Publishers Weekly
★ 04/29/2024
Khan (The Extraordinary Life of Malala Yousafzai) offers a WWII story about a Muslim community in Paris, in which tween Safiyyah and her family reside in an apartment in the city’s Grand Mosque, where her father is a director. Safiyyah’s childhood in the serene mosque has been idyllic, enhanced by magical times poring over old maps in the library. The book opens with the May 1940 German invasion of France, and traces the changes in Parisian life—Safiyyah’s in particular—that ensue, including her best friend’s family fleeing the city and her 16-year-old cousin joining the military. When Safiyyah is inexplicably barred from the weekly get-togethers her honorary uncles—other beloved mosque directors—attend in her father’s office, she grows suspicious about her father’s activities. Mounting devastation enacted by the Germans creates drama and tension as sympathetic, occasionally rebellious Safiyyah grows more courageous amid increasingly dangerous circumstances. 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. A historical note concludes. Ages 8–12. (May)
From the Publisher
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
“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
"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”
“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
“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)
“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)
“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)
“A riveting read for children and adults alike.” — New York Times Book Review
“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
Kirkus Reviews
★ 2024-05-04
In this novel inspired by a true account of French Resistance during World War II, a courageous 11-year-old Muslim girl joins the effort to save lives.
Safiyyah has an idyllic life in the Grand Mosque of Paris, where her father works and her family lives. Her existence revolves around browsing maps in her beloved library and spending Saturday afternoons with best friend Isabelle. But on the cusp of the Nazi invasion, everything is about to change. Safiyyah’s Algerian Muslim identity affords her an element of safety, but this fiercely brave girl internalizes the injustices perpetrated on her community—especially her Jewish friends and neighbors—and vows to help any way she can. Uncovering the secrets of her father’s recent strange behavior will force Safiyyah to summon incredible courage to support the Resistance and avoid revealing anything that would put lives at risk. Khan expertly weaves an engaging story filled with compassion, bravery, and commitment to one’s neighbors while addressing difficult truths and the ugly face of war in an informative yet still age-appropriate way. Many of the well-developed characters, such as Safiyyah and her family, are fictitious; others, including the mosque’s rector and imam, are real historical figures from an underrepresented episode in history who were integral to the mosque’s rescue of between 500 and 1,700 Jews. The book’s messages of interfaith cooperation and respect for human dignity are timely and compelling.
A must-read distinguished by its powerful plot and poignant writing. (glossary, historical note) (Historical fiction. 9-13)
