We Will Not Be Silent
The White Rose Student Resistance Movement That Defied Adolf Hitler
HarperCollins 2016
Great fit for 7th grade
Reading level and content both target 6th grade and up · ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- resistance
- moral courage
- free speech
- civil disobedience
- conscience
- propaganda vs. truth
- standing up to injustice
- sacrifice
About this book
This powerful nonfiction book tells the true story of the White Rose, a group of German college students—most notably siblings Hans and Sophie Scholl—who bravely spoke out against Adolf Hitler during World War II. Russell Freedman weaves clear, compelling text with archival photographs and primary-source quotes to show how young people used words and courage to resist tyranny. It’s an accessible, fast-moving narrative that invites readers to think about conscience, propaganda, and the cost of standing up for what’s right. Ideal for mature middle schoolers and teens interested in history, human rights, and student activism.
Setting: Munich and other parts of Nazi Germany during World War II (early 1940s)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is We Will Not Be Silent right for my child?
Yes — We Will Not Be Silent is a great fit for 7th grade. The reading level is AR 7.1, which is typical for 7th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include resistance, moral courage, free speech.
How long does it take to read We Will Not Be Silent?
At a typical 7th grade reading pace, We Will Not Be Silent takes around 1.6h to finish. The book has 17,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does We Will Not Be Silent have an AR quiz?
Yes — We Will Not Be Silent has an AR quiz available, worth 3 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is We Will Not Be Silent?
We Will Not Be Silent has an AR reading level of 7.1, which places it at a 7th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.