The Grand Mosque of Paris

Title: The Grand Mosque of Paris

Author: Karen G. Ruelle and Deborah D. Desaix

Publisher: Holiday House

Copyright: 2009

Reading Level: Lexile 1090

Summary:

This book tells the story of how French Muslims dedicated their time to save the lives of many Jews during the Holocaust. Courage, strong faith and devotion to social justice were the tools Muslims used to save people of all ages, including children. Jews found refuge in an unlikely place where it was not only a place of worship but also a community center. “Save one life, and it is as if you’ve saved all of humanity.”

Suggested Delivery:

Read aloud followed by group discussion.

Electronic Resources:

1- More For You- This website is a great tool for students to utilize after the reading. This website includes a 3D tour of The Grand Mosque, activities and extra useful information.

2- Kidskonnect- A great resource tool for students to view before the reading. It includes important fast fact about the Holocaust that can help set the stage for the book.

Teaching suggestions:

1- Vocabulary- Allah, Mecca, Mosque, Souk, Synagogue, The Holocaust

2- Reading Strategies-

Before Reading: Have students complete an entrance slip. They should write everything they know about the Holocaust, Muslims, Jews and/or The Grand Mosque of Paris. In addition, have students write five questions they have about the topics. After, collect the entrance slips and write down the top ten questions on the white board.

During Reading: Students will be using the split-page note taking activity to enhance their comprehension level. For the left hand side, have students write the ten questions and as you read, the answers on the right hand side.

After Reading: As the last activity, have students be the professor know-it all. Divide the students into groups of five and have each student answer two questions. They should gather facts to support their answers from the book and the websites.

3- Writing Activity- Students should write in their journal what they learned from another professor - and anything they found interesting from the reading.