Logan and Cade's History of World Government class has one of the best teachers in the country, or so they think. He was Maryland's teacher of the year before coming to their school. He makes history come to life and despises textbook readings and multiple choice tests. His assignments push students to learn the why behind history and to understand how it impacts our lives today.

So when he gives an assignment for students to reenact the Wannsee Conference from the point of view of the Nazi SS Officers and to support what they feel is the best strategy for the murder and disposal of Europe's 11 million Jews, Logan and Cade are left shell-shocked and devastated.

Immediately they realize there is no debate about murder, no debate about the Holocaust. They may not be Jewish, but they don't have to be to know this assignment is morally bankrupt.

So they decide to stop the debate and try to get the assignment cancelled in favor of more appropriate learning and discussion.

This is a book about standing up for what is right, about friendship, what ties us together as humans, and about the need for both safety and identity - how it can tear a person apart to have to choose one over the other.

Each character in this book, from the heroes to the villains, from the side characters to the main duo are well rounded and realistic, full of flaws and lovable aspects alike. The book shows the ease with which hatred can slide into our lives and flourish and the cost and ultimate worth of standing up to that hate.

All teachers should read this book. All high school students should read this book. I can't image it as anything other than a modern classic in the making. I can't wait to share this one with my students.