Powerful & Inspiring

Safiyyah’s War by Hiba Noor Khan is a powerful, historical children’s novel for ages ten years and older. Whatever your age this book will inspire you as you marvel at the bravery of good hearts, and especially at the courage of the very young.

Safiyyah’s War has its’ roots in fact. It is set in Paris during the Nazi occupation of World War II. The Grand Mosque takes centre stage as a setting. This book tells the little-known story of how the Muslims of the mosque helped to rescue and evacuate many Jewish people during the war. It is an inspiring tale of bravery and resistance. Much courage was needed. “For whoever saves a single life, it is as if they have saved all of humanity.”

The central character is Safiyyah who is very young and very brave. She has a desire to help the persecuted. She wanted to show her resistance. “Everyone has a unique part to play.” In some ways, the very young were the invisible helpers of the resistance. Their youth enabled them to blend in more. Everyone did what they could. Safiyyah always “chose courage and wisdom.”

As her best friend leaves Paris, we see hearts torn apart. “This isn’t goodbye… It’s see you later.” Anything more would feel too final. They had to believe that they would see each other again.