Teaching The Assignment: A Whole-School Read Guide

The Assignment by Liza Wiemer is a YA novel inspired by a real-life event in Oswego County, New York. The story centers on two high school seniors, Logan March and Cade Crawford, who take a stand when their favorite teacher assigns a debate in which students must assume the role of Nazis justifying the “Final Solution.” The Assignment asks timely questions about the prevalence of antisemitism and bullying in our schools and communities. Ultimately, it shows how difficult it can be to speak up when others are silent—and how powerful it is when young people have the courage and conviction to do so.

This planning guide is designed to support you and your school on a whole-school reading journey of The Assignment. The guide includes:

• Getting Started With Your Whole-School Read: Professional learning resources, tools for addressing emotionally challenging content with students, and content considerations for educators preparing to facilitate a whole-school read 
• Teaching The Assignment: Content specific to The Assignment, including a publisher’s summary, resources for teaching historical and contemporary context, and recommended strategies and activities to support close reading and discussions
• Discussion Questions for The Assignment: Engaging questions to guide discussions while reading The Assignment, as well as reflection questions for after reading that invite text-to-world connections. 

This guide is part of our Teaching Holocaust Literature Collection. Holocaust literature offers students a powerful lens to deepen historical understanding, strengthen critical thinking, and inspire meaningful reflection. 

Borrow The Assignment from Sora.