When I first heard about this book, I felt like this would be a heavy topic. And it was. But this book is very important to read. The topics of intolerance and racism are so important now more than ever and this book gives life to reasons why we should make a stand. This is a young adult book that is very important to get eyes on. It's well written and I can't stress enough that it needs to be read!

This book had a great message overall. I was intrigued by the concept. I found the beginning to be slow, and the timeline tricky to follow. I enjoyed that this book focused mostly on the fight against a school assignment, but it did make the characters seem flat. I think this would be a solid book to add to my classroom library.

When I first heard about this book it was an immediate must-read for me. I was not disappointed.

Inspired by a true event, this book reveals how easily a community can fracture and be divided by hate.

Teenage Logan and Cade are aghast when Logan’s favorite teacher gives their class an assignment that is morally reprehensible. They are to debate the merits of Hitler’s Final Solution, arguing in favor of the extermination of the Jewish people. They know they must do what is right and get this assignment canceled. They had no idea that standing up for what is right would result in having to stand up against the majority. Not just fellow students turn on them – so do other teachers, parents, and people in the community. They are bullied, threatened, and ostracized. The story is mostly told with the alternating voices of Cade and Logan.

This explosive story took me on a roller coaster of emotions – shock, outrage, disgust, sorrow, surprise, and pride. Courageous primary characters; great secondary characters. Perfect for all high school libraries. Excellent for classroom or even family discussions. One of the most powerful books of 2020.

Thank you to Delacorte Press for providing a digital ARC of this book. All opinions are strictly my own.

This book made me cry, made me laugh, and made me want to take a stand, which is more than I can say for a lot of reads. You could feel the anger and the sadness and the hopelessness and the desire for better. The author took from real life experiences to create this novel that everyone can relate to in some way. Haven't we all encountered something that we knew was wrong and desired to fight for what is right?

I think the author also just captured being a teenager and wanting better but being stuck in a world that constantly tries to undermine your power. Teenagers consistently impress me, and I am excited to continue to read novels that don't talk down to or belittle them but celebrate the time of life adolescence is, including all the ups and downs.

This is based on a true story, although the assignment is the only thing that isn't changed. We all think we'd be the people to stand up to injustice, but probably most of us are like the other students in the classroom. It's hard to stand up to people, and so we're very lucky that there are people like Logan and Cade in the world.

I love everything about this story. The multiple perspectives give us the chance to experience it through other people's perspectives. We mostly see Cade and Logan, but the chapters from Mason and Cade's mom and Mr. Bartley show a more nuanced version than we would've seen if we had only read it from their point of view. I also love the subplot about the inn. It's impossible to understand Cade's actions throughout the novel without also understanding that he's someone who is so loyal and committed to a sense of what is right and decent. There has to be a better way to say this, but he's someone who sees everything through. He's an honorable person in a time where that's maybe not very important anymore.

It's so inspiring and I love so much of what happened. Yes, there are a lot of awful things in the world, but there is also so much good. This book showcases both. It's completely impossible to not feel optimistic and inspired after reading it.

It's available on August 25, and you absolutely need to read it as soon as you can. Highly recommended.

Cade Crawford and Logan March are seniors in high school who have received an assignment they must refuse. Debates are not uncommon in high school, but their teacher has asked them to argue in favor of the Nazis' Final Solution, the eradication of the Jewish people. Staying quiet and doing the assignment, even if they find it reprehensible, would be easier, but Cade and Logan decide to take a stand against it. After saying they're not going to do the assignment, it feels as if the school itself turns on them, as students, their teacher, and even the administration let them know with certainty that the assignment will go on. Yet, Cade and Logan decide to persist against the odds and the hidden hate in their community, because in their minds and hearts, they know that the only way to beat the system is to get into some good trouble by standing up to it.

