Greater Than Angels
by Carol Matas
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Anna, a teenaged German refugee, relates how she and other Jewish children were cared for by the citizens of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, France, during the German occupation.Tags
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Member Reviews
I thought this was a really amazing book that offered a really clear view of World War II through the eyes of a child.
The historical fiction novel followed a girl and her friend through their journey. First in a concentration camp and then in a village where they were hidden. The main character's observations about love, life, and loss are insightful and add to the story.
I personally enjoyed this book, however I would enjoy a sequel as I thought the book was left a little unfinished.
If you are looking for a quick read with great content this is a great choice.
The historical fiction novel followed a girl and her friend through their journey. First in a concentration camp and then in a village where they were hidden. The main character's observations about love, life, and loss are insightful and add to the story.
I personally enjoyed this book, however I would enjoy a sequel as I thought the book was left a little unfinished.
If you are looking for a quick read with great content this is a great choice.
I LOVED this book! It was a different perspective of living/surviving during WW2. The young girl didn't spend her entire time in a concentration camp but trying to not only take care of herself but close friends and people along the way. The only controversy I can see occurring is the views on religion. This books refers to God from time to time and Catholic beliefs (for and against).
Set in Le Chambon, France during the reign of Hitler and the Nazi Party in 1940, Anna Hirsch, a young Jewish girl, is deported to a French refugee camp with her family and community. The children find support from the French Resistance and the villagers of Le Chambon who agree to house them there and provide some protection. A touching story based on true events. The characters are believable and their courage inspiring. A highly recommended read for all ages.
EducatingParents.org rating: Caution - Read With Care
Historical Fiction: 1940
Caitlyn Unruh rating on Goodreads.com -
Read for school library. It contains some quite mature subject matter so did not pass it due to younger readers, but still an incredible read. A lovely book that shows true love in the face of great evil. I would say grade 9-11, depending on how sensitive you are. The main character escapes some men intent on raping her, though they do not succeed or use the word. Some violence you find in concentration camps, and doubt in God you can expect from people suffering in unimaginable ways, but as a person of faith, I would be hesitant to give it to too young of readers with faith because they may struggle with it before they show more are ready for it. That's why I say grade 9-11 ish show less
Historical Fiction: 1940
Caitlyn Unruh rating on Goodreads.com -
Read for school library. It contains some quite mature subject matter so did not pass it due to younger readers, but still an incredible read. A lovely book that shows true love in the face of great evil. I would say grade 9-11, depending on how sensitive you are. The main character escapes some men intent on raping her, though they do not succeed or use the word. Some violence you find in concentration camps, and doubt in God you can expect from people suffering in unimaginable ways, but as a person of faith, I would be hesitant to give it to too young of readers with faith because they may struggle with it before they show more are ready for it. That's why I say grade 9-11 ish show less
Anna, a teenaged German refugee, relates how she and other Jewish children were cared for by the citizens of Le Chambon sur Lignon.
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Childhood: Books for or about children in different cultures around the wor
345 works; 17 members
Author Information

67+ Works 5,528 Members
Writer Carol Matas was born in Canada in 1949. Matas was an actress and currently teaches writing. Matas is best known for her historical adventures. These often feature young people caught up in the world's problems. "Daniel's Story," about a young Jewish boy in Nazi Germany, was short-listed for the 1993 Governor General's Award and the 1994 show more Ruth Schwartz Award and won the Silver Birch Award. Lisa won the Geoffrey Bilson Award and was a New York Times Book Review Notable of 1989. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
Awards and Honors
Awards
Common Knowledge
- Original publication date
- 1998
- People/Characters
- Anna Hirsch
- Important places
- Germany; Gurs, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France; Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
- Important events
- World War II
- Dedication
- LJCRS Book Fair Selection 5760
- Original language
- English
Classifications
Statistics
- Members
- 347
- Popularity
- 90,797
- Reviews
- 5
- Rating
- (3.73)
- Languages
- English, French
- Media
- Paper, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 9
- ASINs
- 1





























































