Safiyyah's War by Hiba Noor Khan
Hiba Noor Khan: Safiyyah's War is a children's historical novel about a young girl in wartime Paris. When Safiyyah's father is arrested for his Resistance work, she takes on dangerous errands and must help Jewish people seeking sanctuary at her mosque reach safety through the catacombs.
At a glance
- A wartime Paris story centred on Safiyyah, whose father is arrested for secret Resistance activity.
- Safiyyah undertakes dangerous errands and is challenged to guide persecuted Jews through the catacombs to safety.
- The listing describes a 336-page English-language edition from Andersen Press.
Reference price: £7.99
Price checked: 12 Nov 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- Combines a historical wartime setting with a child protagonist facing a clear, high-stakes mission.
- Customer feedback describes the writing as emotionally engaging and the storytelling as gentle and sensitive.
- The historical setting and themes of faith and tradition may support discussion alongside reading.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | Andersen Press |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 6 July 2023 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 336 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1839133139 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1839133138 |
| Reading age | 9+ years, from customers |
| Weight listed | 272 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12.9 x 2 x 19.8 cm |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers of children's historical fiction and wartime stories.
- Families or educators looking for a novel that can prompt discussion of persecution, courage, faith and history.
- Readers seeking a story described by customers as suitable for Years 5 and 6 upwards.
Less suited to
- Readers looking for a light, contemporary or non-wartime story.
- Buyers who need an age recommendation established independently of customer feedback.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
75% 75% - 4 stars
19% 19% - 3 stars
5% 5% - 2 stars
0% 0% - 1 star
1% 1%
Customer feedback describes the book as well-written, emotionally engaging and educational, with readers appreciating its sensitive storytelling and historical grounding. This response fits the listing's focus on wartime Paris, persecution and faith, though those customer impressions do not establish historical accuracy or suitability for every young reader.
Positive themes
- Customers describe the writing as engaging and the story as emotionally affecting.
- Feedback appreciates the sensitive approach, educational value and integration of faith and tradition.
Frequently asked questions
What is Safiyyah's War about?
Safiyyah lives at a mosque in wartime Paris. After her father is arrested for secret Resistance work, she runs dangerous errands and is challenged to help persecuted Jews reach safety through the catacombs.
Who is this book intended for?
It is presented as children's historical fiction. The listing gives a reading age of 9+ years based on customers, and feedback mentions Years 5 and 6 upwards.
What edition details are listed?
The listing gives an English-language edition published by Andersen Press on 6 July 2023, with 336 pages.
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