Twenty and Ten

by Claire Huchet Bishop, Janet Joly

During the Nazi occupation of France, twenty ordinary French kids in a boarding school agree to hide ten Jewish children Then German soldiers arrive. Will the children be able to withstand the interrogation and harassment?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Childrens, World War II, Holocaust, Historical, School

76 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1952

About the author

Claire Huchet Bishop (December 30 1898 – 13 March 1993) was a Swiss-born American children's novelist and librarian. She was the winner of the Newbery Honor Medal for "Pancakes-Paris" and "All Alone," and won the Josette Frank Award for "Twenty and Ten." Her children's book "The Five Chinese Brothers" won the Lewis Carroll Shelf Award in 1959.

An American born in Geneva, Switzerland, Bishop grew up in France and Geneva. She attended the Sorbonne and started the first children's library in France.
After marrying American concert pianist Frank Bishop, she moved to the United States. She worked for the New York City Public Library from 1932-1936. She was an apologist for Roman Catholicism and an opponent of antisemitism.

She was a lecturer and storyteller throughout the U.S., and a children's book editor. Beal was the President of International Council of Christians & Jews from 1975–1977, and the President of the Jewish-Christian Fellowship of France from 1976-1981.

After residing in New York for 50 years, Bishop returned to France and died in Paris in 1993. She was 94 years old.

Reviews

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

We should all seek to be as courageous as these children who kept their wits about them when push came to shove. This story of innocence lost all too soon inspires and emboldens against the unjust and the unequal and imparts integrity and resourcefulness.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love old books, especially old, out of print, children's books. I found an old copy of this book at a thriftshop recently for 10 cents. I purchased it and several others, saving them for holiday reading. I'm glad I did. Just before New Year's I came down with a cold. I spent a day snuggled in my warm blankets with hot tea....and several really great books. I started my reading binge with this title, first published in 1951 under the title Twenty and Ten.

I didn't realize it when I first started reading, but by page 10 or so I realized I have read this story before under its original title. I definitely enjoyed re-reading it! A group of fifth graders and one 4-year old sibling are tucked away at a country house in France. The German army is occupying France, so children have been moved away from cities for their safety. The nearby village has German soldiers though...so it isn't completely safe. Their teacher, Sister Gabriel, asks them to participate in a very important secret....they must not tell, even if German soldiers threaten or torture them for the information. They are going to hide 10 Jewish children. It's a matter of life and death for them all.

The book is only 80 pages long, but it packs a lot of story in those few pages! The story is not graphic and totally age appropriate for middle grade level readers. As an adult, I also enjoyed the story.

The used copy I bought is quite old....and in the middle, I found that 3 pages were missing. Luckily, I found a digital copy online to read those missing pages as they were right in the middle of an important part of the plot! I also discovered some long lost school notes from a prior book owner...a page of very old notes on the original 13 US colonies. I hope the prior book owner passed her quiz at school! :) You never know what you might find in an old book....or not find (the missing 3 pages!). I enjoyed the last read of this very old book and threw it away since it was too damaged to share with anyone or keep.

The Secret Cave is a very entertaining story about 30 courageous children! Great quick read for a day where I was feeling totally under the weather. Very uplifting story!

[Victoria Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is small. but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in good, clean, historical fiction. One of the coolest stories I have ever read. Great for young kids who want to start reading historical books.

[Luisa Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cleanliness

Children's Bad Words
Mild Obscenities and Substitutions - 1 Incident: shut up
Name Calling - 7 Incident: stupid, brats, fool
Religious Profanities - 2 Incidents: Thank God, Heavens

Religious & Supernatural - None
Violence - None

Romance Related - 6 Incidents: It mentions that a certain boy prefers a girl because her hair is dark. A girl says that a boy likes her (not necessarily romantic). A boy grasps a girl’s wrist - not romantic. A boy is excited about a girl with dark hair playing opposite him in a play. “Come on, pretty little girl, won’t you show a soldier where to get a drink?... and caressed her cheek.” A boy is heroic and a girl thinks, “I could have kissed him.”

Attitudes/Disobedience - 2 Incidents: Children get into a fight “boys pummeling one another and the girls pulling one another’s hair.” A boy gets upset about a girl who got injured, saying, “Helpless! ...I cannot stand a girl who-” (she could walk so she was overreacting).

Conversation Topics - 3 Incidents: Children are acting out the story of Joseph and Mary. A little boy says: “Mary can be French, Spanish, Russian, Negro, Indian, Chinese, anything, anything at all.”
A boy lies saying he hates soup so another boy (who is in need) will accept it. A soldier smokes a pipe (mentioned a few times).

Parent Takeaway
A great story about a nun and the children in her charge who decide to hide ten Jewish children during World War II. The children exhibit sacrifice, courage, and bravery and learn to work together.

