43 pages • 1 hour read
Susan Campbell BartolettiA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
192
Novel • Fiction
Germany • 1940s
2008
Middle grade
9-12 years
760L
The Boy Who Dared by Susan Campbell Bartoletti is a historical fiction novel based on the life of Helmuth Hübener, a German teenager who defies the Nazis during WWII. The story alternates between Helmuth's last day on death row and his memories, depicting his growing realization of the dangers of Nazi propaganda and the importance of resisting misinformation. The novel addresses themes of individual courage and moral responsibility. Sensitive topics include execution, torture, and the persecution of Jewish individuals.
Challenging
Inspirational
Dark
Emotional
Mysterious
16,243 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Boy Who Dared by Susan Campbell Bartoletti receives praise for its compelling narrative and historical accuracy, making it a valuable read for young audiences interested in World War II. However, some readers find the pacing slow and the character development lacking. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking story that illuminates the courage required to stand against oppression.
A reader who appreciates The Boy Who Dared would likely be interested in historical fiction centered on World War II, with a focus on resistance and moral courage. Comparable to readers of The Book Thief by Markus Zusak or Number the Stars by Lois Lowry, they seek poignant stories about young protagonists confronting tyranny.
16,243 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
192
Novel • Fiction
Germany • 1940s
2008
Middle grade
9-12 years
760L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.