The Assignment is based on true events, and it is a powerful, timely novel that recognizes the importance of standing up and saying something when injustice is occurring or being promoted. Often, stories such as this focus on larger, more visible events, but this story is about something seemingly small, but very real. There are many instances of real school assignments that promote racism, hatred, or inaccurate perceptions of other people or cultures, and these problematic assignments often fly under the radar because nobody says anything about them. Blending current events from Charlottesville and Pittsburgh into the story adds to the emotional impact, and many historical facts from the Nazi era are brought up as the story progresses. This is an important, straightforward book about the dangers of xenophobia, scapegoating, and the unfortunate impact that even a well-meaning problematic assignment can have. While there isn't much moral nuance here, the moral conclusions are correct, and the timing couldn't be better as the United States still struggles with white supremacy, xenophobia, and children locked in cages at the border simply for being "the other." For youth, and for adults as well, this story emphasizes standing up and speaking out when we see something wrong, the fact that apathy works in favor of harmful actions and ideas, and when our peers sneer and mock and despise us for doing what's right, it is difficult and necessary, nevertheless, to persist.

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 rounded to 5 stars!

This book is so important to read. It seems a very realistic portrayal of how easily people who are generally "good" can be gaslit into thinking something that is super racist or problematic is... not. It is also a beautiful picture of this generation's penchant for advocacy and standing up for what is right. Cade and Logan are The Best and both must be protected at all costs.

This book is unlike anything I have ever read for a few reasons. One is the writing style is quite unique. The way you see the characters' perspectives and the changing POV's was very interesting and I liked it. Another reason this book is different is the content. It is SO IMPORTANT to shine a light on problematic and racist school assignments. Thank you Liza Weimer for writing this book.

For those that want to know, the book is about Seniors in high school Logan and Cade who protest a racist assignment in their history class. Simply put, they are asked to take the side of NAZIS in a debate about the reasons for eradicating jews (this all happens in the first chapter so it's not a spoiler).

From there is a heart breaking tale about these kids being failed by their peers and their teachers/school administrators over and over again. Throughout it all, though, they remain steadfast and brave. They are my new heroes. I repeat, protect Logan and Cade at all costs!!!

FIVE STARS. EVERYONE MUST READ.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a digital copy in exchange for an honest review!

THE ASSIGNMENT is set at a high school in upstate New York where in a teacher asks for students to act as Nazi officials and debate for the Holocaust. Logan and Cade decide to take a stand, but with both the teacher and principal refusing to cancel the debate, things escalate until the situation is the subject of national media's attention. Their community must grapple with prejudice, hatred, and long-buried family secrets.

As a student around the main characters' ages, this story really struck a chord with me. American pedagogy has consistently been a topic of both national and international debate, and it's no surprise. We are constantly fed narratives that normalize white supremacy and historical revisionism, and it seems issues similar to the one in the book constantly pop up in the news.

THE ASSIGNMENT is extremely well-written and easy to follow despite the multiple povs. It truly was a powerful story of two teens standing up for what they believe is right and combatting the hatred that has seeped into their community. Cade and Logan's actions were inspiring, and should serve as a rallying call for like-minded teenagers around the nation. I would highly recommend this book to everyone as an unflinching portrayal of what happens when white supremacy and hatred are left to fester in our communities.

This would be a wonderful title for a social justice book club or unit. Logan and Cade are fighting against an unfair and cruel assignment, and do so without becoming petulant or doing something outrageous. If anything, I feel (as a teacher) that their teacher is unrealistically stubborn in his stance, until it's too late. However, I think students will love this one.

There are some books you just read and you know you are going to have a hard time writing about. Sometimes it is because you didn’t like the book. Sometimes it is because you loved the book so much you can’t find the words. And sometimes it is because you know your review won’t give it justice. Well I can tell you right now that the review for The Assigment is going to be a difficult review to write. Not because the book wasn’t good but because it is a really important book. It’s a book that my review won’t give it the justice it deserves, but I’m going to try anyway.

The Assignment is Liza Wiemer second published novel. It follows two high school seniors, Logan and Cade, that are best friends and partners in crime. They always have each others back and things don’t change when their favorite teacher assigns a group of students to argue in favor of the Final Solution, most commonly known as the genocide of Jewish people by the Nazis. Logan and Cade think the assignment is wrong and immoral and a form of hatred and discrimination. When they bring it up to the administration they feel they are pacified and decide to take this as far as they have to so no one has to do anything like this again. When the community gets involved everyone must take a hard look at who they are and what they stand for and how to make sure Cade and Logan get the result they and the Jewish community deserve.

