Twenty and Ten by Claire Huchet Bishop

Are you looking for a novella to introduce your children to WWII? Twenty and Ten by Claire Huchet Bishop fits the bill. Twenty French kids are living at a Catholic school during the German occupation of France. They agree to hide 10 Jewish orphans. This book was inspired by a true story. The kids are told by Sister Gabrielle that if they say yes they cannot tell about the Jewish children no matter what the Nazis do to them. It is a tale of kindness and integrity that needs to be told. Friendship begins over shared soup and a small piece of chocolate. The Flight to Egypt Game cleverly connects Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus having to flee to escape King Herod just as the Jewish children must hide to escape the Nazis. The climax comes quickly in this page-turner. Sister Gabrielle doesn’t return on her trip to get the school’s food rations. Nazi soldiers try to bribe the hungry kids with food. How will the Jewish kids hold up in the cramped cave? Will the French children be able to hold up to the intense pressure? What a wonderful story to share with kids or grandkids! Join Kate, Sheila and Jonah as they recap this historical fiction jewel!