War comes to the streets of Paris and Safiyyah's life changes for ever. Her best friend's family have fled, and the bombing makes her afraid to leave the mosque where she lives.
But when her father is arrested by the Nazis for his secret Resistance work, it falls to Safiyyah to run the dangerous errands around the city. It's not long before hundreds of persecuted Jews seek sanctuary at the mosque. Can Safiyyah find the courage to enter the treacherous catacombs under Paris and lead the Jews to safety?
Selected by Sam Creighton
Safiyyah's War stands out for its focus on faith as a positive force, something rarely depicted in children's literature. It masterfully combines historical relevance with emotional depth, offering young readers a powerful story of resilience and humanity. Its accessible writing it suitable for younger readers, but its rich themes ensure it resonates with older
audiences too, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in history, courage, and
belief.
Read our review on justimagine.co.uk
Tagged France , Paris , Read for Empathy 2024 , Second World War and top pick