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Adolf Hitler
Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of what it takes to be considered one of the worst figures in history, with this brand-new nonfiction series that focuses on the most nefarious historical figures.
On a list of the worst people ever, Adolf Hitler is certainly at or near the top.
Born the son of a low-ranking government official, no one would have predicted that the young Adolf would grow up and become the leader of millions of Germans as well as one of the most despised figures of the twentieth century.
Hitler himself wanted to be an artist, but he couldn’t get into art school. The rejection was just one more thing in a long chain of events that made him angry. Angry at the world. Angry at specific groups of people. As his anger grew, so did his hatred until eventually there was very little else left.
When Hitler entered politics, he found himself surrounded by people who agreed with him. Who would listen to his rants and would happily follow his every decree and cheer his every word.
But why did people let him do that? Why did they follow him? What made his policies so attractive? And what made Adolf Hitler so popular? Find out with this biography that takes a deeper look at Hitler…because history isn’t just about the heroes.
On a list of the worst people ever, Adolf Hitler is certainly at or near the top.
Born the son of a low-ranking government official, no one would have predicted that the young Adolf would grow up and become the leader of millions of Germans as well as one of the most despised figures of the twentieth century.
Hitler himself wanted to be an artist, but he couldn’t get into art school. The rejection was just one more thing in a long chain of events that made him angry. Angry at the world. Angry at specific groups of people. As his anger grew, so did his hatred until eventually there was very little else left.
When Hitler entered politics, he found himself surrounded by people who agreed with him. Who would listen to his rants and would happily follow his every decree and cheer his every word.
But why did people let him do that? Why did they follow him? What made his policies so attractive? And what made Adolf Hitler so popular? Find out with this biography that takes a deeper look at Hitler…because history isn’t just about the heroes.
208 pages, Hardcover
Published August 15, 2017
About the author
James Buckley Jr.
301 books72 followersIn addition to his work as a professional editor, James Buckley, Jr., is also the author of many books on American sports that are geared toward young fans and budding athletes.
Buckley, who has founded a company called Shoreline Publishing Group to produce books for reluctant readers, maintains that sports are far more than simple hobbies or ways to burn off excess energy.
Buckley, who has founded a company called Shoreline Publishing Group to produce books for reluctant readers, maintains that sports are far more than simple hobbies or ways to burn off excess energy.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 13, 2018
What I most like about this biography (and will now read others in the series) is focused on HOW Hitler was the worst based on politics, strategy, temperament, and ideas rather than simply focusing on The Final Solution. This paints an entire picture from birth and disappointment and death of siblings and how he was doted on by his mother to his homeless years, years spent in prison, then ultimately his rise to power (but what the power does to people because he was hungry for more and then it ultimately took his health). He hated losing. He would annihilate anyone who conspired (or thought to have) against him. He was dark and secretive. But he had big plans and was charismatic.
It's also focused on those he surrounded himself with too. Ultimately many killed themselves rather than be subjected to a trial as did Hitler and Eva. They married in a bunker, then he gave a cyanide pill to his dog Blondi, then Eva took one, he took one then shot himself in the head to finish himself off ultimately. Then his officials burned their bodies because he didn't want to be paraded in the streets as Mussolini had been.
It is the arc of a truly dark and dangerous man and is captured well-- pacing and "action" but intrigue and sophistication because the politics and plotting is enough to make anyone's brain explode. Absolutely a well done middle grade/YA biography on this man. It *almost* makes me want to read Mein Kempf. What a lunatic.
It's also focused on those he surrounded himself with too. Ultimately many killed themselves rather than be subjected to a trial as did Hitler and Eva. They married in a bunker, then he gave a cyanide pill to his dog Blondi, then Eva took one, he took one then shot himself in the head to finish himself off ultimately. Then his officials burned their bodies because he didn't want to be paraded in the streets as Mussolini had been.
It is the arc of a truly dark and dangerous man and is captured well-- pacing and "action" but intrigue and sophistication because the politics and plotting is enough to make anyone's brain explode. Absolutely a well done middle grade/YA biography on this man. It *almost* makes me want to read Mein Kempf. What a lunatic.
