I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. This story takes place during World War II. However this is a different type of WWII book than I typically read. This story is about two young boys, ages 12 and 8, as they try to make their way across France to Buenos Aires to find their parents. Jacob and Moses were separated from their parents because of the war. However this story differs from others in that their parents are working in another part of the country and just haven't sent for their children yet. If you've read any WWII books before you can probably imagine that the boys have quite a few adventures as they make their journey. Unlike many other WWII stories this one is not based on any true events, which having read the book isn't surprising. However there were a few places and people who were inspired by true places and people. This book is more about the people they meet along their journey and the relationship they develop with them.

"Children of the Stars" by Mario Escobar is an historical fiction book. Mario Escobar is a best selling author. This story takes place during the very difficult days of World War 11. The story shows the very real difficulties of being Jewish during the war. There were many , many instances of cruel and unfair treatment. The reader will leave the book thinking about all the characters go through. The characters have a lot of determination and steadfastness through their trials. They kept facing each difficulty as it came and found a way of escape. The book is well researched and gives the reader an accurate account of the difficulties during that time period. I would highly recommend this book. There are the themes of good vs evil. The author, publisher, netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book. I will be posting my review on netgalley, Goodreads, facebook, my blog, and sharing it with our church staff. The book was given to me for review purposes only.

I read a lot of WWII historical fiction, but I hadn't read about this town before in France where the townspeople tried to help as many people escaping the Nazis as came their way. I was really moved that some people were standing up to even their own French leaders who extolled them to help the Nazis. The two main characters in the story, Jacob and Moses were amazingly brave to go through all that they did on their own to find their parents. As scary as it must've been to be an adult in France during that time in history, I can't imagine how even more daunting it was to be a child on your own.

Children of the Stars tells the story of two Jewish brothers during World War II on an epic survival race to find their parents who have left to go to Argentina. Starting in Paris, the boys find the kindness of strangers who help them on their journey.
Overall, 3.5 out of 5; it has a satisfying ending but the book overall feels somewhat pedantic at times and over-explained with historical context,
Still a decent World War II story with enough drama and peril to keep my attention.

Mario Escobar weaves a superb tale of two young brothers in Paris, France separated from their parents during the Holocaust and the trials and tribulations they go through to be reunited with them, finally landing in Buenos Aires during the period 1942-43. Drawing from true events, he narrates a story which shows the extreme good in people in many countries spanning several continents.; especially during this dark time in our world’s history. The tale has so many twists; you are on the edge of your seat, throughout much of this page turner. I found I could not put it down. Wonderfully researched, this book is not one to be missed.

During World War II pastor André Crocmé and his wife Magda desided to support every human being by asking there congrecation to hide jews. Not only the ones living in Le Chambon sur Lignon, but also jews who needed a save place to stay during te war or to go into hiding. This act of love was the reason about 5000 jews made it save through the war. A reason for the Holocaust rememberence organisation Jad Wasjem to honour this whole town.

A visit to Le Chambon sur Lignon inspired writer Mario Escobar to write a new World War II story, after his succes with Auschwitz Lullaby. Where Auschwitz Lullaby was a book written about one of the people living in Auschwitz, this story is one based on the stories of several survivors, but most of all inspired on the legacy of this little town called Le Chambon sur Lignon and the pastor André Crocmé.

Jacob and Moses live with their aunt in Paris when the Nazi occupation kicks in. They are taken to The Velodrome d'Hiver, just like many other jewish people. But they manage to escape. Going back to their home, they find out that their aunt commited suicide when the Nazi's wanted to take her. But luckely there is a neighbour who offers to help. Jacob and Moses decide to go for it and go after there parents who have plans to immigrate to Argentina.

What you find in Escobars book is a story about hope, about fighting for freedom, about trust (and who not to trust), but most of all about World War II and how the kindness and goodness of people all true France decided to help Jewish people so they can survive.

