Strong, clear writing energizes this account of Paris's Grand Mosque serving as sanctuary for Jews fleeing the Nazis. Exquisite oil-paint illustrations display both the beauty of Paris and the stately elegance of the mosque, in addition to the danger faced by Jews and Muslim resistance fighters alike. An afterword gives more details about the historical events. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind.

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)

Karen Ruelle tells the story of how the Muslims of the Grand Mosque helped to hide Jews, Nazi prisoners, and some Christians because they were being arrested and sent to death camps. The rector of the Grand Mosque allowed the mosque to be a safe haven. It was the center of the Islamic community and was hidden in the middle of the city. Underneath the city were passages that led to the Seine River, an escape route similar to the Underground Railroad. Some Jews passed for Muslim because they shared similar cultures and looked alike. The Nazis would not target the Muslims because of the fear of an uprising in North Africa. I believe this story is one of great value for reading and discussion because it was a time for caring about your brother or sister regardless of their beliefs, or religion. It is a story that needs to be told and therefore should be in every library collection. DeSaix?s watercolors and oil paintings are done in soft colors. Included are acknowledgments, an afterword, glossary, references, extensive bibliography, and an index. Highly Recommended. Sue N. Howard, Library Media Specialist, Georgia Avenue Elementary, Memphis, Tennessee

While Ruelle admits in her afterword that "many of the details of this story are destined to remain forever uncertain," she and DeSaix (who also collaborated on Hidden on the Mountain) have pieced together a fascinating history of how the North African Muslim community of Paris and the Grand Mosque secretly harbored Jews and others after the Nazi invasion ("It was... an oasis hidden behind high walls right in the middle of the city"). The story isn't always easy to follow-it is by necessity episodic-though Ruelle provides ample detail and explanation, and DeSaix's moody oils provide the emotional and narrative ballast. Working mostly in double-page spreads, she masterfully conveys how the compound's serene, exotic interiors offered reassurance during desperate times. In one of the most striking images, a Jewish girl stands solemnly in front of one of the mosque's elaborately tiled walls; it's as if the mosaic's beauty and scale had a talismanic power, capable of warding off an otherwise horrible fate. Ages 8-up. (Sept.) Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.

Gr 4-6-The authors of Hidden on the Mountain: Stories of Children Sheltered from the Nazis in Le Chambon (Holiday House, 2007) return to France to uncover a little-known story. While they admit that "many of the details are destined to remain forever uncertain, with few facts proven to a historian's satisfaction," Ruelle and DeSaix feel strongly that the bits and pieces of information that they were able to unearth provide convincing evidence that the Muslims of the Grand Mosque of Paris saved Jewish lives. While the format and appearance of this title are similar to other picture books of rescue and resistance during the Holocaust, such as Carmen Agra Deedy's The Yellow Star (Peachtree, 2000) and Ken Mochizuki's Passage to Freedom (Lee & Low, 1997), the text provides more of a descriptive history of events than a retelling of a story. The oil-paint spreads are luminous and beautiful, but they belie the tone of the writing and the presentation of facts. Regardless, this well-researched book belongs on the shelves of most libraries.-Rachel Kamin, North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, Highland Park, IL Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.