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[Melody Schwarting · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks, again, to Goodreads for finding books whose titles I can't remember. The Secret Cave is also published as Twenty and Ten, and reading a review of the latter made it sound so familiar. The Secret Cave was one of the few books my grandparents saved from my mother's childhood, and I always dug it out from a box under the bed to read when I visited their home. A wonderful story of children helping each other in times of war--sets a high standard for children's historical fiction about WWII.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This must have been one of the earliest historical fiction children titles for World War II, since it came out in 1952. I probably read it in the 1960s. It meets one of my main problems with WWII lit for young kids: while it makes it clear that it was a case of life and death for the kids, it never actually says that, well, except for one rather understated sentence. Actually, reading it again as an adult, I am not completely sure if the narrator, Janet, age 11, completely understood that either. While there is no way to miss the terror that the kids are in, nothing bad actually happens to the kids, with the worst thing being one of the French kids got locked up in the coal closet or building. It is quite clear that the Jewish kids understood the danger they were in. It isn't so clear that the original 20 French kids understood it. However, they understood it was war, which it had been for pretty much their whole lives, and that the other kids, who they point out, look just like the French kids, were in danger of being killed. It was fascinating listening to the kids argue about what it would feel like to be completely full after a meal and to be certain that one account of being full had to be made up. Now that is a way to let young readers know that this is scary and serious, without giving them nightmares! It is a fast read and I found myself swept up in it, even though I remembered much of the book from when I had originally read it. Still top quality literature, and illustrations. I had not been aware that the second illustrator was a Caldecott winner till I saw it this time. I prefer the black and white cover to the color title showing kids peaking out from a hole while soldiers look the kids. The black and white one just seemed to show the apprehensive atmosphere of the book better to me. I hope they bring this back out in hardcover again!

[Ava · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot believe how very good this was. I just wish it had been about five times longer, because it was kind of short, and I read it in two days.

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 ten or eleven years old except for one four year old; the 10 Jewish children seem to be various ages.

I liked the movie, which I saw on tv over 25 years ago, better than I liked the book. I liked the book as much as I did because I'd seen the movie: I suspect I wouldn't have enjoyed the book as much as I did if I hadn't seen & loved the movie.

It’s an inspiring story. It’s an illustrated novel that’s only 76 pages long, which leads me to believe it’s for kids and not ya, but given the fact that the story makes clear that the Nazis will kill the Jewish children if they find them, and will have no compunction about killing those trying to save them, I’d say it’s fine for 11 & up for the 8-10 year olds, I’d suggest reading it with group/adult discussion only.

I wasn’t particularly fond of most of the illustrations.

[Michael Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to WWII, with connections to the Biblical story of the flight to Egypt. Could be read quite early, definitely before The Winged Watchman and Snow Treasure. This is short and engaging - in five chapters, it could be read aloud over the course of a week. Illustrations are fine, though I'm not the biggest fan of WPdB the artist.

I see there is a TV movie version, titled Miracle at Moreaux, which I have not yet watched. Based on quick research, it seems this takes so many liberties with things that it may as well be considered an entirely different story.

[Ann aka Iftcan · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 WWII in school (I had her doing a lot of outside reading during school.) Fast forward a few years (ok, about 15) and she had HER children read this book also while studying WWII.

Its not an easy book, since it DOES cover the atrocities that the Nazi's committed during WWII. But it also shows that even children can be brave when there is a great wrong going on.

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

My level of adoration for this book is, as usual, extreme.

[Heather Lehman]

Short, sweet little story about children who sacrifice for others.

[Patience · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember my mom reading this out loud to me when I was little. It was great reading it to my children. I had to stop and explain a few things to my five-year-old, but she followed pretty well. Her assessment was that it was a little scary. She kept asking about Sister Gabriel and if everything was going to turn out all right. She was always up for another chapter!

[Elaine Shandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this with two small reading groups. Such a great story to introduce upper elementary children to WWII in Europe without going overboard on the horror that it was. No need to give the little ones nightmares!

[The Hofs · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of our family favorites! You will not be able to just read one chapter! The 9 year old wants the review to say that she gives it 7 thousand stars!

[Nahid Hasan · Rating 4 out of 5]

"If we take these children,we can never betray them ,no matter what the nazis do ."

[Joanna Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Kids sat spellbound. So exciting, so sobering. I want them to understand the horrible things that can happen if good people don’t stand up. This is a small step in that direction. 👍🏼👍🏼☺️

[Christina DeVane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent short read aloud for 6+. My boys loved this and jumped around and cheered when the children outsmarted the Nazi soldiers.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

My two boys were RIVETED to this story. Granted, it starts slow, but by the end, they were hanging on every last word. This book contains five short chapters. You could read the whole thing in an hour or two, and it'd be well worth your time.

The story is simple. Twenty French children have been sent away to live in the safety of a convent during World War II. One day, the nun in charge introduces them to 10 new children, Jews. She tells them that the Nazis want to hurt these children, and they must all keep them safe and hidden. She makes each of the 20 French kids solemnly promise not to betray the 10 Jewish kids—no matter what.

