Reviews

Safiyyah's War by Hiba Noor Khan

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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.

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

mezzythedragon's review against another edition

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hopeful inspiring tense slow-paced

Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

I will admit this book picks up during the second half, when Safiyyah learns what her father is doing.

Still, what I love about historical fiction is that it offers glimpses of histories that aren’t well-known to me. Whenever I come across the Holocaust, I hardly ever hear of the resistance movements. Great to see that for once, Muslims are not demonized, and they played a key role saving the lives of their Jewish neighbors.

adilmaster62's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional inspiring lighthearted sad tense fast-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? Yes

5.0

chitownjr's review against another edition

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adventurous informative inspiring sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

The story was inspiring and informative but the main character, Saffiyah seemed to good to be true.

kimiloughlin's review against another edition

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medium-paced

4.25

It was fascinating to read a different WWII perspective. I loved the take charge-ness of Safiyyah and family and the descriptions of the underground tunnels!

rubymaddog's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective 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

This book has woken me up to a part of the history of resistance during the nazi occupation of France that I was completely unaware of. Startlingly important. I will be passing this copy around.