Logan and Cade are in a history class together, seniors in high school. When their teacher, who has become one of Logan's favorites, gives them an assignment to reenact the Wannesee Conference where the Nazi's developed a plan for the "Final Solution". The two friends find the assignment offensive and one they don't think should be done in their classroom, they don't want to argue the Nazi's point of view. And they take steps to question the assignment which isn't met well by their teacher, school administration, or some of the others in the school. They finally include their parents in the discussion and both characters are developed further as family relationships are explored. These students face a lot of harassment and hate as they take this stand, but they also find some allies to support them. It isn't an easy road to stand up and speak out. A timely read. ( )

PUBLISHERS" REVIEW:

Inspired by a real-life incident, this riveting novel explores discrimination and antisemitism and reveals their dangerous impact.

Would you defend the indefensible?

That's what seniors Logan March and Cade Crawford are asked to do when a favorite teacher instructs a group of students to argue for the Final Solution--the Nazi plan for the genocide of the Jewish people.

Logan and Cade decide they must take a stand, and soon their actions draw the attention of the student body, the administration, and the community at large. But not everyone feels as Logan and Cade do--after all, isn't a school debate just a school debate? It's not long before the situation explodes, and acrimony and anger result.

Based on true events, The Assignment asks- What does it take for tolerance, justice, and love to prevail?

My thoughts: Was an interesting book and I think students will find it thought-provoking - especially in the wake the weekend's photos of young men doing the Nazi salute on the steps of Parliament House!! ( )

Based on a true incident, a high school teacher assigns students to argue in favor of the Final Solution. Two students fight back, and the resulting schism rocks the school and community. (Sydney Taylor Young Adult Notable Book) ( )

Powerful, impactful...a story that should end read in every HS Ela and History class. To know that this was based on a true story didn’t surprise me. I commend the two students who stood up for what they believed in and for standing up and representing those who no longer have a voice to stand up for themselves. This is a book about student voice and empowerment and what happens when some one takes a stand. I’m speechless, it was so moving. As an educator who has taught novels and lessons over the Holocaust, I would never think to create an assignment such as this one. I can see where the teacher was coming from but would have offered alternate assignments. Then again I wouldn’t have created this one. ( )

This book should be compulsory reading. ( )