The Grand Mosque of Paris
A Story of How Muslims Rescued Jews During the Holocaust
by Karen Gray Ruelle, Deborah Durland Desaix
National Geographic Books 2010
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- resistance
- compassion
- interfaith solidarity
- identity
- community
- risk and sacrifice
- hope
About this book
This illustrated nonfiction book tells the little-known true story of how the Grand Mosque of Paris sheltered and aided Jews during the Nazi occupation. Drawing on research and interviews, the authors show how courage, compassion, and community saved lives in a dangerous time. Short chapters and rich art make complex history accessible to middle-grade readers. It’s a powerful choice for kids interested in World War II, social justice, and examples of interfaith solidarity.
Setting: Nazi-occupied Paris, early 1940s; the Grand Mosque of Paris
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Grand Mosque of Paris right for my child?
Yes — The Grand Mosque of Paris is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.4, which is typical for 6th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include courage, resistance, compassion.
How long does it take to read The Grand Mosque of Paris?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, The Grand Mosque of Paris takes around 18m to finish. The book has 3,200 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Grand Mosque of Paris have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Grand Mosque of Paris has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is The Grand Mosque of Paris?
The Grand Mosque of Paris has an AR reading level of 6.4, which places it at a 6th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.