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"War comes to the streets of Paris and Safiyyah's life changes forever. Her best friend's family [has] fled, and the bombing makes her afraid to leave the mosque where she lives. But when her father is arrested by the Nazis for his secret Resistance work, it falls to Safiyyah to run the dangerous errands around the city. It's not long before hundreds of persecuted Jews seek sanctuary at the mosque. Can Safiyyah find the courage to enter the treacherous catacombs under Paris and lead the Jews to safety?"--Publisher's description.
About the author
Hiba Noor Khan is a writer and activist engaged with issues of immigration and intercultural understanding. She has worked as a refugee advocate, a physics teacher, and a TV presenter in the UK. Hiba is also a freelance journalist and the author of two picture books. Safiyyah’s War is her first novel.
Summary
Inspired by the true story of how the Grand Mosque of Paris saved the lives of hundreds of Jews during World War II, this breathtaking tale of suspense, compassion, and courage stars an extraordinary young heroine readers will never forget. “A riveting read for children and adults alike.” —New York Times Book Review
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Safiyyah loathes the brutal Nazi occupation of Paris, even though her Muslim identity keeps her safe—or, at least, safer than her Jewish neighbors. Violence lurks in the streets, her best friend has fled, and even her place of refuge—the library—has turned shadowy and confusing, as the invaders fear the power of books. Safiyyah longs to strike back and hates feeling powerless to help her Jewish friends. Worse yet, her father—who taught her to always fight injustice—is acting strangely and doing nothing to help them either.
Or is he?
Unraveling the mystery of her father’s odd behavior draws Safiyyah deep into the heart of the perilous underground resistance to the Nazis, where her bravery is put to the ultimate test.
“A heartfelt story of the unsung, real-life Muslim heroes of the Resistance in World War II, whose courage and humanity transcended religious differences.” —Alan Gratz, New York Times bestselling author of Refugee and Heroes