A beautiful story that touches you - even knowing that it is not based on the story of two excisisting brothers - knowing this it doesn't really matter... The story is written in a way that you feel like your in it and are a part of the war and the struggles it gives to these two young boys who have decided to take matters in their own hand!

Whenever I read a book about the Holocaust I am grateful that the author choose to write the story. There can never be enough books about the Holocaust, the tragic, horrific event that took place in our world. We must never forget the lives lost, the evil people and we must never forget the good people either, the ones that sacrificed their lives to protect the Jewish people. Soon there will be no more survivors to tell their stories, therefore their stories must be told for eternity by others. It is evident in this book that the author did a lot of research.

Jacob, 13 and Moses, 9 are brothers who are sent by their parents to live with an aunt in France. The parents must leave before they are taken by the gendarmes. The parents make their way to Argentina while the kids find themselves on a journey across valleys and mountains and countries to stay alive. They meet many good as well as many bad people on their journey. It is a story of betrayal, trust, strength, loss, hope, love and sacrifice. While I enjoyed the book I found it to be a little predictable and unrealistic. I felt that the voice of Jacob was that of a boy in his late teens early twenties rather than a 13 year old. I would have loved to read more about the parents travels and their feelings and emotions about leaving their two children behind. Though it was assumed that it was extremely difficult for the parents, that did not come through for me in the story.

There were many thought provoking quotes in the book. “There is no greater wealth than love.”
“Hope keeps us tied to our dreams.” and “ The impact of one good deed was infinitely more powerful than that of evil.” There were many more quotes that tugged at my heart.

One of the things I learned was that Argentina accepted more jews than any other country but they also accepted Nazis who were fleeing justice after the war. I also learned about the small mountain, village in France called Le Chambon-sur-Lignon which was a haven for jews during the war. A local priest, Andre Trocme hid jews and risked his life as well as he people of the village risked their lives to hide jewish children and adults and find safe passage for them to Switzerland.

I am rating this book 3.5 stars which is difficult for me because any book about the Holocaust I don’t like to give less than 4 stars. The historical content would be 4 stars for me but the storyline was a 3 for me. Children of the Stars will be out in February, I would recommend giving it a try. Thank you NetGalley And Thomas Nelson for a copy of this ARC..

Mario Escobar’s latest is about two Jewish boys who are separated from their parents during WWII in Paris. The story depicts their harrowing multiple escapes from both the nazis and the French who turned on their own people as the boys attempt to reunite with their parents.

Much has been written about the plight of the Jews during WWII but this is the first book I’ve read that illustrates the plight of children on the run from the terror of the nazis. The descriptions of the perils that these boys faced were heartbreaking but, equally so, the stories of those who put their lives in danger to help them was heartwarming. Such a difficult time in France’s history and Escobar portrays it with heart and authenticity. Once again, this is a story that desperately needed to be told.

Many thanks to Netgalley, Thomas Nelson and Mario Escobar for my complimentary e-copy ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

For the first time, Children of the Stars by Mario Escobar is out in English. This historical fiction book was researched very well. It makes the reader feel as if we are standing at the train station as the story enfolds. Jacob and his brother Moses Stein are separating from their parents to stay with their aunt Judith in Paris; when it is safe, they’ll reunite. They try to remain under the radar, especially due to Nazi Occupation. Something goes wrong and they are arrested. Moses and Jacob know the only way they will survive is to run for it; they know their parents are somewhere in the south of France and have to get to them. Along the way they meet many people who are brave enough to put their lives on the line to help the young brothers out . Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced copy, I give this book 4 stars. I especially found this book interesting since my great grandparents were Steins who survived the Holocaust. This book is an important piece of work, although historical it’s fact based and teaches the readers about Nazi Occupation of World War II.

