HIDDEN ON THE MOUNTAIN

The people of the small towns and farms in La Montagne Protestante region of Southern France established homes and schools to rescue children fleeing almost certain transport to Nazi concentration camps. They came from all over Europe, and most were alone. With careful research and interviews, the authors provide background information of several who survived, to create narratives about their experiences before fleeing to Le Chambon and life there. Photographs and sketches accompany their tales, told in diary-like entries: age, date, place and personal stories in short, fast informative chapters. This story is inspiring—not because of the writing style, which is neutral, clear and pedestrian, but because the authors have brought the inspiring deeds of the Chambonese to life. Why did they do it? “Because we could not NOT do it,” said a woman interviewed about the acts of ordinary people who became quiet heroes. An absolute must. (Maps, index, bibliography, photographs, notes, glossary, pronunciation guide, source notes) (Nonfiction. 6-12)