We Will Not Be Silent: The White Rose Student Resistance Movement That Defied Adolf Hitler

"A thorough and accessible introduction to the Holocaust and the students who dared to take a stand against evil. (source notes, picture credits, index) (Nonfiction. 10-14)"

Freedman (Angel Island: Gateway to Gold Mountain) illuminates a small but powerful student movement that used a secretive leaflet campaign to oppose Hitler's regime. Siblings Hans and Sophie Scholl and a few of their like-minded friends at the University of Munich began the White Rose resistance: "All of them were repelled by what was happening in Germany. They yearned to speak freely, to be entirely themselves again." Nine chapters with titles such as "Rumblings of Doubt" and " 'We Are Your Bad Conscience' " (wording aimed at Hitler from the fourth leaflet) depict how the Scholls started out as Hitler Youth and gradually became disenchanted with the Nazis' monolithic message of conformity and hate. Thoroughly researched, with numerous archival photos, this well-told story of the White Rose opposition unfolds chronologically and with building suspense. From the Scholls' childhood in Nazi Germany to their eventual executions and the legacy of their daring acts of nonviolence, Freedman seamlessly places their story within the larger context of WWII. Source notes, a bibliography, and an index complete this inspiring historical narrative. Ages 10-12. (May)

Copyright 2016 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 6-8--Though the story of the White Rose student resistance in Nazi Germany has been told elsewhere, Freedman's focus on the youth of the participants will resonate with readers. Hans Scholl, a free-spirited teen who became disillusioned by the enforced conformity of his Hitler Youth group, joined a banned rival group that discussed forbidden books, and there were no uniforms or marching. Younger sister Sophie got in trouble for reading a book by a Jewish German poet and questioning the pervasive anti-Semitism of her society. While attending school in Munich, the siblings became active in a group of anti-Hitler pamphleteers. The story has its share of dark turns, including arrests, lengthy detentions, and the eventual trial and execution by guillotine of Hans and Sophie. But Freedman treats these aspects gracefully, and the overarching message is one of defiant resistance in the face of overwhelming evil. "You will go down in history," their father, an outspoken pacifist, told them after their conviction. "There is such a thing as justice despite this. I am proud of both of you." Stock photos from the period are adeptly interspersed with personal snapshots and portraits to create a strong visual component. VERDICT A highly readable and well-documented overview of a fascinating aspect of World War II.--Bob Hassett, Luther Jackson Middle School, Falls Church, VA

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Robert F. Sibert Honor Award winner
2016 Kirkus Prize Finalist
Chicago Public Library Best of 2016
Kirkus Best of 2016
Raleigh News & Observer Best of 2016
Nonfiction Detectives: Best of 2016

* "A highly readable and well-documented overview of a fascinating aspect of World War II."
—School Library Journal, STARRED review

* "Among the wealth of good Holocaust literature available, Freedman's volume stands out for its focus and concision, effectively placing the White Rose in its historical context, telling the story of Nazi Germany without losing the focus on the White Rose, and doing so in just over 100 pages."
—Kirkus, STARRED review

* "Thoroughly researched, with numerous archival photos, this well-told story of the White Rose opposition unfolds chronologically and with building suspense."
—Publishers Weekly, STARRED review

"As always, Freedman not only writes with clarity and pace but augments his text with primary-source quotes and photographs that add power and immediacy."
—Horn Book Magazine