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Book Description

Resource Type

Pre-Reading Activities
During Reading Activities
Post-Reading Activities

Skills and Subjects

Critical Thinking in Literacy
Oral Language
Text Forms & Genres
Make Predictions
Visual Elements
Further Research
Integrated Learning
Comprehension Strategies
Vocabulary Acquisition
Key Ideas & Details
Developing & Creating Texts
Writing
Just for Fun!
Making Connections

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Words Matter: The Story of Hans and Sophie Scholl, and the White Rose Resistance

Book Genre:

Fiction

Audience:

ages 9 to 12 / grades 4 to 7

Written by

Anita Fitch Pazner

Illustrated by

Sophie Casson

Book Description
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, putting their own lives at risk.

The story follows siblings Hans and Sophie Scholl from their idyllic childhood, to becoming leaders in the Hitler Youth groups; attending 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 in times of propaganda and fear. Includes a historical note.
Pre-Reading Activities/ Critical Thinking in Literacy, Oral Language, Text Forms & Genres
Confronting Censorship
Students brainstorm what “freedom of speech” means. Compare current-day examples of banned books or censored speech, then predict how words might be used in resistance.
Pre-Reading Activities/ Make Predictions, Visual Elements
Judging a Book by Its Cover
Analyze the title and cover illustration. Predict the genre and subject. Discuss: “Why might words matter in history?”
Pre-Reading Activities/ Further Research, Integrated Learning
Resistance Timeline
Introduce key WWII dates and define “Nazi,” “Resistance” and “propaganda.” Place students in small groups to create a timeline from memory, and then revise after reading.
Pre-Reading Activities/ Comprehension Strategies, Critical Thinking in Literacy
What Would You Do?
Present scenarios where students must choose between staying silent or speaking out. Use journaling and class discussion to explore their values.
Pre-Reading Activities/ Critical Thinking in Literacy, Vocabulary Acquisition
Activism Alphabet
Students list words associated with activism for each letter of the alphabet. Examples: A = Ally, B = Bravery, C = Civil Rights. Revisit after reading to compare.
During Reading Activities/ Critical Thinking in Literacy, Vocabulary Acquisition
Word Power Tracker
Students track repeated phrases like “Words, you see …” and analyze how they evolve in meaning throughout the story.
During Reading Activities/ Key Ideas & Details, Make Predictions
Character Evolution Maps
Chart the emotional and moral growth of Hans and Sophie from childhood through activism using evidence from the text.
During Reading Activities/ Comprehension Strategies
Stop and Summarize
After every 3 to 5 pages, students stop to write a one-sentence summary and one question they would ask a character.
During Reading Activities/ Critical Thinking in Literacy, Text Forms & Genres
Truth vs. Propaganda
Highlight contrasting ideas of truth vs. propaganda (e.g., Nazi slogans vs. resistance leaflets). Students record examples of propaganda and how truth is revealed through resistance.
During Reading Activities/ Oral Language, Text Forms & Genres
Verse & Voice
In small groups, students perform selected free-verse passages aloud with expression, analyzing how poetic structure conveys emotion and urgency.
Post-Reading Activities/ Comprehension Strategies, Critical Thinking in Literacy
Let’s Talk About It!
1. Why do you think Hans and Sophie chose to resist the Nazi regime even though they knew the risks?
2. What role did words play in both supporting and challenging the Nazi regime? Can words still be that powerful today?
3. How does the format of this book (written in free verse) affect your understanding and emotional connection to the story?
4. In what ways did Hans and Sophie change throughout the book? What experiences shaped their transformation?
5. The book repeats the phrase ”Words, you see …” followed by different endings. Why is this repetition significant?
6. What modern movements or causes remind you of the White Rose Resistance? How are they similar or different?
7. How would you define courage after reading this book? Do you think courage always requires action?
8. Discuss the impact of propaganda in the story. How can people learn to recognize and resist propaganda today?
9. What emotions did you feel while reading this book? Which scenes or passages were the most powerful to you?
10. How does the story of Hans and Sophie Scholl encourage us to speak out against injustice in our own lives?
Post-Reading Activities/ Developing & Creating Texts, Integrated Learning
Create a Modern White Rose
Students write and design a modern-day pamphlet addressing a current injustice, inspired by the White Rose movement.
Post-Reading Activities/ Critical Thinking in Literacy, Vocabulary Acquisition
Words That Changed the World
Identify and reflect on five lines from the book that had the greatest impact. Students explain why and what makes them powerful.
Post-Reading Activities/ Integrated Learning
Resistance Then & Now
Research and compare the White Rose with a contemporary youth-led resistance movement (e.g., climate strikes, Black Lives Matter). Present findings in a slideshow or essay
Post-Reading Activities/ Text Forms & Genres, Writing
History Through Verse
Students write a free-verse poem about justice, courage or their own beliefs. Option to illustrate or present.
Post-Reading Activities/ Integrated Learning, Visual Elements
Memorials that Speak
Analyze modern memorials (i.e. for the White Rose, the Holocaust, Civil Rights). Students design their own tribute to Hans and Sophie.
Post-Reading Activities/ Just for Fun!
Create a Visual Poetry Collage
Students select a powerful quote or passage from the book and turn it into a mixed-media collage. Include imagery, textures and word art to visually represent the emotion and message.
Post-Reading Activities/ Integrated Learning, Oral Language, Writing
Design a Resistance Campaign
Working in small groups, students design a peaceful protest campaign for a modern issue using inspiration from the White Rose. They must include a slogan, flyer/poster design, a short social media post and a spoken message.
Post-Reading Activities/ Making Connections, Writing
Historical Fiction Diary Entry
Write a first-person diary entry from the perspective of a character or fictional friend of Sophie or Hans, reflecting on a major event in the story. Incorporate historical facts with personal emotion.
Post-Reading Activities/ Integrated Learning, Visual Elements, Writing
Interactive Resistance Timeline Wall
Students build a classroom timeline using printed images, QR code video links, quotes and summaries that connect moments in the book to WWII events. Visitors can walk through the story in visual form.
Post-Reading Activities/ Critical Thinking in Literacy, Oral Language, Writing
Words Matter Podcast
Students create a short podcast episode as if they are reporters covering the White Rose Resistance. Include interviews (role-play), excerpts from leaflets and a call to action.
Post-Reading Activities/ Critical Thinking in Literacy, Further Research
Holocaust Denial and Memory
Research efforts to combat Holocaust denial and preserve survivor testimonies. Explore the role of museums, documentaries and laws in different countries.