Questions-Activities


 * Pre-reading questions: ﻿ **
 * Click on the discussion tab and answer the following four questions using complete sentences and thoughts: **

1. How does membership in the Jungvolk, the Hitler Youth group, compare to membership in a gang in present-day America?

2. On page 26, Helmuth expresses shock that a Mormon would not “respect their country and it's leaders, even if one disagrees with them.” How does one reconcile differences between personal beliefs and government mandates?

3. Is it OK to do something as long as you don't get caught?

4. Has there ever been a time you have wished for courage to speak the truth as the minority rather than remain silent?


 * After Hitler was sworn in as chancellor of the Reich, he began to malign the Jews as enemies of Germany, and Helmuth witnesses the subsequent persecution of many of his Jewish acquaintances. Do you think it was right for of Helmuth to stand up for the Jews?
 * What do you think of Helmuth's belief that the Jews are God's chosen people, and that people should be able to worship God however they want?
 * When Helmuth chooses to continue reading the banned Karl May western novels, he and his brother, Gerhard, engage in a lengthy discussion about their beliefs and whether God's laws are higher than man's. How would you respond to Helmuth's question about whether there is ever a reason for breaking the law?
 * Would you agree with Gerhard's claim that "if you choose to break the law to help someone else or keep someone from harm, then it's justified"? Why or why not?
 * Helmuth disobeys the law when he obtains and listens to a nonsanctioned radio. As a result of the British broadcasts he heard, he becomes convinced that it is necessary to write and distribute leaflets to inform German citizens of their government's atrocities. How would you classify Helmuth's actions?
 * What would you do if you were faced with a similar situation?

1. Research the life of Helmuth Hübener, the central character in this book. He was of Mormon religious background, and was disturbed by the mistreatment of Jewish citizens in the early 1940's. Research different religions or faiths discussed in this book, in particular Judaism and Mormonism, to help with understanding of the role of religions in the book. How did the fact that Huebner was a Mormon affect his actions? How are the religious teachings different? How are they the same? Make a Venn diagram displaying the information comparing the two religions. (Standard 3, Benchmarks 4) 2. Research the history of the Nazi movement in the Third Reich. Learn more about German life in the 1930's-1940's. Who were the political leaders of the government, and what were the major teachings of those in power? What methods were used to get kids of your age to buy in to this misinformation? One research path might be through the Kansas State Library, which offers databases available to all Kansans. You can look up “Hitler Youth” on the Kansas State Library website [|http://kslib.info/]) by going to Blue Skyways, and “Explore Our Resources,” and then use “Student Research Center” for more information about the movement and resistance to it. Draw a historical timeline of the Nazi movement, beginning in 1933 when Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany, and continuing through 1945. //(Standard 3, Benchmark 1)// 3. Check out the following website of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum: [|http://www.ushmm.org/education/forstudents/]Research what life was like during the Holocaust as well as pockets of resistance to the treatment of Jews. Have the students share five pieces of information they learned either verbally or in a electronic presentation. //(Standard 3; Benchmark 4)//
 * Activities:**