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60th out of 185 books
—
56 voters
Twenty and Ten
Looking for a story about courage to read to your child? One that instills character by virtue of its essence, and not by sermonizing? I always am, and this old favorite (read to me when I was nine) is luckily still in print.During the Nazi occupation of France, twenty ordinary French kids in a boarding school agree to hide ten Jewish children Then German soldiers arrive....more
Paperback, 76 pages
Published
March 30th 1978
by Puffin
(first published 1952)
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Feb 05, 2010
Lisa Vegan
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Shelves:
fiction,
childrens,
novel,
biography,
history,
historical-fiction,
non-fiction,
young-adult,
reviewed,
holocaust
Well, I read this book because I love the made for PBS one hour Wonderworks movie Miracle at Moreaux, which was based on this particular story. The story was told to the author by the child, Janet, she has narrate it, and it is a true story, or at least based on a true story, and there were many similar real life stories of French Catholic schools (and their nuns and students, and priests) who saved Jewish children during the Nazi occupation. The 20 Christian children in this story are all about...more
Reason for Reading: Read aloud to ds as part of our history curriculum.
Based on a true story, this book tells of a tale in which ten Jewish children are brought to a small Catholic school in the countryside of France up in the mountains. There are currently twenty students at this school. The Sister asks the students if they will be capable of hiding the Jewish children from the Nazis and they agree. Thus the children play and learn together until one day Sister does not return from town and the...more
Based on a true story, this book tells of a tale in which ten Jewish children are brought to a small Catholic school in the countryside of France up in the mountains. There are currently twenty students at this school. The Sister asks the students if they will be capable of hiding the Jewish children from the Nazis and they agree. Thus the children play and learn together until one day Sister does not return from town and the...more
Another great entry into the cannon of WWII literature for children. Coming in at under a hundred pages, it is sure to provoke all the right emotions in younger readers without scaring the living day-lights out of them.
Janet is eleven years old. She and the other boys and girls taken away from their parents for safekeeping, have a secret. They love to play "Flight to Eygpt", acting out the roles of Mary, Jospeh, and baby Jesus, but one day it becomes very real. They are asked if they are willing...more
Janet is eleven years old. She and the other boys and girls taken away from their parents for safekeeping, have a secret. They love to play "Flight to Eygpt", acting out the roles of Mary, Jospeh, and baby Jesus, but one day it becomes very real. They are asked if they are willing...more
Twenty and Ten is a historical young adult fiction novel, which depicts a group of twenty French schoolchildren who have taken refuge in a monastery while the Nazis occupy France. One day, however, a group of ten Jewish children are brought to the monastery to hide from the Nazis. When a pair of Nazi scouts come looking for Jews, the children must hide and protect their new friends.
Though I found this book in a catalog of young adult novels, it seemed more suited for readers of a lower level of...more
Though I found this book in a catalog of young adult novels, it seemed more suited for readers of a lower level of...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
I found this story appropriate for young children to understand the dynamics of the holocaust, and inspire them to help out others even when it is dangerous to do so.
The story is told through the perspective of a 10ish year old girl, complete with all her insecurities and jealousies. The reality of the situation is stark, and it is emphasized that the children did not have enough food. I think it best to deal with such a heavy theme in small doses and this book is not long, at 76 pages divided i...more
The story is told through the perspective of a 10ish year old girl, complete with all her insecurities and jealousies. The reality of the situation is stark, and it is emphasized that the children did not have enough food. I think it best to deal with such a heavy theme in small doses and this book is not long, at 76 pages divided i...more
This book was not only an excellent way to introduce my children to World War II history, but also it served to reinforce our scripture readings from the New Testament about the life of Jesus Christ. It sparked a thoughtful conversation about morality and our Christian responsibility to resist unjust laws and authority.
In the countryside of France, 20 children attending a Catholic school love acting out the Holy Family's daring flight to Egypt to escape King Herod's murderous campaign. Their tea...more
In the countryside of France, 20 children attending a Catholic school love acting out the Holy Family's daring flight to Egypt to escape King Herod's murderous campaign. Their tea...more
Thrift store find. Another aspect of the Nazi campaign against the Jews - this one is so rich, so full of complex ideas, that it deserves room on your Holocaust shelf in your classroom even if said shelf is overflowing. It is indeed scary, but some of the children were only 10 (a few were even younger) and I think it's perfectly appropriate to share with fourth or fifth-graders.
