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Recommended by: Stephen Dilley
Contact: @stephenjdilley
Author: Hiba Noor Khan
Form: Prose novel – historical fiction
Brief summary: Set during the occupation of Paris in WW2 and based on a true story, Safiyyah and her family live inside the Grand Mosque of Paris in comparative safety because of Nazi fears of a Muslim uprising in North Africa, but Safiyyah and her father both feel compelled to help those in need, particularly the Jews who are facing growing persecution.
Age recommendation and challenging content: Suitable for Y7
Notable reasons for recommending: This is a brilliant book which foregrounds the often overlooked role of the Muslim community in the French Resistance. As well as being a gripping adventure story, it’s also a very moving story about how anyone can make a difference. The Muslim community is portrayed in a very positive light, outward-looking rather than insular, and is defined by its values, in particular caring for those in need (of any faith) as well as the importance of family and prayer. There are some lovely moments of interfaith dialogue and understanding, for instance when Safiyyah and her family prepare a Seder meal for the Jews who are hiding in the mosque. A beautiful novel which would enable Muslim readers to feel seen and deepen other readers’ understanding of Islam.
Other useful information: There is a picture book called ‘The Grand Mosque of Paris’ by Karen Gray Ruelle and Deborah Durland DeSaix which might provide an interesting way in to teaching the book.