Hidden on the Mountain: Stories of Children Sheltered from the Nazis in Le Chambon
The small French village of Le Chambon was a haven for both Jews and non-Jews fleeing the Nazis during World War II. Some were natives of Le Chambon, but most were not. This community—many descendents of the Huguenots—was committed to providing safe refuge for those who had no where else to turn when the Germans tore into France. Some people, many of them children, hid in Le Chambon for the duration of the war. Others were helped over the border into Switzerland by a network of activists based in the town. Authors Deborah Durland DeSaix and Karen Gray Ruelle tell the remarkable story of a single town’s commitment to their fellow human beings through a series of interviews with individuals who lived in La Chambon during that time. Most were children then—both refugees and townspeople. The authors devote a single chapter to each individual, providing background information to set the scene. They made the decision to use present tense for most accounts, as if the speaker was describing things as they happened rather than reflecting on events decades in the past. And true to the nature of memory, accounts are often comprised of vignettes rather than a cohesive narrative whole. The result is a book that feels a bit choppy at times, but that does not diminish the power of this inspiring and fascinating piece of history that is marked by courage and intrigue. ©2007 Cooperative Children's Book Center
CCBC Age Recommendation: Age 11 and older
Age Range:
Grades 6-8 (Ages 11-13)
Grades 9-12 (Age 14 and older)
Format:
Substantial Narrative Non-Fiction
Subjects:
20th Century
Christian People
Community
Empathy and Compassion
Ethical/Moral Choices
History (Nonfiction)
Holocaust
Jewish People
World War II
Diversity subjects:
Christian
Jewish
Publisher:
Holiday House
Publish Year: 2007
Pages: 275
ISBN: 9780823419289
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 940 DeSaix