The one thing you need to know is that The Assignment is a powerful book about what is right and wrong and how to use your voice for injustice. There is never a doubt in Cade and Logan’s mind that the assignment given to them is wrong and they are willing to fight until they are heard. Because it is a favorite teacher people refuse to take them seriously because they don’t want to lose someone they love but Cade and Logan are willing to take the wrath of the school district to make sure they are heard. That’s what I loved about this book. These two teenagers were more willing to stand up for people than the adults. That says a lot about a community and about how these two were raised.

Again what I can leave you with is The Assignment is a powerful, must read. You will be sad and angry but you will feel empowered by the end. Liza Wiemer crafted a story that is a much read for teens and adults alike that asks some hard questions. Definitely pick this book up as soon as you can. You won’t be sorry.

The Assignment is the story of best friends Cade and Logan, who speak up when a beloved teacher gives the assignment to reenact the debate about the Final Solution. We see the consequences to them, their school, and their community as the story goes viral, and they stand their ground. This book is so powerful. It shows the importance of standing up for what you believe in, and that youth can raise their voices against injustice to make the world a better place.

My only complaint is the format of the book. Each chapter was written from different character's perspectives, which is fine, but what bothered me is that when it was written from Cade or Logan's perspective, it was written in first person, but everyone else was written in third person. That being said, this does not get in the way of the story and won't lower my rating at all.

This book is a definite must read! I could not put it down!

I just finished reading an ARC of The Assignment by Liz Wiemer and it was powerful. For my favorite teachers (especially those who teach History) it will make you question your assignments and how you teach in the best way. Emily Williams, Rebecca Houston, Stacie Christensen, Joe Boyle Mandy Elizabeth please put this on your TBR pile.

This book was fantastic and it being based on a true story made it even better. It tells the story of two high school seniors that speak out against a history teacher who gives an assignment that requires them to take on the perspective of Nazi's during WWII and defend the Final Solution. This story demonstrates the dangers of this type of assignment, the antisemitism that is in our country day and the power of using your voice to stand up for your beliefs. The high school seniors used research, media and their own voices to advocate for the assignment to be canceled. It is such a great example for young people that they can be activist, what they say matters and gives examples of how teenagers can use their voice to impact their community. It also shows that teacher are not always right and students should be empowered to speak out when needed.

I don't think that any review would do justice for "The Assignment" by Liza Wiemer. This powerful read is a masterpiece. It wasn't until the end that I found out that the story is based on true events. Everything about this story feels real, relationships, the sense of history, teacher-student relations, ... The story starts with the shocking assignment, too unreal to be believed, only to develop into so much more. This comes just in time when states have finally penned the study of the Holocaust into the required curriculum. European history is Jewish history. Jewish history is world history.

When I started this novel I expected it to be just like The Wave. It is so much more. The Assignment tells the story of Cade and Logan, who, when given an assignment to defend Nazi actions, refuse to participate in the class debate. The reaction sparks support and dissonance from their classmates, their teachers, the residents of their town, and ultimately the nation. Logan and Cade learn a great deal about themselves and others. But the most important lesson they learn is to speak up. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to be an early reader of this important novel.

I feel like this is an important book, in that it shows the importance of speaking up when you know something is wrong, even if you are the only one who sees it. I loved the story of Cade and Logan, particularly Cade's family and history.

Cade and Logan are seniors, months away from graduation when their beloved history teacher gives them an assignment to recreate the famous Wannsee Conference debate, arguing for the Final Solution - the genocide of the Jewish people. Cade and Logan realize how wrong this assignment is and do everything in their power to stop it.

I grew up the only Jew in a city that had a church on every corner. I've heard it all - Jews eat babies for their rituals, we have horns and tails, we're cheap and greedy, we're all going to hell. I spent years wishing I could hide my identity so I could see what it's like to be normal. To not be "othered."

