Children of the Stars

By Mario Escobar | Publisher: Thomas Nelson

About the book

From international bestselling author Mario Escobar comes a story of escape, sacrifice, and hope amid the perils of the Second World War. 

August 1942. Jacob and Moses Stein, two young Jewish brothers, are staying with their aunt in Paris amid the Nazi occupation. The boys’ parents, well-known German playwrights, have left the brothers in their aunt’s care until they can find safe harbor for their family. But before the Steins can reunite, a great and terrifying roundup occurs. The French gendarmes, under Nazi order, arrest the boys and take them to the Vélodrome d’Hiver—a massive, bleak structure in Paris where thousands of France’s Jews are being forcibly detained. 

Jacob and Moses know they must flee in order to survive, but they only have a set of letters sent from the South of France to guide them to their parents. Danger lurks around every corner as the boys, with nothing but each other, trek across the occupied country. Along their remarkable journey, they meet strangers and brave souls who put themselves at risk to protect the children—some of whom pay the ultimate price for helping these young refugees of war. 

This inspiring novel, now available for the first time in English, demonstrates the power of family and the endurance of the human spirit—even through the darkest moments of human history. 

  • World War II historical fiction inspired by true events
  • Book length: 94,000 words
  • Includes discussion questions for reading groups, a historical timeline, and notes from the author 

“A poignant telling of the tragedies of war and the sacrificing kindness of others seen through the innocent eyes of children.” —J’nell Ciesielski, bestselling author of The Socialite and Beauty Among Ruins

Editions of Children of the Stars

EBook
ISBN 9780785233008

Read an Excerpt

From international bestselling author Mario Escobar comes a story of escape, sacrifice, and hope amid the perils of the Second World War. 

August 1942. Jacob and Moses Stein, two young Jewish brothers, are staying with their aunt in Paris amid the Nazi occupation. The boys’ parents, well-known German playwrights, have left the brothers in their aunt’s care until they can find safe harbor for their family. But before the Steins can reunite, a great and terrifying roundup occurs. The French gendarmes, under Nazi order, arrest the boys and take them to the Vélodrome d’Hiver—a massive, bleak structure in Paris where thousands of France’s Jews are being forcibly detained. 

Jacob and Moses know they must flee in order to survive, but they only have a set of letters sent from the South of France to guide them to their parents. Danger lurks around every corner as the boys, with nothing but each other, trek across the occupied country. Along their remarkable journey, they meet strangers and brave souls who put themselves at risk to protect the children—some of whom pay the ultimate price for helping these young refugees of war. 

This inspiring novel, now available for the first time in English, demonstrates the power of family and the endurance of the human spirit—even through the darkest moments of human history. 

  • World War II historical fiction inspired by true events
  • Book length: 94,000 words
  • Includes discussion questions for reading groups, a historical timeline, and notes from the author 

“A poignant telling of the tragedies of war and the sacrificing kindness of others seen through the innocent eyes of children.” —J’nell Ciesielski, bestselling author of The Socialite and Beauty Among Ruins

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Children of the Stars about?

From international bestselling author Mario Escobar comes a story of escape, sacrifice, and hope amid the perils of the Second World War. 

August 1942. Jacob and Moses Stein, two young Jewish brothers, are staying with their aunt in Paris amid the Nazi occupation. The boys’ parents, well-known German playwrights, have left the brothers in their aunt’s care until they can find safe harbor for their family. But before the Steins can reunite, a great and terrifying roundup occurs. The French gendarmes, under Nazi order, arrest the boys and take them to the Vélodrome d’Hiver—a massive, bleak structure in Paris where thousands of France’s Jews are being forcibly detained. 

Jacob and Moses know they must flee in order to survive, but they only have a set of letters sent from the South of France to guide them to their parents. Danger lurks around every corner as the boys, with nothing but each other, trek across the occupied country. Along their remarkable journey, they meet strangers and brave souls who put themselves at risk to protect the children—some of whom pay the ultimate price for helping these young refugees of war. 

This inspiring novel, now available for the first time in English, demonstrates the power of family and the endurance of the human spirit—even through the darkest moments of human history. 

  • World War II historical fiction inspired by true events
  • Book length: 94,000 words
  • Includes discussion questions for reading groups, a historical timeline, and notes from the author 

“A poignant telling of the tragedies of war and the sacrificing kindness of others seen through the innocent eyes of children.” —J’nell Ciesielski, bestselling author of The Socialite and Beauty Among Ruins

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Children of the Stars?

Fiction > Biographical fiction / autobiographical fiction

Where can I read a sample of Children of the Stars?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780785233008

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Children of the Stars?

Mario Escobar

Who is the Publisher of the book Children of the Stars?

Thomas Nelson

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Children of the Stars is available as ebook(ISBN 9780785233008)

Where can I buy Children of the Stars online or support local independent bookshops?

You can buy Children of the Stars from below

Where can I buy Children of the Stars?