The Boy Who Dared

Compare and contrast Helmuth and Gerhard. Consider their actions, beliefs, opinions, and the way each of them change or don’t change throughout the narrative.

In what ways did this novel help you learn about the history of World War II? What changes or additions would have helped you learn more?

Why do you think Mutti acts the way she does? Is she sympathetic in any way? Why or why not?

Research one historical aspect from the novel—for example, the Hitler Youth, air raids, censorship, and so on. What additional information have you learned? Do you feel the novel effectively portrays the historical element?

Choose one of Helmuth’s pamphlet titles and write the article. Include outside research and information from the novel.

Imagine you are Helmuth. Write his final letter home and include at least three things he would want his family to understand, like his choices, his faith, his hopes for them, and so on.

Do you think Helmuth would have taken the same path if Mutti did not marry Hugo? Explain why or why not. If not, explain how his life might have gone differently.

Write an essay arguing whether or not Helmuth’s actions had meaning, given that he did not stop Hitler, lost his life, and may or may not have inspired other Germans.