I was so excited to read this story. WWII is one of my favorite historical periods, and books set in this time rarely let me down. Unfortunately, Children of the Stars read like a YA novel. I felt the circumstances were often unrealistic. What parents would leave their children with a relative while they escaped to safety? I realize they couldn't get visas for the children and planned to send for them later, but it still doesn't seem like a natural thing for a parent to do. Also, Jacob seemed way too mature for his age. He thought like an adult instead of a child, which made it difficult to get a grasp on how old he actually was. I think this book would be well-received by young adults as they might overlook some of these nuances.
I received a copy of Children of the Stars from NetGalley, but these opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this book! I read a lot of WWII historical fiction and this is a story line that hasn't been done. It was an interesting perspective and different from other WWII books I have read in the past. It was written well and told an interesting story. Definitely a book I would recommend!

I couldn't finish it because it was too draggy. It had a good theme but there was too much in the storyline.

I have been reading a lot of historical fiction that takes place during the German occupation of WWII. I have never read any of Mr. Escobar's prior books. This was an engaging story about two young Jewish brothers who follow the unknown path to find their parents. Little Moses is so innocent and trusting of his holder brother Jacob as they try to outmaneuver the Nazis with the unconditional support of people they did not know.

The story kept my interest and was a quick read. As much as I wanted to believe that the story could have happened, there were just too many steps to make it realistic. This did not diminish my enjoyment but I could understand that this might put another reader off.

Since I read a translated version from the original Spanish, I have to assume that the translation was accurate.

Thank you, NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advance copy in exchanged for honest feedback.

I love World War II stories. From the heroes who populate the pages to the horrific standards of mistreatment to the characters.I can't imagine trying to survive in those times. I can't imagine standing up for what is right like that generation did. I admire them so much. I read Mario Escobar's first English published novel, The Aushcitz Lullaby, and enjoyed it, but I can't really say that for Children of the Stars. On the cover, there is two boys running away from something. Well that sums up the whole plot. They run for point A to B, C, D . . . and all the way to the last two percent in the novel. Yes, it was horrible some of the conditios they faced. Yes, brave people risked their lives for their safety, but when I finished the novel, I sighed in happiness that the novel was over. It wasn't what I usually want in a World War II novel. It was kind of dry. Didn't really thrill me. The characters are young boys, so they don't transform by the end of the novel. Maybe later in life, they will change because of all the horrible things that occurred to them because of the Nazi's, but not in their young mind frame. If readers enjoy World War II, they might completely enjoy this novel, but it didn't hit the spot for me.

I received a complimetary copy of Children of the Stars by Mario Escobar from Thomas Nelson Publishing, but the opinions are all my own.

This book is the first I've read by Mario Escobar and I was truly impressed. The story was very riveting and completely held my attention. I knew the story was about Jewish Children during WWII but that was the extent before reading this.

The story revolves around two young boys. Both were very well depicted and you felt like you knew them. There were several other characters in the book that you got to know to some degree. You never felt like you didn't know enough about them but you didn't feel overwhelmed with useless information either.

The story flowed very well and kept me wanting more. It is a clean story, no sexual content, and no foul words. The editing was also well done. I give this book a 5 out of 5 star rating and would recommend this to my friends.

I really enjoyed this book. Jacob and Moses Stein are living with their aunt in Paris, as their parents have fled war-torn France, thinking their sons would be safer without them. When things go wrong, Jacob and Moses are forced to flee for their lives, ultimately traveling the world to find their parents again. I loved the tenacity of Jacob and everything he was willing to do for his little brother. I love Moses' trust in his brother and those he came in contact with. I love the subtle symbolism of the names of the two boys- like prophets who were made to uproot and find a new promised land. There is also a wonderful smattering of side characters that make you appreciate and love them for all they did for these two little boys. While the hardships of WWII are portrayed, this didn't feel heavy and depressing like some books can be. There was just enough hope to keep it truly enjoyable to read.

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC for my honest review!