March 25, 2026
O carte scurtă dar cu informații prețioase. Nu trebuie să uităm niciodată ce dezastru a produs acest individ. E esențial să citim și recitim despre trecutul istoric. Asta nu se poate uita.
February 14, 2019
I liked how the author used quotes from HItler and other figures throughout the book to support his points. I also enjoyed the side information, such as on Jesse Owens in the chapter about the Berlin Olympics.
September 12, 2019
Not sure if there can be spoilers for a book like this, but if someone isn't familiar with Hitler, watch out! There might be a spoiler in here!
Also, yeah, there's a comparison to 45 because they both use a phrase as their go to phrase and they are similar. Don't like that I compare them? Stop reading here and move on. Commenting that I'm stupid or a liberal is just wasting your time. Any use of the "r" word or any form therein (clue: formerly known as the diagnosis for Intellectual Disability) is an automatic no-no. Ignorance will not be tolerated. That word being used to make fun of someone is unacceptable, 1000%.
If you've made it this far, thanks! Here is a jumbled word-wall of my thoughts on this book.
This book did a great job at giving insight into the life of a much hated and feared man. It humanizes him while also showing how detached his emotions and thoughts were from reality. Hitler was the sort of person who used the bad things that happened in his past as excuses for his terrible actions as an adult. As I read about how many opportunities he passed up that he could have used to try something different or even look at things from a different point of view to come to a conclusion that didn't involve blaming who weren't even part of the situation, I felt as if this man was mentally stunted in his emotional growth. I wondered how his parents never taught him to try to see all sides of an argument before deciding which side would be right, just, and fair. I wondered how this man could just shove all his hate off onto one group of people when he never actually seemed to have any bad thing happen to him that came from that group. I wondered how so many could keep their mouths closed and follow him or not stop those who followed him. I had to take a break when I read certain parts of the book detailing his rise to power because I noticed similarities in his words and actions with someone else who wants to "make things great again" (Hitler's phrasing). The way they speak is similar in that they are boisterous, demanding, and they use calls to action for others to carry out their racist desires. Hitler succeeded for so long because people were afraid of the racists and did not stand up to them and tell them they would not be tolerated. Hitler was able to bring so much that he almost destroyed his own country while he hid underground (I thought this sounded like a dystopian novel). If he couldn't have something, he didn't want anyone to have it. He was pure stupid, selfish, and evil. When I got to the end and read the parts about his death and those who were killed, I was astounded. I remember learning about WWII, the Holocaust, and such in school, but it just really didn't sink in how huge things were when it is being told to an American child/teen. As an adult who has done a lot of genealogy, met and made friends with many friends from European, Middle Eastern, and African countries, and has watched the 9/11 terrorist attacks as they happened while at my 1st job (a daycare) then had to wonder if there were planes headed for my school (college campus on military base), I feel like the US of the 1930's/40's was oblivious or else the leaders were purposely keeping their heads in the sand and I can't see how the people of the country would allow any of this to happen. But I also don't understand a lot of the segregation and separation from that time. There is too much that is still happening today. I really hope that if someone ever tried this today, the US would fight harder to help out. I wish we could get rid of the tyranny if the people desire it and then step away and let them be their own country.
Also, yeah, there's a comparison to 45 because they both use a phrase as their go to phrase and they are similar. Don't like that I compare them? Stop reading here and move on. Commenting that I'm stupid or a liberal is just wasting your time. Any use of the "r" word or any form therein (clue: formerly known as the diagnosis for Intellectual Disability) is an automatic no-no. Ignorance will not be tolerated. That word being used to make fun of someone is unacceptable, 1000%.
If you've made it this far, thanks! Here is a jumbled word-wall of my thoughts on this book.
