Words Matter
The Story of Hans and Sophie Scholl, and the White Rose Resistance
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.
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.
| Published By | Groundwood Books Ltd — Sep 2, 2025 |
| Specifications | 72 pages | 6 in x 8.875 in |
| Keywords | heroes and heroism; resistance; rebellion; teenage activism; student movement; grassroots; underground; silent and nonviolent protest; power of the written word; Kurt Huber; making a difference; spreading hope; overcoming adversity; propaganda; groupthink; discimination; prejudice; oppression; persecution; injustice; Germany; Munich; Ulm; |
| Written By |
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. |
| Illustrated by |
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. |
| Written By |
|
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. |
| Illustrated by |
|
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. |
| Audience | ages 9 to 12 / grades 4 to 7 |
| Reading Levels | Lexile 860L |
| Key Text Features | author's note; further reading; historical context; illustrations |
| Common Core |
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.3
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.7 CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.5.4 |
“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
“The power of words and the effects of propaganda and government-sown fear are shown through striking illustrations ... and moving, concise text.” — Youth Services Book Review
“Words Matter is such an important book and couldn’t be more relevant right now. The spirit and bravery of Hans and Sophie Scholl is inspiring and their story is told here so deftly and with such compassion. A worthy and truly moving book.” — Tim Wynne-Jones, award-winning author of The Emperor of Any Place
”Could there be a more timely story? In this poetic and incisive book, Anita Pazner lays bare the complex issues around free speech and censorship. Words Matter reminds us of the terrifying beauty, power, and responsibility of language. It is a clarion call to bravery that is frighteningly relevant to today’s world. — Amanda West Lewis, author of These Are Not the Words and Focus. Click. Wind.
”