Words Matter
The Story of Hans and Sophie Scholl, and the White Rose Resistance
Published on 16. October 2025
Book
Hardback
72 pages
978-1-77306-970-8 (ISBN)
Description
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. The Scholl siblings were arrested and executed in 1943 but their legacy, and the words of the Resistance, live on.
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.
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. The Scholl siblings were arrested and executed in 1943 but their legacy, and the words of the Resistance, live on.
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.
Reviews / Votes
"An important and well-done title that teachers will want to explore with their students." - School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW "[Pazner's] message is as cautionary as it is inspirational." - Booklist "This book offers young readers much to think about, particularly in a new era of autocracy, hatred, and violence against the vulnerable." - Historical Novels Review "A thoughtful, poignant introduction [to the White Rose Resistance]." - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books "This book shows the importance of fighting fascism ... [and] readily drives home the point that words truly matter." - Children's Literature Comprehensive Database "An accessible biography." - Winnipeg Free PressMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Ontario
Canada
Target group
Children/juvenile
Interest Age: From 9 years
Product notice
Picture book
Illustrations
Full-color illustrations throughout
Dimensions
Height: 230 mm
Width: 158 mm
Thickness: 13 mm
Weight
305 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-77306-970-8 (9781773069708)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
ANITA FITCH PAZNER is the author of the The Topsy-Turvy Bus, a picture book focused on sustainability, alternative energy sources and repairing the world. She earned an MFA from the Vermont College of Fine Arts in Writing for Children and Young Adults, is an active volunteer for the Michigan chapter of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, and a former journalist. She lives in West Bloomfield, Michigan.
SOPHIE CASSON illustrated The Prisoner and the Writer, written by Heather Camlot, winner of the Canadian Jewish Literary Awards Best Children's Book. Her other books include The Artist and Me by Shane Peacock, a finalist for the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award, and Helen's Birds by Sara Cassidy. Sophie's work has also appeared in the Globe and Mail, the New York Times and Nature, as well as in the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Sophie lives in Montreal, Quebec.
SOPHIE CASSON illustrated The Prisoner and the Writer, written by Heather Camlot, winner of the Canadian Jewish Literary Awards Best Children's Book. Her other books include The Artist and Me by Shane Peacock, a finalist for the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award, and Helen's Birds by Sara Cassidy. Sophie's work has also appeared in the Globe and Mail, the New York Times and Nature, as well as in the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Sophie lives in Montreal, Quebec.