This book did a great job at giving insight into the life of a much hated and feared man. It humanizes him while also showing how detached his emotions and thoughts were from reality. Hitler was the sort of person who used the bad things that happened in his past as excuses for his terrible actions as an adult. As I read about how many opportunities he passed up that he could have used to try something different or even look at things from a different point of view to come to a conclusion that didn't involve blaming who weren't even part of the situation, I felt as if this man was mentally stunted in his emotional growth. I wondered how his parents never taught him to try to see all sides of an argument before deciding which side would be right, just, and fair. I wondered how this man could just shove all his hate off onto one group of people when he never actually seemed to have any bad thing happen to him that came from that group. I wondered how so many could keep their mouths closed and follow him or not stop those who followed him. I had to take a break when I read certain parts of the book detailing his rise to power because I noticed similarities in his words and actions with someone else who wants to "make things great again" (Hitler's phrasing). The way they speak is similar in that they are boisterous, demanding, and they use calls to action for others to carry out their racist desires. Hitler succeeded for so long because people were afraid of the racists and did not stand up to them and tell them they would not be tolerated. Hitler was able to bring so much that he almost destroyed his own country while he hid underground (I thought this sounded like a dystopian novel). If he couldn't have something, he didn't want anyone to have it. He was pure stupid, selfish, and evil. When I got to the end and read the parts about his death and those who were killed, I was astounded. I remember learning about WWII, the Holocaust, and such in school, but it just really didn't sink in how huge things were when it is being told to an American child/teen. As an adult who has done a lot of genealogy, met and made friends with many friends from European, Middle Eastern, and African countries, and has watched the 9/11 terrorist attacks as they happened while at my 1st job (a daycare) then had to wonder if there were planes headed for my school (college campus on military base), I feel like the US of the 1930's/40's was oblivious or else the leaders were purposely keeping their heads in the sand and I can't see how the people of the country would allow any of this to happen. But I also don't understand a lot of the segregation and separation from that time. There is too much that is still happening today. I really hope that if someone ever tried this today, the US would fight harder to help out. I wish we could get rid of the tyranny if the people desire it and then step away and let them be their own country.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2017
Buckley, James Jr. Adolf Hitler (History's Worst), 191 pgs. Aladdin, 2017. $7.99. Language: G; Mature Content PG; Violence: PG.
James Buckley gives a succinct, clear picture about Hitler’s life from childhood through death. This is no small feat since so much has been written about the man. This book hits all the key points from this era in history. One nice thing the author includes is small subchapters about key points, like “The Rise of Communism,” which help clarify the events of WWII and why Hitler could have wielded so much power.
Buckley does a great job of making Hitler’s life accessible to young people. Even though the book is biased, it’s hard to be objective about someone who is responsible for the Holocaust. I would recommend this book to young people and older people alike. The book was well researched, with a timeline and notes in the back. This book would be a great help and a quick read for anyone studying the Holocaust.
MS, HS - ESSENTIAL. Michelle in the Middle
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...
September 30, 2021
I wont have to worry about justice. My mission is only to destroy and exterminate. I shall lead the brownshirts in this struggle to the death and my claws shall grasp your necks.
I never read Hitler's biography before. I only knew pieces of what he did from history book that only mention the slightest of his cruelty. And i found this book perfectly portrayed Hitler's life from the beginning. So many interesting facts that i just discovered through this book. I gave the author high appreciation for delivering the story in a gripping way.
I will recommend this book for everyone who wanted to know why Hitler was a powerful and ambitious leader and most importantly to learn that such cruelty and dictatorship would not do any good for a nation and its people.
Read
August 19, 2020I had an advanced reader copy of this title. I think I read it.
The text is very accessible to a young reader. Chapter's include interesting "side bars"
The author's note is rememberable "This was a hard book to write. Hitler and the Nazis did many, many really awful and horrible things...He [Hitler] was a monster, a madman who grabbed power and created evil. Believe it or not there are people alive today, walking among us, who think he was some sort of hero. Don't listen to those people. This guy was sick...."
The text is very accessible to a young reader. Chapter's include interesting "side bars"
The author's note is rememberable "This was a hard book to write. Hitler and the Nazis did many, many really awful and horrible things...He [Hitler] was a monster, a madman who grabbed power and created evil. Believe it or not there are people alive today, walking among us, who think he was some sort of hero. Don't listen to those people. This guy was sick...."
