Words are powerful. Words spread truth. Words turn to action. Words matter in this lyrical account of the White Rose Resistance.
The White Rose Resistance was the German student movement that used the power of the written word to speak out against the Nazis during World War II. They worked in secret to distribute leaflets condemning the government's actions at a time when doing so meant putting your life at risk.
The story follows siblings Hans and Sophie Scholl, who were instrumental members of the resistance. Words Matter transports readers through the world the siblings inhabited, from their idyllic childhood to becoming leaders in the Hitler Youth groups; the Nuremberg Rally; witnessing the arrests and murders of innocent people; and finally emerging as leaders of the White Rose Resistance - while still believing in the goodness that lived in the hearts of the German people.
Written in verse and strikingly illustrated for middle-grade readers, Words Matter brings to life an unforgettable true story of nonviolent resistance. Hans and Sophie's story demonstrates the enduring power of words, especially in times of propaganda and fear.
Includes a historical note.
Key Text Features
author's note
further reading
historical context
illustrations
Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.7
Make connections between the text of a story or drama and a visual or oral presentation of the text, identifying where each version reflects specific descriptions and directions in the text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.5.4
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative language such as metaphors and similes.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.3
Describe how a particular story's or drama's plot unfolds in a series of episodes as well as how the characters respond or change as the plot moves toward a resolution. A lyrical, illustrated account of the student-led White Rose Resistance, and the enduring power of words and personal sacrifice. • BASED ON REAL RESISTANCE: An introduction for middle-grade readers to the White Rose Resistance, a nonviolent German resistance group, led by siblings Hans and Sophie Scholl, that opposed the Nazi government at the cost of the members' own lives. Includes a historical note, as well as a list of names of the persecuted members of the White Rose Resistance.
• NON-VIOLENT FORMS OF PROTEST: Through the real-life story of the White Rose Resistance (and Hans and Sophie), this book explores the practice of nonviolent resistance and the importance of using one's words to stand against oppression and persecution.
• REVIEWED FOR HISTORICAL ACCURACY: The text and illustrations were reviewed by Alexandra Lehmann, a nonfiction author and historical researcher who has written extensively on Sophie Scholl's diaries and worked with the White Rose Foundation at the University of Munich.
• THE POWER OF WORDS: Written in verse, this middle-grade illustrated novel demonstrates the power of words in times of oppression.
• WWII ANNIVERSARY: The release of this book coincides with the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II: September 2, 2025
