The Joy of Stealing Paris

Paris. The fall of 1940. World War II has begun and eighteen year-old Krista finds her dream of living in Paris for a year with her best friend Gaby has turned into an unimaginable nightmare. Hitler and the German army have marched into the city and taken control, beginning a four-year reign of terror against the Jews. When the American family Krista works for and has grown to love reveals a shocking secret, she is forced to turn to the French Resistance and, surprisingly, Josephine Baker, the famous African-American entertainer, for help. Together they devise a plan to smuggle the family across German lines to safety in the south of France, but when their daring escape goes awry, Krista must use her wits and every means available, no matter how dangerous, to elude the Nazis' deadly grasp. A timeless story of war, love, sacrifice, and ultimately, the indomitable power of the human spirit. For young adults and teens in Upper Middle and High School. Includes discussion questions and writing prompts.