Note to self: unread but own

An incredible, heart wrenching novel in verse celebrating one young woman’s fight against the Nazis during WWII. I wish I had known more about the White Rose during HS. This was a story of fighting for what one believes in with a passion while recognizing past beliefs as false, realizing the wrongs that were committed and coming to terms with this false belief. I’m sure there were many more who felt as Sophie did but were afraid to step forward for fear of retaliation from the Nazi Regime. ( )

3.5 stars. A fascinating story about Sopie Scholl, a brave young German woman who actively opposed Hitler through anti-Reicht pamphlets written to the German people. She and her brother and friends risked their lives to try to get their country to see Hitler for who he was. Written in verse was fine, but I thought if I didn't think in verse, it could have just been stretched out paragraphs. It was a little confusing on a timeline to follow the events as they went back and forth and in the middle of the time period. I don't recall knowing about The White Rose and was very happy to learn of its existence, that there were brave people willing to go against everything for their belief in what is right. ( )

This powerful book in verse sheds light on the Nazi resistance organization White Rose and its members, most notably Sophie Scholl. Scholl’s profound sense of justice made her speak up against the Nazi regime. She was determined to do what was right and have her voice heard. It’s a powerful story of resistance, all the more inspiring given the all encompassing power of the regime.

The novel alternates timelines from between Scholl’s life in the mid 30s as Hitler rose to power, the activities of the White Rose resistance organization she helped found in 1942, and her trial for treason in 1943. The chapter headings help the reader manage the time shifts and make it clear whose voice we are hearing. The glossary and list of real characters in the end are helpful. A timeline might be a good addition for those not familiar with the era. Kip Wilson has done a great job of combing the facts of history with a very personal account of Sophie’s life. There are many events in this book that students will want to know more about, making it an ideal novel for a classroom study. ( )

Wow. This book resonates. All I can do is give this quote: “People shouldn’t be / ambivalent / about the world around / them simply because / everyone else / is ambivalent. // People who / refuse / to open their eyes / are more than ambivalent— / they are guilty” (74). ( )