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[The Librarian of Basra: a True Story from Iraq
Alia Muhammad Baker es la bibliotecaria de Basora. Durante 14 años su biblioteca fue un lugar de encuentro para todos aquellos que aman los libros. Hasta que empezó la invasión de Iraq.
Esta es una historia real acerca de la lucha de la bibliotecaria por salvar el valioso fondo de la biblioteca y que nos recuerda a todos que, en el mundo entero, el amor por la literatura y el respeto por el conocimiento no conocen fronteras.
• Un libro basado en una historia real y actual (recogida en el año 2003 por el New York Times).
• Las bibliotecas y los libros son un lazo a la vida y la amistad aun en tiempos difíciles.
Esta es una historia real acerca de la lucha de la bibliotecaria por salvar el valioso fondo de la biblioteca y que nos recuerda a todos que, en el mundo entero, el amor por la literatura y el respeto por el conocimiento no conocen fronteras.
• Un libro basado en una historia real y actual (recogida en el año 2003 por el New York Times).
• Las bibliotecas y los libros son un lazo a la vida y la amistad aun en tiempos difíciles.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 2005
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November 8, 2024
قصة قصيرة مصورة بقلم الكاتبة والرسامة الأمريكية جانيت وينتر وبتحكي فيها بإسلوب مبسط للإطفال عن أمينة المكتبة العراقية عالية محمد باقر ...
عالية أنقذت ٣٠ ألف كتاب ومخطوطة من مكتبة البصرة وذلك عن طريق نقلهم إلي منزلها ومنازل أصدقائها خلال دخول القوات الأمريكية العراق عام ٢٠٠٣...
قصة ملهمة و جميلة جداً إننا نقرأها مع الأطفال عشان يعرفوا أهمية الكتب والقراءة ويعرفوا من هي عالية باقر...
صحيح حيقروها في ٥ دقايق بالكتير ولكن أظن تأثيرها حيستمر معاهم طويلاً..
الكتاب دة نشر عام ٢٠٠٥ والكاتبة أمريكية مش من أي بلد عربي وإحنا للأسف كعرب محدش أهتم يكتب عن هذه السيدة الشجاعة أي كلمة و لم نسمع عنها إلا عندما توفت الشهر الماضي متأثرة بمضاعفات فيروس كورونا !
حاجة تزعل:(
عالية أنقذت ٣٠ ألف كتاب ومخطوطة من مكتبة البصرة وذلك عن طريق نقلهم إلي منزلها ومنازل أصدقائها خلال دخول القوات الأمريكية العراق عام ٢٠٠٣...
قصة ملهمة و جميلة جداً إننا نقرأها مع الأطفال عشان يعرفوا أهمية الكتب والقراءة ويعرفوا من هي عالية باقر...
صحيح حيقروها في ٥ دقايق بالكتير ولكن أظن تأثيرها حيستمر معاهم طويلاً..
الكتاب دة نشر عام ٢٠٠٥ والكاتبة أمريكية مش من أي بلد عربي وإحنا للأسف كعرب محدش أهتم يكتب عن هذه السيدة الشجاعة أي كلمة و لم نسمع عنها إلا عندما توفت الشهر الماضي متأثرة بمضاعفات فيروس كورونا !
حاجة تزعل:(
August 26, 2025
In a Nutshell: A picture book about a real-life Iraqi librarian who saved books during the 2003 attacks on the country. Great intent, decent execution. Doesn't fill all gaps due to the limitation of format. A good way to learn about a brave woman.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"In the Koran, the first thing God said to Muhammad was ‘Read’." – Alia Muhammad Baker.
Alia Muhammad Baker was the chief librarian working with the Central Library in the Iraqi port city of Basra. The library was a welcoming place for all bibliophiles to indulge in bookish discussions. But when news of the war came , the discussions changed to personal issues such as anxiety and uncertainty. Alia was also worried that her beloved books would be destroyed in the fires of war. When the governor refused to give her permission to move out the books, several of which were rare old editions, Alia took matters into her own hands. The rest of the story shows us how she, taking help from some other members of the community, saved thirty thousand books. Just nine days after she moved out whatever books she could, the library burnt down.
The above snippet from Alia’s life should be more than enough to tell you that the book is about yet another ordinary, extraordinary woman whom the world will hardly remember. But book lovers ought to respect her efforts: she almost single-handedly saved 70% of her library's collection using the little resources she had available. Her story is one of courage, faith, and determination.
Unfortunately, the book decides to stick mainly to the above event and offers no other important details. We do not learn basic details such as Alia's age or her family members or her qualifications or how long she had been working with the library. Even the year of the attack and the identity of the attacking nation isn't revealed, forget about the purpose of the war. The story is thus quite vague in details.
