Rich with symbolism, The Neverending Story is a classic children's tale designed to teach young people to come of age emotionally. The lessons are painless for they are couched in fantastical imagery and wild tales of adventure. Written originally in German by a German author, the story is an important contribution to literature because it addresses the dangers of tyranny. While Adolf Hitler and his Nazis are not directly mentioned in the story, the tale nonetheless reveals an understanding of the emotionally stunted mindset that leads dictators to hunger for power. Through the character of young Bastian Balthazar Bux, the reader gains an intuitive understanding of how life's tragedies can lead one to commit atrocious acts. The author, through Bastian, is reaching out to the youth of the world, telling them that the journey from pain to joy is achievable. The author shows that men like...