Safiyyah's War

Description: "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.

Brief description:

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, freelance journalist, and a TV presenter in the UK, where she lives.

Review Quotes:

"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

"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)

"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)

"Khan's lyrical and detailed prose immerses readers in Safiyyah's world. The suspense and action will keep young readers eager to know what happens to Safiyyah and her friends. This excellent historical novel, based on true events, will give readers a unique perspective on WWII." - School Library Journal (starred review)

"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

"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"

"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

"A riveting read for children and adults alike." - New York Times Book 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)

"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