Safiyyah's War

Ages 8 to 12, Grades 3 to 7

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. 

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. . . .

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.