The Assignment

By: Liza Wiemer

Narrated by: Emily Lawrence, Lincoln Hoppe, Julia Whelan, Andrew Eiden, Liza Wiemer, Full Cast

A Sydney Taylor Notable Book

Inspired by a real-life incident, this riveting novel explores discrimination and antisemitism and reveals their dangerous impact.

Would you defend the indefensible?

That's what seniors Logan March and Cade Crawford are asked to do when a favorite teacher instructs a group of students to argue for the Final Solution - the Nazi plan for the genocide of the Jewish people. Logan and Cade decide they must take a stand, and soon their actions draw the attention of the student body, the administration, and the community at large. But not everyone feels as Logan and Cade do - after all, isn't a school debate just a school debate? It's not long before the situation explodes, and acrimony and anger result.

Based on true events, The Assignment asks: What does it take for tolerance, justice, and love to prevail?

"An important look at a critical moment in history through a modern lens showcasing the power of student activism." (SLJ)

©2020 Liza Wiemer (P)2020 Listening Library

Critic reviews

“A good choice for fans of Angie Thomas’s The Hate U Give and Nic Stone’s Dear Martin.” —School Library Journal

“A riveting, important, and thought-provoking read. Unputdownable and unforgettable.” —Leah Cypess, author of The Death Sworn series

“This fast-paced novel will keep readers thoroughly engaged. An important plot-driven story about two teens who stand up for what’s right in the face of adversity.” —Kirkus Reviews

Blown Away By This Audio Book!

I've never heard an audio book as transformative as this one! Each performer radiated the true essence of their character, bringing this book to life. This gripping story was not only engaging, but I learned about things connecting to World II that I had never heard before. I loved the relationship between Cade and Logan. Their friendship and light-handed romance is just perfect. This audio book should be utilized in schools---but it's eye opening message against hatred, bigotry and injustice should be heard by everyone. Highly recommend!

This book is INCREDIBLE !!

I am so glad that I read this book! It was a recommendation and I so grateful to the person who recommended it ! The story is so humbling to know that this actually happened and the cast of narrators is phenomenal!
Everyone to truly read this book!

This is a book for our times.

Sometimes overwhelming, THE ASSIGNMENT is an important story, and well worth reading. It's an unusual format for a YA novel, which takes a little getting used to, but it's well, very well worth it. I love the inclusion of several adult perspectives, which really brings the whole situation into light.

This book is emotional, and deals with hate--both accidental and intentional--, how it grows, and what it takes to stop it--courage and a determination to stand up and say "No. This ends with me."

Beautiful, beautiful book.

The Assignment

Makes me wish I would have stood up to some of my teachers more. It inspired me.

Amazing

This is one of my favorite books. It has a great message. I liked how the relationship between Logan and Cade was handled. I also liked that this audiobook had multiple narrators.

Superb performance of a charged topic

I would love to see this book adopted in schools. To have access to the fine performances captured within this audiobook production is an incredible gift. I bought both the printed copy of this book and the audiobook, as I had suspected that I would want to share this with other parents of teens as well as my own children.

Wonderful- A great lesson

I LOVED this book. I am a huge fan of historical fiction and I highly appreciate the commemoration this brings to so many marginalized and oppressed groups, just because of the color of their skin or their religion practice. It is a true shame that in 2023, when we are supposed to be open and accepting to humankind, racism and white supremacy still exists and is practiced. We are all one species- we are human.

great book

This was a great read/listen. The narration was spot on and I've been looking for a read on this subject for some time.

It promotes a great story.

I liked that this book helped you sort of learn about the past and show you what the right thing to do is. The thing I didn’t like about this book was that it took a few chapters to get into and keep me interested.

Moving, Powerful Fiction

Wiemer’s novel, based on an actual event, kept me wide awake and fully engaged during a recent long drive. At one point, I pulled over so I could replay a particular scene. Whoever lined up the actors, who deliver the chapters from alternating points of view, deserves high praise. The teen protagonists Logan and Cade worked their way into my heart so deeply I wanted to find and embrace them, tell them I am not sure I would have had their courage at 18, or even at my current age of 70. Everyone should read this book immediately!