I'd have still accepted the above as a deliberate writing choice to keep the picture book simple and straightforward for its young readers. But what I find tougher to understand is why the book ended with Alia's dream of rebuilding the library after the war. Even the author's note doesn't specify the further fate of the library. The library was destroyed in 2003 but it was rebuilt within a year, and Baker was even reinstated as its chief librarian. This book was published in 2005. So it could have easily incorporated that final detail and left its little readers happier. Bittersweet endings, even if hopeful, aren't for picture books!
The book makes good use of the page space. The illustrations on each page are in a box slightly more than 50% of the page length in size. The text, relatively easy to understand considering the slightly-brutal content, is written under the above box in a neat sans serif typeface, with not more than 4-5 sentences at the most per page.
The illustrations, drawn by the author herself, are in watercolour style. They look like drawings from old-timey children's books, making the story appear a bit more historical than it is. Regardless, they complement the writing well. The scenes of war and fire and rifle-wielding soldiers might be a bit upsetting to younger kids, even though the graphics cleverly use subtle hues for the scarier scenes, thereby mitigating the effect.
Despite the issues, the book still works well to highlight an unsung hero who helped save her library’s books from destruction. I've never read any picture book set in Iraq, so it's great to see the place being used in such an inspiring true story.
Recommended. This ought to work well for classroom discussions on the futility of war, of the difference even a single determined person can make, and on how obsessed bibliophiles can get when it comes to their books. 🤭 The official target age is readers aged 4 to 7 years. (Grades P to 3)
3.25 stars.
This was a library read.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"In the Koran, the first thing God said to Muhammad was ‘Read’." – Alia Muhammad Baker.
Alia Muhammad Baker was the chief librarian working with the Central Library in the Iraqi port city of Basra. The library was a welcoming place for all bibliophiles to indulge in bookish discussions. But when news of the war came , the discussions changed to personal issues such as anxiety and uncertainty. Alia was also worried that her beloved books would be destroyed in the fires of war. When the governor refused to give her permission to move out the books, several of which were rare old editions, Alia took matters into her own hands. The rest of the story shows us how she, taking help from some other members of the community, saved thirty thousand books. Just nine days after she moved out whatever books she could, the library burnt down.
The above snippet from Alia’s life should be more than enough to tell you that the book is about yet another ordinary, extraordinary woman whom the world will hardly remember. But book lovers ought to respect her efforts: she almost single-handedly saved 70% of her library's collection using the little resources she had available. Her story is one of courage, faith, and determination.
Unfortunately, the book decides to stick mainly to the above event and offers no other important details. We do not learn basic details such as Alia's age or her family members or her qualifications or how long she had been working with the library. Even the year of the attack and the identity of the attacking nation isn't revealed, forget about the purpose of the war. The story is thus quite vague in details.
I'd have still accepted the above as a deliberate writing choice to keep the picture book simple and straightforward for its young readers. But what I find tougher to understand is why the book ended with Alia's dream of rebuilding the library after the war. Even the author's note doesn't specify the further fate of the library. The library was destroyed in 2003 but it was rebuilt within a year, and Baker was even reinstated as its chief librarian. This book was published in 2005. So it could have easily incorporated that final detail and left its little readers happier. Bittersweet endings, even if hopeful, aren't for picture books!
The book makes good use of the page space. The illustrations on each page are in a box slightly more than 50% of the page length in size. The text, relatively easy to understand considering the slightly-brutal content, is written under the above box in a neat sans serif typeface, with not more than 4-5 sentences at the most per page.
The illustrations, drawn by the author herself, are in watercolour style. They look like drawings from old-timey children's books, making the story appear a bit more historical than it is. Regardless, they complement the writing well. The scenes of war and fire and rifle-wielding soldiers might be a bit upsetting to younger kids, even though the graphics cleverly use subtle hues for the scarier scenes, thereby mitigating the effect.
Despite the issues, the book still works well to highlight an unsung hero who helped save her library’s books from destruction. I've never read any picture book set in Iraq, so it's great to see the place being used in such an inspiring true story.
Recommended. This ought to work well for classroom discussions on the futility of war, of the difference even a single determined person can make, and on how obsessed bibliophiles can get when it comes to their books. 🤭 The official target age is readers aged 4 to 7 years. (Grades P to 3)
3.25 stars.
This was a library read.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Facebook ||
December 29, 2015
هي قصة السيدة علياء أمينة مكتبة البصرة التي رأت ان الكتب لا تقل اهمية عن حياة البشر .
وانقذت ما يقارب الثلاثين الف كتاباً من التلف , ضمنها كتب تعود الى 700 سنة .
لم تبالي لأهمال المسؤولين وحافظت على كنزها وكنز اجدادها وتراثهم .
بطلة عراقيه يجب أن لا ينُنسى اسمها و قصة يجب أن تروى للصغار ليكبروا على حب الكتب وتقدير قيمتها النفيسة .
