The Assignment

by Liza Wiemer

A SYDNEY TAYLOR NOTABLE BOOK
 
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?

"An important look at a critical moment in history through a modern lens showcasing the power of student activism." -SLJ

• ISBN10: 0593123166
• ISBN13: 9780593123164
• Publish Date: 25 August 2020
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Delacorte Press
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 336
• Language: English
• URL: https://penguinrandomhouse.com/books/isbn/9780593123164

Reviews

[shannonmiz]

You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight

The Assignment is such a powerful novel that beautifully illustrates the importance of history, and the even bigger importance of not repeating the mistakes of the past. I thought that the author handled this issue in a way that was not only very sensitive, but very believable. And since it was based on a true story, which the author speaks about in her note, she absolutely does it justice. 

See, when the titular assignment is given, it's given by a very beloved, and usually socially aware teacher. As such, his words seem to hold more meaning to the class, who as a whole are hesitant to call him out on the straight up awfulness of the assignment. Logan and Cade are completely disgusted and aware of how messed up this whole thing is, but they're not really sure how to handle it. Again, the author does a fabulous job of making it feel so realistic and authentic to how actual students would likely react. 

The teacher and principal are not particularly willing to listen to the students' concerns, which is obviously infuriating to both the reader and Logan and Cade. So, they come up with their own plans! They seek outside help (which is really smart, tbh, and something I applauded), and they also were driven to look more deeply into their own histories. I don't want to get into it too much, because spoilers, but I loved that part so much. There were feels and tears, as both the characters and readers were able to explore past and present colliding. 

While there were maybe a few two many character points-of-view for me to keep straight, I wholly enjoyed this story for both its necessity, and the story itself. Frankly, we can use more hopeful stories where we show that a handful of people can make positive societal changes. Especially in our current landscape. 

Bottom Line: A beautifully written reminder of why we must stand up for what we know is right, stand up against the mistakes of the past, and that no matter the struggle ahead, it's always, always worth doing.