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.

In Nazi-occupied France, when no Jew was safe from deportation to a concentration camp, many Jews found refuge and community in the sprawling complex of the Grand Mosque of Paris

"Holocaust history includes many instances of righteous individuals who risked their lives to hide or help Jews escape the Nazis’ annihilating evil. In occupied southern Paris, the Muslim community, descended from the French colonies of Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia, centered life around the Grand Mosque, a place of worship, culture, education and even health care. North African Jews living in the city maintained a neighborly relationship with their Muslim brothers, who shared physical attributes and similar cultures. These Jews could easily seek refuge at the Mosque, from which the Parisian Muslims who joined the French Resistance guided them to safety through an underground escape route. Although few documents remain, substantial evidence supports this fascinating and courageous story, notable as an example of the truly respectful and honorable rapport Muslims and Jews, living side by side, enjoyed for centuries. Realistic oil paintings complement the lengthy text, which celebrates a Muslim community whose selfless devotion to justice saved more than 1,000 lives. A must read for today’s multicultural curricula. (afterword, glossary, notes, bibliography, index) (Informational picture book. 8-12)" From Kirkus Reviews, www.kirkusreviews.com

This book highlights Muslims in Paris. I had no idea their was a collaboration between the Jews and Muslim people during this time. This book is very educational and is something I'd read to a higher level class. The Grand Mosque of Paris gave refuge to Jewish people during World War II. There's information about certain people who helped the Jews during this and their aid doesn't go unrecognized. This helps the reader connect with the history more personally. ( )

It’s amazing how much these picture books have taught me this past week. I had no idea that the Muslim community of parks hid Jewish children in their mosque. Apparently, it wasn’t a nazi target and an easy place to hide the children. I knew that Paris in general had hidden many Jewish children during the war, but the interfaith teamwork was really inspiring. I think I would definitely read this book to my future students. ( )