January 19, 2020
I loved how this author quoted Hitler and other public figures while describing Hitler. I also loved how the author didn’t just focus on one thing. They focused on his whole life from when he was younger until the day he died. However I do wish they would have put more details about what went on in the concentration camps. Overall I enjoyed the book and will read the rest of the series of “History’s Worst”.
June 4, 2022
I know it’s very bizarre to read a book on this person but I enjoy learning about history and our past and I was curious to read about someone who is probably described as the most evil man in the entire world.
This was a short read and which was interesting.
I just don’t get how someone could turn this evil and get away with it.
This was a short read and which was interesting.
I just don’t get how someone could turn this evil and get away with it.
January 21, 2019
This book was well written.
Even though it was written for younger kids, I still liked it. I liked how the author explained things and put things in terms for young kids to understand, and to understand how horrible Hitler really was.
Even though it was written for younger kids, I still liked it. I liked how the author explained things and put things in terms for young kids to understand, and to understand how horrible Hitler really was.
June 25, 2021
It is very informative. It covers a lot of his younger life, and things that may have contributed to the horrible leader he would become. It goes into some detail of the atrocities that he had carried out during the war, so I would say this is best for kids age 10+.
January 21, 2023
Multe detalii prezentate succint despre Hitler, de la naștere, copilărie, soldat mesager în Primul Război Mondial, și cel mai diabolic conducător. O carte care iti răspunde la unele întrebări dar te face sa itii pui altele
May 8, 2017
Reviewed for professional publication.
November 19, 2017
Well written, well researched biography of madman Hitler.
September 30, 2020
This is a must read, not only by young adults, but also by adults, especially in this era of Donald Trump. The two are shockingly similar, and it needs to end before [we] regret it.
July 3, 2023
Thinking Day 2023--Germany
May 14, 2020
Adolf Hitler, by James Buckley Jr, surfaced Adolf Hitler, the German politician, and the leader of the Nazi Parties life. It started off by including his rough childhood, with his abusive father, and over loving mother. The book then continues talking about his rise to power and his multiple attempts of administrating in an Arts School, in Austria. The book's end includes a detailed and lengthy synopsis of how World War II played out. One thing I greatly enjoyed about this book was how detailed and how descriptive the author was about Hitler.
I also enjoyed how the author shifts perspectives on Adolf Hitler and how he comments positive things about Hitler at the beginning of the book, but shifts to commenting negative things when Hitler starts using his power in a violent and cynical way. This was very unique and interesting as Hitler was an ordinary child with issues in his family, but grew up to be a devil, and the author shows this significantly well.
On the other hand, one thing I didn't like as much was that I felt like Buckley ended the book to quickly, and spent too much time including information of Hitler when he was a child. This was a disappointment as, as included above the author regarded Hitler as a good person when he was a child, and the majority of the book was about that, I felt as if the part where he was lunatic wasn't included to my satisfaction, especially considering the book's title is 'History's worst.'
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a long read and doesn't easily get bored from reading. The reader should also be aware that this book does consist of sensitive topics such as the death of jews. To conclude, I would compare this book to Hitler Youth, as they both have different ideas of topic, but don't have biases including information about Both Hitler's good, (Childhood Part) and bad (When he came of power).
I also enjoyed how the author shifts perspectives on Adolf Hitler and how he comments positive things about Hitler at the beginning of the book, but shifts to commenting negative things when Hitler starts using his power in a violent and cynical way. This was very unique and interesting as Hitler was an ordinary child with issues in his family, but grew up to be a devil, and the author shows this significantly well.
On the other hand, one thing I didn't like as much was that I felt like Buckley ended the book to quickly, and spent too much time including information of Hitler when he was a child. This was a disappointment as, as included above the author regarded Hitler as a good person when he was a child, and the majority of the book was about that, I felt as if the part where he was lunatic wasn't included to my satisfaction, especially considering the book's title is 'History's worst.'
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a long read and doesn't easily get bored from reading. The reader should also be aware that this book does consist of sensitive topics such as the death of jews. To conclude, I would compare this book to Hitler Youth, as they both have different ideas of topic, but don't have biases including information about Both Hitler's good, (Childhood Part) and bad (When he came of power).
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews