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julian7's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism, Religious bigotry, and War
Moderate: Death, Hate crime, Racism, and Grief
Minor: Violence and Colonisation
emlo's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
This is such a great book. The characters draw you in from the start. It gives a real sense of what life in the Grand Mosque was like in Paris during WWII. It's filled with hope and humanity. There are a lot of difficult topics revolving around war, occupation, and religious persecution that would probably need extra support/ guidance for younger middle grade readers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Antisemitism, Religious bigotry, and War
kelligan's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: War
Minor: Death
_nem_'s review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Violence, Religious bigotry, Colonisation, War, Classism, and Deportation
Moderate: Death, Hate crime, Panic attacks/disorders, and Grief
nadiamasood's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
A must-read for middle-grade children everywhere!
Based on true events in Paris, this historical fiction for MG readers tells the story of how, during WWII, the Muslim community at the Grand Mosque secretly helped their Jewish neighbors from the Nazis, saving up to 1,700 lives.
Based on true events in Paris, this historical fiction for MG readers tells the story of how, during WWII, the Muslim community at the Grand Mosque secretly helped their Jewish neighbors from the Nazis, saving up to 1,700 lives.
It is only in holy places of worship and libraries that you have to whisper, for they are both sacred in their own special ways.
I appreciate how the author avoided politics and propaganda, and focused instead on courage, familial love, and friendships. Highlighting the often-forgotten heroism of Muslims in France, this book offers an important and inspiring narrative for young readers.
Saffiyah is a kind-hearted and brave young girl. But she’s also rebellious and quite bold! Some of the things she does often felt unbelievable for someone her age, but I suppose their purpose is to keep young readers interested with her adventures.
My favorite character is Saffiya’s grandmother, Setti. She’s wise, strong, and kind.
The story is fast-paced and maintains a constant sense of danger, yet it still deeply explores relationships, character growth, and religious understanding. The themes of community and unity in adverse times are portrayed powerfully and memorably.
Content Warnings
Minor: War
styxx's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Death, Hate crime, Racism, Antisemitism, Grief, Death of parent, and War