The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq

*ALA Notable Children’s book 2006 *

Celebrated author-illustrator Jeanette Winter weaves a hopeful tale of one woman’s courageous book rescue.

In the Spring of 2003, Alia Muhammad Baker was the city of Basra’s real-life librarian. She was the keeper of cherished books and her library was a haven for community gatherings.

But with war imminent in Basra, Iraq, what could this lone woman do to save her precious books?

With lyrical, spare text and beautiful acrylic illustrations, Jeanette Winter shows how well she understands her young audience.

This true story of one librarian’s remarkable bravery reminds us all how, throughout the world, the love of literature and the respect for knowledge knows no boundaries.
 
  |

* "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