It starts out like many of the other articles, talking about the assignment and the debate. But then it takes a massive turn, explaining how the assignment reinforces an authentic portrayal of Jews. Accompanying the article, the writer posts caricatures of Cade and me with large hooked noses, menacing grins, and horns coming out of our heads. We clutch a wad of money in one hand and a lizardlike tail in the other. Flames surround us. The caption reads: “The devil’s children spread evil lies about good Christians.”

The devil’s children? Now we’re being called the devil’s children? Painful chills spread from the top of my head to my toes.

Could Mr. Bartley be affiliated with a hate group? Even thinking it feels like a betrayal, and it doesn’t make sense, not when he talked about genocides still going on today, the concentration camps in China. Yet, his strongest support comes from individuals connected to white supremacist groups.

Is he a wolf in sheep’s clothing like someone suggested? A monster? One of those guys everyone is shocked when they discover his true character—like the police officer who was a pedophile or the talk show host who sexually assaulted women in his office? I don’t want Mr. Bartley to be despicable. A voice in my head whispers, But hasn’t he been acting that way?

“Logan, you have to see this!” Dad says, bringing his tablet over to me. The article is titled, “Non-Jewish Students Protest Assignment Advocating for the Annihilation of Jews.” He points to a line toward the end of the article. “I want to frame it,” he says.

“Oh wow. I have to call Cade.”

“Do that,” he says, walking to my door. “I better get back to work. Tons of papers to grade. If you need me, I’ll be in my office.”

Feeling a bit giddy, I pick up my phone, flop onto my bed, and call Cade. When he answers, I give him my best imitation of Mr. Lane. “Cade, I expected sooooo much better from you!” And then I burst out laughing.

“Oh yeah?” I hear the humor in his question.

I stay in character. “Oh, definitely.”

“So, Mr. Lane, what did I do this time?”

“Well, Cade Crawford…” I return to my normal voice. “…Bethany Beshett’s articles have gone VIRAL!! We’ve gone viral, Cade. Can you believe it?”

“Wow. I—I don’t know what to say.”

“Listen to this. According to Today’s Teens for Teens magazine, ‘Cade Crawford and Logan March are what America needs—brave young adults who recognize injustice and are not afraid to take action. They possess more sensibility, sensitivity, respect, and compassion than the adults who were supposed to be our role models and mentors.’ ”

“It’s—”

“Incredible?”

“Humbling,” he says.

“Yeah.” I sigh. Another Google alert pops up. “There’s more. Do you want to hear?” Before he answers, I say, “Wait! Oh no.”