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New Release
Safiyyah's War
Current price:
$19.99
Publication Date: May 7th, 2024
Publisher:
Allida
ISBN:
9780063351868
Pages:
336
Usually Ships in 1 to 5 Days
The heavy changes that come when the German Army invades Paris incite Safiyyah’s curiosity. An inspiring story based on the heroic actions of members of the Grand Mosque of Paris. Children of war have their own form of bravery.
May/June 2024 Kids Indie Next List
Description
Inspired by the true story of how the Grand Mosque of Paris saved the lives of hundreds of Jews during World War II, Hiba Noor Khan weaves a breathtaking tale of suspense, compassion, and courage, starring an extraordinary young heroine readers will never forget.
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 fight back and hates feeling powerless to help her Jewish friends. Worse yet, her father—who taught her to always do the right thing—is acting strangely and doing nothing to help them either.
Or is he?
Unravelling the mystery of her father’s odd behavior draws Safiyyah deep in the heart of the perilous underground resistance to the Nazis, where her bravery is put to the ultimate test…
Praise for Safiyyah's War
“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
“Don’t miss this piece of hidden history—now more timely than ever—starring a brave and compassionate girl!” — Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, two-time Newbery Honor-winning author of The War That Saved My Life
“With vital relevance for today's readers, Safiyyah’s War is truly the whole package: action, suspense, danger, family, and friendships. An endearing character, an indelible setting, an unputdownable story based on fascinating real—and overlooked—history. I want to grab everyone I know and say, ‘You HAVE to read this book!’” — Linda Sue Park, Newbery medalist and #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Long Walk to Water
"In both Jewish and Muslim traditions, to save one life is to save all of humanity. In this beautiful book, based on actual events, we follow the heart-stopping journey of the brave Safiyyah as she helps to repair the world, one injustice at a time. I laughed, cried, cheered, and cried again as Safiyyah showed me what it is to be a hero, a daughter, and, most of all, a devoted friend.” — Deborah Heiligman, award-winning author of Torpedoed: The True Story of the World War II Sinking of “The Children’s Ship”
“All at once, Safiyyah’s War broke my heart and filled me with immense hope. With its unforgettable characters and exquisite storytelling, this really is an extraordinary book.” — A. F. Steadman, New York Times bestselling author of Skandar and the Unicorn Thief
“A must-read distinguished by its powerful plot and poignant writing [as] Khan expertly weaves an engaging story filled with compassion, bravery, and commitment to one’s neighbors.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Sensitively told via lyrical language and lush sensory details that evoke the deep pleasures of warm Muslim family traditions, Khan’s novel unveils the important role Muslims and the Grand Mosque played in saving Jews during WWII.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Safiyyah’s War brings WWII Paris clearly into focus as it shows how people of all ages—from different cultures and religions—can band together in the face of evil. Khan is a writer to watch, and Safiyyah is a heroine worth remembering.” — BookPage (starred review)
“A welcome example of interfaith solidarity and an underrepresented addition to the WWII Resistance conversation.” — Booklist
“[The] conviction that all people are deserving of safety is deeply felt, and readers will appreciate [the] belief in Safiyyah’s ability to do what needs to be done. Recommended.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