This tale of two brothers and their journey during the war was beautifully crafted and full of emotion! I was completely caught up in their story. The storyline moved from heartbreaking to hopeful seamlessly and had me by the heartstrings. The people they meet on their journey was a fabulous representation of humanity. While I did not love this book as much as I loved the authors previous book, Auschwitz Lullaby, it was an emotional tale and one not to miss! Thank you to the publisher for the advance reader in exchange for my honest review.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from HarperCollins through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

During World War II, two French children, Jacob and Moses, are left by their parents with an Aunt. The plot is their journey to escape the war and reunite with their parents. Interwoven throughout the book are factual characters and events of World War II. Events including the Paris roundup, Velodrome d’Hiver, Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, and Argentina’s welcoming of refugees are examples. I found this interesting information especially the factual characters, such as Marshal Petain and Daniel Trocme, and the setting of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon.

At times I found the book slow moving, drawn out and unrealistic. I even wondered if the book was Young Adult with the writing style. I would have given the book 1 star but bumped it up due to the factual events. Unfortunately, I felt it’s just one more humdrum book about WWII.

4.5 stars

I received a complimentary e-book copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to Mario Escobar, Thomas Nelson, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

This book was beautifully written and translated from Spanish. I honestly could not believe how smoothly it was written and translated so well that I would have thought that it was written in English.

I have read many WWII books and this was another good one! The story was intense and kept me reading to find out what would happen next after all of the twists and turns. The one big takeaway from this story was that most people are good and we must fight back against evil. Very timely today with the issues in the USA currently with immigration, Dreamers, and White Nationalism. NEVER AGAIN!

I had no idea about how many Jewish families and individuals escaped to Spain and then South America specifically Argentina. This definitely would be a lot harder to do today with our technology. This is WHY I read - I learn something new from EVERY single book that I read!

The only picky issue that I have with this writer is that he gets a little long-winded at times. That is being REALLY picky as even the long-winded passages are beautifully written.

HIGHLY recommend.

Children of the Stars
by Mario Escobar
(Publication Date: Feb 25, 2020
by Thomas Nelson Publishers)
... 368 pages ....

A five star affirmation that there is more good than evil in this world. A poignant journey through hell as the Jewish brothers, Jacob and Moses Stein - 12 and 8 years old, respectively - attempt to cross Nazi occupied France in the tumultuous year of 1942 , trying to reunite with their parents. Eleazar and Jana Stein, although respected and revered playwrights in Germany, feel the ever closing noose of Nazism and flee Germany in hope of finding a safe haven. They send their two sons to live with their aunt in Paris ... hoping they will be safe while they find work and obtain the necessary paperwork for all four to be reunited.
Mario Escobar weaves and poetic and lyrical narrative of the harrowing journey of these boys - who symbolize the plight of many children and adults fleeing from the overwhelming menace of the Nazi maelstrom. The author seamlessly blends fact and fiction with heartbreaking authenticity . France was occupied by the Germans ... with the aid of the collaborating Vichy regime controlling the South of France, under the dubious leadership of Marshal Philippe Petain. It was virtually against the law to be a Jew. Statutes were passed resulting in the loss of all their rights and proposing their ultimate deportation .... with the Nazi's idea of deportation being a trip to their death camps. And yet, amongst this dark cloud in history, there remained those individuals who would risk their own lives to shelter, hide and expedite the flight to safety of these hunted foreign immigrants , Jews and others. Escobar provides a moving narrative featuring these heroes.
The brothers find needed succor in that historically real small village of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon ...
under the remarkable leadership of the local Protestant minister Pastor Andre Trocme, the citizens of the village risked their lives to rescue and hide Jews from both the Nazis and their spineless Vichy collaborators. The goal was to obtain forged identification papers and facilitate their border crossing to the safety of neutral Switzerland.
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishers for providing an electronic ARC of this beautiful novel in exchange for an honest review. I must immediately go download his earlier and highly acclaimed novel of 2016 - "Auschwitz Lullaby". (readersremains.com)