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

by Karen Gray Ruelle (Author)

The Grand Mosque of Paris: A Story of How Muslims Rescued Jews During the Holocaust
Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade

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.

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Review quotes

The authors of Hidden on the Mountain: Stories of Children Sheltered from the Nazis in Le Chambon (Holiday House, 2007) return to France to uncover a little-known story. While they admit that 'many of the details are destined to remain forever uncertain, with few facts proven to a historian's satisfaction, ' Ruelle and DeSaix feel strongly that the bits and pieces of information that they were able to unearth provide convincing evidence that the Muslims of the Grand Mosque of Paris saved Jewish lives. . . . this well-researched book belongs on the shelves of most libraries.—School Library Journal

The book begins with a quote found in Islamic and Jewish traditions: 'Save one life, and it is as if you've saved all of humanity.' . . . This is a fascinating, little-known piece of history (the afterword explains how difficult it was to research). . . . The evocative paintings in somber colors heighten the tension, but some, like the one of a Jewish girl in front of an intricately designed mosque wall, capture the hope.—Booklist
Karen Gray Ruelle
Karen Gray Ruelle is a former librarian turned full-time author and illustrator of children's books. Her collaborations with Deborah Durland DeSaix, which include Peter's War, have garnered much acclaim; The Grand Mosque of Paris was named an ALA Notable Book, and Hidden on the Mountain, a Sydney Taylor Notable Book, received a starred review from Kirkus Reviews. Her books also include the Harry & Emily easy reader series, as well as other picture books and nonfiction. Ruelle lives in New York City.
Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9780823423040
Lexile Measure
1090
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Holiday House
Publication date
June 20, 2010
Series
-
BISAC categories
JNF025090 - Juvenile Nonfiction | History | Holocaust
Library of Congress categories
France
World War, 1939-1945
Jews
Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945)
Rescue
Ethnic relations
Paris
Jewish-Arab relations
Righteous Gentiles in the Holocaust

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