The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq

(Paperback)

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Description

Alia Muhammad Baker's library in Basra, Iraq, has been a meeting place for those who love books for the past fourteen years. Now war has come, and Alia fears that the library- - along with the thirty thousand books within it- - will be destroyed forever. In this incredible true story of a war-stricken country where civilians seem powerless in the face of battle, this feminist and inspirational tale about a librarian's struggle to save her community's priceless collection of books reminds us how, throughout the world, the love of literature can unite us all. AGES: 4 to 7 AUTHOR: Jeanette Winter has written and illustrated many books for children, including MAMA, The Librarian of Basra, Calavera Abecedario: A Day of the Dead Alphabet Book, My Name Is Georgia, and Josefina.

Reviews

* "This is an important story that puts a human face on the victims of war and demonstrates that a love of books and learning is a value that unites people everywhere."-School Library Journal "Winter isolates another true story of everyday heroism against a tragic backdrop. The librarian's quiet bravery serves as a point of entry into a freighted topic. -Booklist "Timely and moving." -Better Homes and Gardens "As spare yet penetrating as the narrative, Winter's boldly hued, acrylic and pen illustrations depict the frantic book salvaging effort against a bright orange and burnt sienna backdrop of bomb- and gunfire-lit skies and the subsequent, heartbreaking library fire." -Publishers Weekly "Created with strength and courage, like Alia's devotion to the books in her charge." -Kirkus

Author Bio

JEANETTE WINTER has illustrated many books for children, including Day of the Dead by Tony Johnston and her own Calavera Abecedario: A Day of the Dead Alphabet Book, My Name Is Georgia, and Josefina. She lives in New York City.