All goes well until the Nazis pay a surprise visit when the nun is away on an errand. What will the children do when faced with this pressure and without any adult protection?

The story is told in the POV of one of the French girls, and this works so well because we're better able to relate to her dilemma—things get tricky when the Nazis show up, and the kids have to think on their feet.

The book crescendos at the climax, where you're not sure how things are going to play out, and then everything comes full circle, and you're glad you read that first chapter, which started off slow, because it makes the ending all the more satisfying.

[Amy Perrock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet little story is set in the mountains of France during World War II. Twenty children house ten Jewish children, hoping to keep them safe from the nazis.

It was a special treat to read this on the heels of reading Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade. The author worked at The First Children’s Library in Paris. The main character in Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade was the first librarian there and was responsible in part for its creation. 😍

[Emma Grace Blumer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve had this on my to read shelf for awhile - I picked up a used copy at my best friend’s recommendation. It had stuck with her, it’ll stick with me, and when I use it to teach about gravitas to a lit class I’m teaching, I pray it’ll stick with them too!

[Mary Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great, short, read aloud with my 6 & 8 year old boys. I was so inspired by the bravery and selflessness of the young children in this book.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember reading this with great interest in fourth or fifth grade (stories for that age with Nazis in them are few and far between). Recently rediscovered and revisited. Twenty and Ten is a good short novel about a group of French Catholic schoolchildren embracing danger for the sake of the persecuted. They must also navigate manipulation by their Nazi occupiers in a way that is ethically and morally upright, a struggle I didn't grasp as a kid but that makes the story tense for more reasons than the threat of bodily harm. Unsentimental and blunt in the way of children themselves, and the narrow slice of the Holocaust that it depicts is a good way to introduce young readers, through this one concrete episode, to a much larger topic. Recommended.

[Gregory Eakins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twenty and Ten is a tale of the German occupation of France told through the eyes of a small group of children who are hiding away a group of Jewish children from the searching eyes of the Nazi soldiers.

Bishop skillfully manages to tell a story set in one of the darkest times in recent history while maintaining the light-hearted innocence of children who do not completely understand the terror and danger in the world outside their home.

The themes of sacrifice and courage should resonate strongly with young minds without scarring them with the grim realities of war and genocide. This is an easy one-sitting read that I think anyone would enjoy.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on a true story, this book is definitely serious, and tense in places, but not quite tense enough to be scary. I'm really glad friends recommended it to me, and I look forward to discussing it with my kids later this year when they're studying WWII. Courage, kindness, integrity, and ingenuity are all featured here, making a powerful impact in very few words.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twenty and Ten is based on a true story which does not surprise me from all I have been reading about WWII and the Nazis. A good first read for young children regarding the German occupation in France.

Loved this small but powerful book!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set during WWII when the Nazi’s occupied France. Thirty children endured hardship with courage and strength. They set a great example of being brave that each of us can hope to be.

[Kim Friant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first had this book read to me all the way back in 5th grade. I loved it then and when I found it on sale at Book Outlet, I got myself a copy, my mother in law a copy, my mom a copy . . . hey this book will make an awesome Christmas gift for the nieces and nephews this year! Sweet! It’s one of those books that sticks with you. It’s a children’s book, but handles the mature topics of the Holocaust and Nazis in a way that kids will safely understand. The kids at the school handled the German soldiers better than many others did during WW2. Somehow, they took some of the most annoying kid qualities and twisted them into heroic actions. I have nothing but good things to say about Twenty and Ten and I absolutely recommend it to everyone, especially to any kid, whether they like to read or not. This would be such a great resource for teachers in their classrooms. In a world that shies away from teaching the Holocaust, this is a great foundation for the younger kids to have in preparation for later more mature lessons and conversations.

[Vicki Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based off a true story, 20 children hide 10 Jewish children. But when their caretaker is jailed, they must hide and protect the Jewish children by themselves. “We can never betray them. No matter what.”

I was a bit hesitant to read my 6 year old a story of WWII, but it was worth it. While she explored thoughts of what it would be like to not have enough food to eat, held her breath as the danger grew, and laughed as they fooled the Nazis, but I thanked God she didn’t quite understand what made me fight tears. Some of the 20 children had sneaked some food and blankets to the hiding place and go back to where the Nazis were.

“Then we had to leave. The whole group stood around us in the dark. All of us were so terribly afraid of being caught. But we did not speak of it. We just hugged and kissed one another over and over again.”

No child should have to go through that. Thankfully, this story ends happily!

[Madison Henson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jewish children patience to hide a place of cave for safely, no food and any things, because Nazis looking for those children. They protest to deny tell to Nazis where Jewish boys and girls. Nazis need parts of water, because they thirsty so badly. They make Nazis scolding and outrageous. One woman who is nun, Sister Gabriel. She keeps children whose Jewish are. They really brave, good common sense, and use wit. Sister Gabriel dignity to Jewish children are.