In this article, the author describes how he developed a lesson that asks students to reflect upon different definitions and criteria for "citizenship" and to think critically about what makes a "good citizen." The lesson uses an interdisciplinary approach that combines standards of social studies education (including basic questions about citizenship and values such as tolerance, obedience, and honesty) along with reading and language arts skills. The heart of the lesson, which is targeted towards fourth or fifth graders, revolves around reading and discussing an excellent children's book entitled "Passage to Freedom: The Sugihara Story" written by Ken Mochizuki and illustrated by Dom Lee. The inspiring story of Chiune Sugihara makes the difficult issue of defining citizenship more than a mere analytical exercise; it becomes personal, which is precisely as it should be. Sugihara's agonizing decision--obey his government, protect his job, provide security for his family, or obey his conscious--shows students how complex and intimately intertwined is citizenship, moral consciousness, and social responsibility. Using memorable characters in children's literature is a way to place the debate before the class in an historical context. (Contains 5 notes.)