Prisoner B-3087 by Alan Gratz - Uncle Moshe’s Advice Discussion Novel Activity

Help students examine the challenging ethical questions and moral dilemmas presented in Prisoner B-3087 through this discussion-based analysis of Uncle Moshe’s survival advice. Students analyze key quotes in which Moshe outlines his rules for survival, closely considering his reasoning and the harsh realities behind his words. They then participate in small-group discussions that explore the purpose, impact, and possible consequences of this advice on Yanek’s actions and mindset. The activity concludes with a structured written response that asks students to use text evidence to examine how extreme circumstances influence the choices people make and shape personal values.

This is included in a unit plan:
>>> Prisoner B-3087 Unit Plan

Included in this Prisoner B-3087 Uncle Moshe’s Survival Advice Activity:

➡️ Uncle Moshe’s Advice Discussion Guidelines and Quote Cards: The discussion guidelines outline expectations for respectful participation and provide guiding questions that prompt students to discuss Yanek’s feelings, whether he follows Uncle Moshe’s advice, and the impact the advice has on his survival. Students examine quotes in which Moshe encourages anonymity, emotional distance, and self-preservation, even when it means not helping others or sharing food. The six ready-to-print quote cards feature Moshe’s survival rules pulled directly from the novel and are designed to support meaningful small-group discussions about ethics, sacrifice, and survival under extreme conditions.

➡️ Moshe’s Advice Written Response Assignment: This structured response asks students to take a position on whether it is acceptable to follow harsh survival advice in extreme situations. Students consider the moral consequences of prioritizing personal survival over helping others and support their thinking with two quotes from Moshe’s advice. Options are included for either a half-page or full-page response.

How to Use this Prisoner B-3087 Uncle Moshe’s Survival Advice Activity:

1. Place students in partners or small groups and have them work through each of Uncle Moshe’s advice discussion cards together.

2. For every card, students discuss the guiding questions, focusing on Yanek’s reactions, whether he follows the advice, and whether the advice is ultimately helpful or harmful.

3. After completing the full discussion, students write a longer-form response using the space provided on the handout. In their response, students take a position on whether survival can justify morally difficult choices and support their thinking with two pieces of Moshe’s advice as text evidence.

This activity is best used early in the unit (between Chapters 9–13), when Yanek and Uncle Moshe are reunited at camp.

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