This is a Chain Letter
Sixteen-year-old Helmuth Hübener wasn't planning on committing treason.
Helmuth has a coveted apprenticeship, a new girlfriend and big plans for his life. But when he discovers an illegal short-wave radio and learns that Hitler has been lying to the German people, his conscience won't let him alone until he shares the truth.
Enlisting the aid of his two best friends, the eternally optimistic Rudi, and the older more cynical Karl, the three teenagers embark on a dangerous mission to distribute anti-Nazi leaflets throughout Hamburg. They stuff them into mailboxes, slide them into stranger's coat pockets, and even post some on official Nazi party bulletin boards, certain they will soon be heroes. But when they are arrested and sent before the infamous "Blood Tribunal", their faith and friendship are pushed to the limits.
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Early Praise for This is a Chain Letter
Additional Information
AUTHOR BIO:
Kathryn Lee Moss is an author, speaker and EMMY-nominated director who dreams of changing the world one inspiring story at a time. She holds a master’s degree in theater from the University of London, and has written plays, screenplays, radio dramas, podcasts, and books. Her work includes the history based My World My Time podcast, the award-winning feature film, Resistance Movement, and The Spiritual Resistance Agent Field Manual, a non-fiction work to help families overcome the negative influences in the world. This is a Chain Letter is her first novel.
PRAISE FOR THIS IS A CHAIN LETTER:
“This impactful and well-researched historical novel is a powerful examination of conscience, courage, and the high price of integrity.” –Heather B. Moore, author of Under the Java Moon
“This is a Chain Letter is both a thrilling and deeply touching exploration of courage and friendship. This book is for anyone who thinks they don’t matter.” –Camron Wright, author of The Rent Collector
L to R: Rudolph Wobbe, Helmuth Hübener, Karl-Heinz Schnibbe.
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This is a Chain Letter is Available October 1, 2026
Tara: So Kathryn, I would love to hear your Meet Cue for This is a Chain Letter. When, where, and how did inspiration first strike?
Kathryn: This Is a Chain Letter… is based on a true story. I first heard about the story many years ago from a friend who lived in Germany, and I was stunned when I heard it. We often hear tales about resistance fighters who were adults and part of large, well-organized groups. These were just three teenagers, ages 15, 16 and 17 who saw through the lies and propaganda and decided to take on Hitler all by themselves. It really is incredible! I just found it so inspiring and it changed the way I thought about courage and the importance of standing for truth.
So many times we feel like our actions won’t make a difference so we don’t even try. This story made me realize that standing for truth and what is right and good is not only possible, it is essential! Just like Helmuth in the story, I couldn’t rest until I shared the message with others. I thought that if he could risk his life to share his message, I could face my fears and insecurities to help continue what he started.
Tara: When I was reading This is a Chain Letter, I was shocked to learn that even boys so young were targeted and "tried" by the Nazi government. The details you brought to life are almost incredible. The amount of research that went into the story must have been immense. What was the most fascinating research rabbit hole you went down while drafting This is a Chain Letter?
Kathryn: Ooh! That’s a good question! I love research and frequently spend way more time than I need on any given item I research. For This Is a Chain Letter, I spent a lot of time reading about how to pick an old lock, which was quite interesting, and came in handy recently when I accidentally locked myself in the bathroom of our 100-year-old house!
I also spent hours listening to music from the period and virtually walking the streets of Hamburg on Google Earth!
Tara: I’m curious who some of your favorite authors are, and how they influence your writing.
Kathryn: So many! Some of my favorites are Charlotte Brontë, Robert Louis Stevenson, Shannon Hale, and Kate DiCamillo. They all write vastly different things, but I love the courage and commitment they all have to write with truth, integrity and passion! I love the way they deal with serious and heavy topics in a way that is uplifting and helpful and I love the way they use words, not in a beautiful, succinct way. I certainly hope some of that will cross over into my own writing, as I keep learning and growing as an author.
Tara: I think my favorite character in the story was Rudi. He was the youngest and the most hopeful of the three. Do you have a favorite character in the story? And why?
Kathryn: Oh man, I don’t know that I could pick just one. I love each of the three friends the story is about, for different reasons. There are different facets of my personality and experiences in each one. I truly want to make a difference, and, like Rudi, have been accused of being naïve for thinking I could do so. But I also struggle with my fears a lot, like Karl, and sometimes let them hold me back. And like Helmuth, I have big plans for my life, and work hard to accomplish my goals, but deep down, I worry that I’m not enough.
Tara: They did each have a different outlook for sure. And you really came to know each of them as you researched. Knowing that this is a true story and that these difficult events really happened, how did you manage to stay emotionally grounded while you were researching and writing this story?
Kathryn: It was definitely an emotionally difficult story to write at times. I had to spend a lot of time researching really heavy things. And writing some of the end chapters was very emotional as well. I worked very hard to let the story go as dark as it needed to make the point but not cross over into hopelessness. It’s a line I kept during all the research too. It’s hard not to just get sucked into all the horrific things that happened during WWII, and I do think it’s important for us to know what happened so we can honor those who suffered and sacrificed and make sure history does not repeat itself. But I don’t believe in wallowing in the dark or having something be dark just for the sake of darkness. I want to take readers into the dark so that they can better see and appreciate the light. Above all I want this story to be one of hope and inspiration. We should feel inspired by what these boys did, not depressed!
Tara: I think you did a wonderful job. I definitely felt the gravity of the story, while still leaving with a ray of hope that pointed inward in self-reflection. One of the big themes in the story is the search for truth and right. What do you hope your readers will take away from the experience?
Kathryn: I hope it inspires each reader to continue the chain that Helmuth and his friends started and stand up for what they believe in. I want them to know that we are not powerless. If the world isn’t the way we want it, we can do something about it–no matter our age, financial status, education or background.
We don’t always get to see the outcome of our efforts, and it can be discouraging and disheartening and make us question ourselves and our value. But even though we may not see the fruits of all the seeds we plant, every tiny bit of good we put into the world WILL make it a better place, and we are ALWAYS enough!
Tara: I love that! Just think of how many artists, writers, pioneers in every field, never knew the impact that their work had. So many of the "greats" never knew in their lifetime what they had accomplished. Finally, what are you most proud of in this story?
Kathryn: Well, it’s my very first novel and it took me several years to write it, in part because I was new to the process of writing novels, so a lot of learning had to come along the way, but also because it was a really, really hard time in my life and I honestly struggled to do much of anything besides simply trying to stay afloat. I felt discouraged a lot and tempted to quit working on it, so, I’m just really proud of myself for finishing it!
Tara: I'm elated to be able to celebrate this accomplishment with you! Congratulations!