Who would think that in 76 illustrated pages a child could learn about first crushes, the difference between bad soldie...more
Who would think that in 76 illustrated pages a child could learn about first crushes, the difference between bad soldie...more
Among so many stories of betrayal, this true story of 20 hungry fifth-graders during WWII who promise Sister Gabriel to keep the secret of the 10 Jewish children hiding among them "no matter what," is so refreshing. Even more inspiring, during a threat by Nazi officers, and while Sister Gabriel is imprisoned, the children keep their promise. They risk their own safety to keep the Jewish children safe, and all 30 children share what little food there is to share. "Twenty and Ten" is good for the...more
This book talks about these french kids and one adult hiding these jewish kids. the jewish kids were happy and they were sharing food. one day, the nazi came to check if the french kids were hiding the jewish kids. the kids were smart and they didn't tell them anything. they hid t he jewish kids successfully at this cave where u can barely see it. they had really little food to eat too.
the nazi used candy to bride them, but the french kids wanted it. they didn't tell where the jewish kids were t...more
the nazi used candy to bride them, but the french kids wanted it. they didn't tell where the jewish kids were t...more
I really enjoyed reading this book because of the courage and bravery shown by the children in it. The book explained World War II when the Nazis had occupied France in a way that was easy to understand and learn from. It was dangerous, serious and affected everyone and the book didn’t sugar coat the situation, but it wasn’t extreme or overwhelming. It’s a great story in which children stick together for the greater good, and it would be a great book to read to talk about standing up for somethi...more
What a great book to introduce WWII to kids. The "Twenty and Ten" in the title refers to the number of kids at a Catholic boarding school in France. There are twenty regular Christian kids, and then ten Jewish kids come to hide from being captured by the Nazis. It's a short suspenseful, story.
Naturally it may be scary for really little kids. The book does mention that the Jewish children's parents are dead.
If you read this with your child, you may want to first review the Bible story of King He...more
Naturally it may be scary for really little kids. The book does mention that the Jewish children's parents are dead.
If you read this with your child, you may want to first review the Bible story of King He...more
Just 76 pages long, published in 1952,Twenty and Ten is the story of 20 children who are living in a school in occupied France. A Jew asks if they can hide 10
Jewish children and the children agree they'll hide the children, share their food and never, ever tell. Then, the teacher is arrested while fetching the mail in town (a 3-mile walk away) and 2 Nazis show up.
For a children's story, Twenty and Ten is a nail-biter. It's fiction, but the author did live in occupied France during WWII, so you...more
Jewish children and the children agree they'll hide the children, share their food and never, ever tell. Then, the teacher is arrested while fetching the mail in town (a 3-mile walk away) and 2 Nazis show up.
For a children's story, Twenty and Ten is a nail-biter. It's fiction, but the author did live in occupied France during WWII, so you...more
Based on a true story, Twenty and Ten is about twenty fifth-grade French children who take in ten Jewish children during the Nazi occupation of France in 1944.
The story opens up and is told from the view of a young girl named Janet. She begins saying she wanted to write because she doesn't want to forget "it" when she becomes older.
She and a few other children are playing the Flight of Egypt, with Joseph, Mary, and Jesus fleeing King Herod. The game soon ends in a fight, and the children are cal...more
The story opens up and is told from the view of a young girl named Janet. She begins saying she wanted to write because she doesn't want to forget "it" when she becomes older.
She and a few other children are playing the Flight of Egypt, with Joseph, Mary, and Jesus fleeing King Herod. The game soon ends in a fight, and the children are cal...more
Jun 12, 2011
Stephanie
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommended to Stephanie by:
Sonlight
Shelves:
homeschool,
homeschool-k
I thought this was a wonderful read that broached a very sensitive and intense topic. It is great for young readers to become engaged and learn what WWII was about without being gruesome or gritty. It is well written and neither oversimplified or too detailed. The language is appropriate for readers 5 to 12.
This is a story of twenty Christian children hiding ten Jewish children; and the fear and courage it took for such a feat. The dynamics and relationships are well laid between the children,...more
This is a story of twenty Christian children hiding ten Jewish children; and the fear and courage it took for such a feat. The dynamics and relationships are well laid between the children,...more
If you have someone that you want to get interested in the jewish struggle during World War 2, then this is a great quick book to let them see the struggles. The book takes place at a makeshift children's home in occupied France. The children soon find themselves "hiding" jewish children from the nazis. Although the writing style is a little "adultish" to me, I think it'll still work to get young readers interested in the whys and hows of World War 2. It's a nice introduction kinda book.
The Nazis are looking for those children,” said Sister Gabriel. “If we take them we must never let on that they are here. Never. Even if we are questioned. We can never betray them, no matter what they do to us. Do you understand?”
Janet and the 19 other boys and girls from her fifth-grade class have been sent to the French countryside for safekeeping during the Nazi occupation. None of them hesitate to agree when a tired man arrives in search of safety for 10 Jewish children.
“They’re coming! The...more
Janet and the 19 other boys and girls from her fifth-grade class have been sent to the French countryside for safekeeping during the Nazi occupation. None of them hesitate to agree when a tired man arrives in search of safety for 10 Jewish children.
“They’re coming! The...more
This short book is perfect for older, reluctant readers. The subject matter is more mature, being about 20 Catholic students hiding 10 Jewish kids from the Nazis. However, the material is age appropriate (although it did mention that the Jewish children's parents were dead.) It's only 76 pages, so very manageable for most readers. I personally loved the story. I enjoy reading about people, especially children, who do brave and courageous things. Great reading for a WWII unit.
