The Grand Mosque of Paris: A Story of How Muslims Rescued Jews During the Holocaust

When the Nazis occupied Paris, no Jew was safe from arrest and deportation.

Few Parisians were willing to risk their own lives to help. Yet during that perilous time, many Jews found refuge in an unlikely place--the sprawling complex of the Grand Mosque of Paris. Not just a place of worship but a community center, this hive of activity was an ideal temporary hiding place for escaped prisoners of war and Jews of all ages, especially children.

Beautifully illustrated and thoroughly researched (both authors speak French and conducted first-person interviews and research at archives and libraries), this hopeful, non-fiction book introduces children to a little-known part of history. Perfect for children studying World War II or those seeking a heart-warming, inspiring read that highlights extraordinary heroism across faiths.

Includes a bibliography, a recommended list of books and films, and afterword from the authors that gives more details behind the story.

Author: Karen Gray Ruelle, Deborah Durland DeSaix
Publisher: Holiday House
Published: 06/01/2010
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.46lbs
Size: 9.48h x 10.74w x 0.18d
ISBN: 9780823423040
Audience: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 7.1
Point Value: 1
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 133060 / Grand Mosque of Paris: A Story of How Muslims Rescued Jews During the Holocaust

About the Author
Karen Gray Ruelle is a decorated author who has written over 20 children's books.

Deborah Durland DeSaix, a former college professor, has written and illustrated many picture books for children. Reviews for her artwork are outstanding. Booklist praised her art in Know What I Saw by Aileen Fisher saying, De Saix steals the show, though, with lush, photorealistic scenes that are both large enough to sweeten the subtraction lesson built into the 10-to-1 countdown premise. She now lives in Asheville, North Carolina