Hiba Noor Khan has written an incredibly moving and powerful story about a part of recent history that is truly unknown to most of us . In a world of islamaphobia and anti-semitism and divisions between people and faiths,- often stirred up by the media- Safiyyah's War shines a light upon what people can do for each other in times of war and tragedy when barriers/divisions are removed and human love and care prevails.

Safiyyah lives calmly in the central Paris Mosque with her family but with the arrival of the Nazi control of parts of France and Paris daily life is changed. Safiyyah soon begins to learn and understand the sacrifices that people are making to help Jewish people to safety- her family and friends are part of the resistance movement. Safiyyah's father works to shelter Jewish people, provide them with new identities and help them escape the city. Safiyyah becomes more and more involved in the impending tragedy of events and realises that life is filled with tragedy and joy.

The story is beautifully told and Hiba Moor Khan has created a wonderful protagonist in Saffiyah; she is strong-willed, loyal and determined but her vulnerability is just below the surface. Broadly based on true events in Paris where the North African Muslim community possibly saved unto 1700 lives, this is a story needs to be shared - or as Hibachi Noir Khan states " a story that has remained in the shadows of history and absent from history books'.

This is a powerful and moving book and ideal for 10-14 year olds to be read in the classroom and discussed ( I'll be recommending this to colleagues in schools) or for a personal read. This is a book that deserves attention and success to shine a bright light and continually remind us how people can unite in adversity . A five star read.

I love historical fiction and this title immediately grabbed my attention.

From the back of the book…
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?

I’ve read lots of MG historical fiction based around the events of WW2 but I’d never heard about the Grand Mosque in France, nor the instrumental role it played in the resistance movement and saving the lives of countless Jewish people. Although Safiyyah and her family are fictional characters, this is a story based on real-life events.

This is a story of tolerance, great bravery and courage. A story of unbelievable suffering, but also a story of hope, kindness and empathy. And a story of the commitment shown by a group of people to helping others, despite knowing the dangers they face.

A stunning book that should be in every school library, and one that I will definitely be recommending. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I love a book that teaches you something you didn't know - and this is a perfect example of this. An adventurous historical story that will captivate you from page 1.

I found this book fascinating as I hadn’t heard about the Great Mosque in France before and was unaware of the role it played in the resistance. I think every class should have a copy of this book as it’s so important in so many ways. First to provide representation; for children to see that it people of many different races took a stand against the Nazis and secondly because of the message of respect towards other religions that this book shows. There can be such a focus on the things that make us different and such negative representation of people of different religions and the courageous acts of the people in this book (and the real life people it’s based on) show that what really matters is love and respect, especially in the face of hatred. The characters are all so brave and do what is right, even though it’s scary and hard. I think the world would be a better place if more people were like Safiyyah and her family and I hope, if I was ever in a similar situation I would have the courage to be as brave as her.