This is an excellent children's historical fiction book set in WW II. Some French children and their guardian are asked if they are willing to hide ten Jewish children from the Nazi's who are looking for them. There is a great deal of suspense, but it is very tastefully done. I read this book to my second grade class every year, and it is usually one of their favorites. Most of the time at least one student, sometimes more, ask their parents to buy them their own copy.
This book was so riveting that Paul didn't want to leave and go to soccer practice when it was time. I actually went ahead and finished the book (shh! don't tell Paul) because I had to make sure it has a happy ending. It does. This is a great book about WWII and how Catholic school children were able to help save some Jewish children hiding from the Nazis. The reason I gave it four stars instead of five is because it lacks character development. But the plot is great!
I liked it a lot. You know I usually don't like non-fiction books but, this was a pretty good book. My Language Arts teacher told us about it and I borrowed the book from her. So it was a good book about 10 Jewish kids being hidden in a little orphaning. Also, how the 20 kids who are already there learn not to betray their secret and to hide them and protect them from the Nazi soldiers. The thing that I think is coolest is this really happened in that time.
Michele lent me this book (which reminds me I need to return it!) and it was a good afternoon read. It only took me a half hour or so to read it and it was a very sweet story about a French nun and her students who agreed to risk their lives to hide some Jewish children during WW2. It's not a true story, but I've been googling and come across several similar real life stories. I enjoyed this book and recommend it. It could be a good read aloud book I think.
Jul 04, 2012
K.
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommended to K. by:
WWII story lovers, people looking for inspiration
Contender for read-aloud 12/13 school year. JoAnne, what do you think? I don't want to read too many "WWII" books, but this one was super!
Reportedly true story of 20 French school children who have the opportunity to hide 10 Jewish children during the occupation in 1944.
I liked that the children were real, sometimes the things that most children are: good, kind, petty, thieving, courageous, hungry, selfless, ingenious.
Reportedly true story of 20 French school children who have the opportunity to hide 10 Jewish children during the occupation in 1944.
I liked that the children were real, sometimes the things that most children are: good, kind, petty, thieving, courageous, hungry, selfless, ingenious.
This is a holocaust book where ten jewish kids had to leave france because of the war. They went to a catholic school. They were kind of a burden because everybody got less food than before. When a man came to explain everything they were excited to help the jews. They used there imagination to survive and not get shot by the interrogating nazis. Its like a fairy tale with a worse climax with a happy ending.
Twenty and Ten is all time favorite book of mine. I first read it as a child but later used it with low literacy adults to teach about the Holocaust. No matter what your age, this story is an excellent read and reminder that each day, we all make choices between right and wrong, kindness and evil, self-interest and compassion. I would strong NOT recommend the movie which is (loosely) based on this story.
This book is really cool! It really shows what happened in the war to all the kids. This book also tells how cruel the nazi's were to the Jewish, even the kids. One of the things i liked about this book was the dialogue. This book had some very funny moments like when Louis found an orange and yelled "pretty balls pretty balls." this book is a book you should read if you like history stories.
I first read this story many, many, many years ago. Then when my daughter hit 5 I started looking for it for her. After about 4 years of searching, I found it accidently while on a business trip. Had just walked into my hotel room after landing in Denver for a conference, turned on the TV, which was tuned to a PBS channel and they were talking about this book. Needless to say, with a title and author, I was finally able to find a copy of it. My daughter read it along with her history section on...more
I had read this in school as an assignment by my 6th grade teacher. At the time, I wasn't a big fan of reading, but the events in this book really caught my attention. I still have the book, and I'm thinking about going through it and reading it again. It was an easy enough read, so I should be able to finish it much faster than before.
I read this in English and I guess it was ok but lately everything we've read in school it's all about the holocaust. Kinda depressing. I liked that this one was short and had a happy ending but I know that not many had happy ending like this in the real thing. I probably wouldn't have read this if I wasn't required to.
I'm so glad I read this-- a great short simple story about schoolchildren during World War Two that illustrates some of the terror and atrocities but on a level appropriate for my own schoolchildren. The level of self-sacrifice, love and loyalty among these children is truly uplifting. Can we teach that outside of war?
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Claire Huchet Bishop (1899 – 13 March 1993) was a children's novelist and librarian, winner of the Newbery Honor for Pancakes-Paris and All Alone, and the Josette Frank Award for Twenty and Ten. The Five Chinese Brothers won the Lewis Carroll Shelf Award in 1959.
An American born in France or Geneva, Switzerland, Bishop attended the Sorbonne and started the first children's library in France. After...more
More about Claire Huchet Bishop...
An American born in France or Geneva, Switzerland, Bishop attended the Sorbonne and started the first children's library in France. After...more
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I liked the movie better than the book. I liked the book as much as I did because I'd seen the mo...more
Feb 09, 2010 08:21pm
I suspected that that was what yo...more
Feb 09, 2010 08:24pm