILENT: THE WHITE ROSE STUDENT RESISTANCE MOVEMENT THAT DEFIED ADOLF HITLER by Russell Freedman is the true story of siblings who stand up against the Nazis by distributing resistance leaflets.

This well-researched work of nonfiction tells the story of Hans Scholl and his sister Sophie who join the Hitler Youth, but soon realize they don’t agree with the movement. Along with their friends, they create the White Rose campaign against Hitler and the Nazis. Their underground movement includes distributing leaflets. Using photographs and easy-to-understand prose, these young people fought for their beliefs risking imprisonment and sometimes even execution. The book concludes with useful source notes, credits, and an index.

Designed for ages 10-14, librarians will find that youth will connect with this very accessible story of young people fighting for their beliefs. This little-known story is an excellent way to engage students in a discussion of Nazi Germany and the Holocaust.

Look for this title on the “best of nonfiction” lists for 2016.

Published by Clarion on May 2, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.