Engage Minds, Spark Conversations
Questions for Classrooms & Book Clubs
See below a curated selection of questions designed to inspire meaningful dialogue about the World War II book series.
About Dr. Caroline Crocker
WWII Books
I’m the daughter of a part-Jewish man and a half-German woman, both of whom grew up in the occupied Netherlands during WWII. After much historical research, I wrote Unforgivable about my father’s life and Brave Face about my mother’s. The Truth Was Different is about my paternal grandmother and will be out in November of 2026. These educational and thought-provoking narrative nonfiction books provide a platform for both book clubs wanting to experience life in another culture and time and educators seeking to foster classroom discussions. I’ve shared some specific suggested questions below.
Discussion/ Book Club Questions on Brave Face
Exploring Identity
The title of this book is Brave Face. Why do you think the author chose that title? Can you find instances where Meta showed a brave face? How did/did this impact her life?
Understanding Conflict
The book is set during WWII, but that isn’t the only conflict. Discuss other places where you detected conflict. How did/did the characters resolve it?
Theme of Resilience
Each character in this book showed different levels and types of resilience. How did the various people react to stress? Do you think this was by choice or by nature? Is there anything they could have done to react differently?
Moral Dilemmas
What moral dilemmas do the characters face, and what do their choices reveal about human nature?
Cultural Perspectives
How do different cultural perspectives (Jewish, German, Dutch, other) influence the characters’ actions and decisions?
Symbolism
Identify the key symbols in the book. How did they help you understand what was happening? Given that the author says this book is mostly true, do you think that the use of symbols was warranted? How did it add to/detract from the story?
Character Development
How did Meta evolve throughout the story, and what factors contributed to her growth? In what ways did she not change, and do you think she could? Do you think that predominant way stories are written with the main character learning a lesson and changing is true to life? Explain.
Impact of Setting
How does the setting influence the events of the story, and what role does it play in shaping the characters’ experiences?
Discussion/ Book Club Questions on Unforgivable
Exploring Identity
The cover photo on this book is often what sells it. Who was Frits really? Why do you think the author chose the title “Unforgivable”? How did the unforgivable aspects of the story impact Frits’s life?
Understanding Conflict
The book is set during WWII, but that is not the only conflict. Discuss other places where you detected conflict. What were the sources and how was/was it resolved?
Theme of Resilience
Each character in this book showed different levels of resilience. Discuss Frits and Jan. How did they differ in how they reacted to stress, and why do you think this was the case? Could they have done otherwise? Can anyone?
Moral Dilemmas
Frits had a deep desire to behave uprightly. What do you think the sources of that desire might have been? How did it play out in the book? Did he always live up to his own standards? Did you agree with or disapprove of any of his choices?
Cultural Perspectives
Frits and Jan were not raised as Jewish, but according to the Nazis, their Jewish grandfather made them Jewish enough to be sent to the camps. Why weren’t they? What do you think about the seemingly random circumstances that so profoundly affected their lives? How do you think that Frits felt about his cousins and friends being taken while he was not? How did/did this impact his behavior in the future?
Motifs
Identify the key motif in the book. How did it help you understand what was happening? How did you feel about Frits deciding to forgive? Do you think that forgiveness is essential to mental health? Why or why not?
Character Development
How did Meta evolve throughout the story, and what factors contributed to her growth? In what ways did she not change, and do you think she could? Do you think that predominant way stories are written with the main character learning a lesson and changing is true to life? Explain.
Impact of Setting
How did the setting (wartime, the 40’s, the Netherlands) influence this story? Do you feel the author drew you in so that you felt like you lived there and then? How did the setting impact the character’s experiences?
Discussion/Book Club Questions on The Truth Was Different
Exploring Identity
The cover photo on this book is often what sells it. Who was Frits really? Why do you think the author chose the title “Unforgivable”? How did the unforgivable aspects of the story impact Frits’s life?
Understanding Conflict
The book is set during WWII, but that is not the only conflict. Discuss other places where you detected conflict. What were the sources and how was/was it resolved?
Theme of Resilience
Some people would consider Rita resilient, and others would not. What do you think? How did Rita react to stress, and why do you think this was the case? She had a different view of herself than others did. Why was this?
Identify places in the book where you think that Rita experienced abuse. Why do you think she accepted it? Do you think that still happens today?
List the various types of trauma that Rita experienced. Does this help you understand her behavior?
Moral Dilemmas
Frits had a deep desire to behave uprightly. What do you think the sources of that desire might have been? How did it play out in the book? Did he always live up to his own standards? Did you agree with or disapprove of any of his choices?
Cultural Perspectives
Frits and Jan were not raised as Jewish, but according to the Nazis, their Jewish grandfather made them Jewish enough to be sent to the camps. Why weren’t they? What do you think about the seemingly random circumstances that so profoundly affected their lives? How do you think that Frits felt about his cousins and friends being taken while he was not? How did/did this impact his behavior in the future?
Motifs
Identify the key motif in the book. How did it help you understand what was happening? Do you agree with the statement that you cannot judge another’s choices until you understand their circumstances? Why or why not?
Character Development
How did Rita evolve throughout the story, and do you think that this could be termed “growth?” In what ways did she not change, and do you think she could? At the end of the book, Rita is again challenged to rethink her beliefs. What do you imagine might have happened after the story ended?
Impact of Setting
How did the setting (wartime, the 40’s, the Netherlands) influence this story? Do you feel the author drew you in so that you felt like you lived there and then? How did the setting impact Rita’s experiences?
“Dr. Crocker’s storytelling captivates children and adults alike, weaving together humor, heart, and wisdom in a way that leaves a lasting impact.”
Marianne Booth
Principal
“Dr. Crocker is clear, concise, and loads her talks with fascinating examples.”
Mary VanderMaten
Emeritus Dean
“Caroline Crocker speaks with a groundedness and a truth that comes from thorough research. Her mother shared her experiences with her and even co-wrote the book. Caroline initiated the study of her parents’ lives growing up and has written them in a truly entertaining and educational way.”
Kate Hofherr
Regarding the WWII books
“Caroline is an electrifying speaker whose wisdom and passion leave you inspired, challenged, and deeply moved. Her talks are an experience not to be missed!“
Rev. Dr. Johannes Van der Bijl III
MIssionary and Pastor