I wish I'd had a book like this back then. I really appreciated what this book had to say about why an assignment like the one given in the story is harmful, not just to Jews, but to everyone. I loved seeing how the author wove together the stories of different students and how the assignment affected them.

My only complaint is that I sometimes got confused by the multiple perspectives because all the character voices were very similar, particularly Cade and Logan. Hence the 4 stars instead of 5. But it is still worth reading this book.

The Assignment
by Liza Wiemer


Random House Children's
Delacorte Press
Children's Fiction | Teens & YA
Pub Date 25 Aug 2020


I am reviewing a copy of The Assignment through Random House Children’s/ Delacorte Press and Netgalley:



What if it were your Senior Year, and your favorite teacher gave you an assignment that asked you to argue for the Final Solution, Hitler’s way of describing his Genocide on all who did not fit his twisted idea of Aryan perfection? Logan, March and Cade Crawford are horrified and sickened by the assignment. They cannot understand why anyone would expect them to complete an assignment that would only fuel intolerance and hate.




What if there were only three of you willing to stand up against an assignment that only served to fuel hate and discrimination? What if fighting to do right leaves you as a target of threats and bullying? Would you still stand up
against an assignment that fuels hate and intolerance?


Just as the school administration addressed the teens' refusal to participate in the appalling debate, the student body, their parents and the community at large must face the issue as well. Before long the situation explodes and anger and acrimony result.



What is it going to take for tolerance and justice to prevail?



I give The Assignment five out of five stars!



Happy Reading!

This book was a great look at the power of young people standing up for what they believe in. In breaks my heart to know that assignments like this exist and that there aren’t always a Logan and Cade there to fight for what’s right. I hope everyone reads this book.

Absolutely Fabulous! This was a great read. I loved that there were multiple POV's not just Cade and Logan.
It is based on a true story. They are given an assignment asking them to argue in favor of the Nazis' Final Solution
Cade and logan disagree with their history teacher and refuse to do the assignment with courage and conviction.
While the subject matter made me cringe at times. This book is so important because of all the social injustice currently going on in the United States.

I highly recommend this for middle and high schools student. I also think adults would like this too. ARC.
Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for this digital
.

This week, Jewish people all over the world observed Tisha B'Av, which is a day of mourning. It is the day we remember the destruction of both Temples that once stood in Jerusalem as well as a number of other tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people over the course of history. (Description courtesy of My Jewish Learning.) So it's fitting that I recently read Liza Wiemer's sophomore novel, The Assignment . Based on the synopsis, you can see why.

About five years ago, I read Liza Wiemer's debut novel and was extremely impressed by it. So waiting this long for her to publish another one took a lot of patience from my end. I just wanted her to mass-produce books right away! I can confidently say for the record that The Assignment was well worth the wait.

The assignment itself was horrifying and the fact that two non-Jewish students were appalled by it gives me hope for their generation, as well as future ones. This was based on a real situation, which is written about in the author's note. Seeing what Logan and Cade had to put up with in hopes of getting the assignment cancelled was equally horrifying. It's similar to stuff that happens in real life, as well. The fact that a lot of comments people made were antisemitic was even more disheartening. Liza puts a lot of emotional impact into her story without making it sappy. She even presents the teacher's side at times. I also liked that there was focus on Logan and Cade's friendship and other characters got to share their perspectives, as well.

The story is educational for anyone who isn't familiar with what happened during the Holocaust by now. I think it should be included in school curriculum, whether it is for an English class or a history class. There is so much material to discuss and Liza leaves some things open ended, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions. It's perfect for book clubs, as well. And if you have a teenager in the house, be sure to get this into their hands as soon as it publishes. If you think a preteen could handle it, let them read it too!

I definitely recommend this novel as it is insightful and thought-provoking. It will make you feel things and you might even want to have some tissues handy.

Movie casting suggestions:
Logan: Alexis G. Zall
Cade: Noah Lomax
Mr. Bartley: Tom Hiddleston
Mason: Jake Brennan
Heather: Harley Graham
Daniel: Jamie Kaye
Kerrianne: Jade Pettyjohn
Reggie: Christian Martyn