وانقذت ما يقارب الثلاثين الف كتاباً من التلف , ضمنها كتب تعود الى 700 سنة .
لم تبالي لأهمال المسؤولين وحافظت على كنزها وكنز اجدادها وتراثهم .
بطلة عراقيه يجب أن لا ينُنسى اسمها و قصة يجب أن تروى للصغار ليكبروا على حب الكتب وتقدير قيمتها النفيسة .
June 3, 2018
According to Jeannette Winter's excellent and informative author's note, Alia Muhammad Baker (who was the chief librarian of Basra, Iraq, and indeed even that fact is remarkable, as it shows that while Saddam Hussein might have been in many ways a vile dictator, in his Iraq, women were obviously often employed in important and leadership potential careers) managed to save 70% of the Library of Basra's collection of books before the library burned in April 2003. Not only is it amazing that this brave woman, this librarian, this book lover par excellence, managed to save the majority of books entrusted to her care, but that she and her friends were also able to accomplish this heroic deed in defiance of serious opposition (Alia Muhammad Baker had to save the books on her own, with not only no official help, but likely also at considerable potential danger to both herself and the friends who were helping her).
Now I do agree with my friend Abigail that it is often difficult to know how to introduce the U.S. military involvement in Iraq to children (and how to then discuss this topic with children). And The Librarian of Basar: A True Story From Iraq has, I believe, avoided showing either the Iraqis or the Americans in a one-sided, us versus them fashion. Jeannette Winter's text basically and simply tells the story of one courageous woman, who does what she feels is necessary to keep the Library of Basra's books safe from harm, from the ravages of war. But furthermore, this story also demonstrates most poignantly and with understated sadness, that during war, during armed conflicts, it is often civilians who suffer the most (and not just civilians, but culture, cultural legacies, books, learning, education are also often the victims during armed conflicts, sometimes perhaps, even the intended victims, but more often than not, the unintended victims of war).
Written in a simple, easy to understand style, with bright and visually appealing accompanying illustrations, I would tend to recommend The Librarian of Basra: A True Story From Iraq to and for older children interested in the Iraq War. And while Jennette Winter's presented narrative is in and of itself easy enough for even younger children to grasp (especially if the book were being read aloud) I do not think that I would necessarily recommend The Librarian of Basra: A True Story From Iraq for very young children, as the topics and issues presented are most definitely rather heavy (and also, some of the illustrations of the actual war, especially the fires, tanks and airplanes might be somewhat frightening for younger children). And indeed and yes, with the ever increasing threat of ISIS, not only to Iraq as a country, but also to its cultural, historical and academic monuments and traditions, the story of the librarian of Basra is as relevant today as it was when it was first published (and I also do wonder how Alia Muhammad Baker is faring today, and whether she and her library are now being threatened by ISIS, by wanton destructive vandalism, and that answer is likely and sadly an unfortunate yes).
Now I do agree with my friend Abigail that it is often difficult to know how to introduce the U.S. military involvement in Iraq to children (and how to then discuss this topic with children). And The Librarian of Basar: A True Story From Iraq has, I believe, avoided showing either the Iraqis or the Americans in a one-sided, us versus them fashion. Jeannette Winter's text basically and simply tells the story of one courageous woman, who does what she feels is necessary to keep the Library of Basra's books safe from harm, from the ravages of war. But furthermore, this story also demonstrates most poignantly and with understated sadness, that during war, during armed conflicts, it is often civilians who suffer the most (and not just civilians, but culture, cultural legacies, books, learning, education are also often the victims during armed conflicts, sometimes perhaps, even the intended victims, but more often than not, the unintended victims of war).
Written in a simple, easy to understand style, with bright and visually appealing accompanying illustrations, I would tend to recommend The Librarian of Basra: A True Story From Iraq to and for older children interested in the Iraq War. And while Jennette Winter's presented narrative is in and of itself easy enough for even younger children to grasp (especially if the book were being read aloud) I do not think that I would necessarily recommend The Librarian of Basra: A True Story From Iraq for very young children, as the topics and issues presented are most definitely rather heavy (and also, some of the illustrations of the actual war, especially the fires, tanks and airplanes might be somewhat frightening for younger children). And indeed and yes, with the ever increasing threat of ISIS, not only to Iraq as a country, but also to its cultural, historical and academic monuments and traditions, the story of the librarian of Basra is as relevant today as it was when it was first published (and I also do wonder how Alia Muhammad Baker is faring today, and whether she and her library are now being threatened by ISIS, by wanton destructive vandalism, and that answer is likely and sadly an unfortunate yes).
September 12, 2021
As the librarian of Basra, Iraq, Alia Muhammad Baker encouraged people to meet and discuss books and world and spiritual events. Then war struck this port city in April 2003. Fearing for the safety of the 30,000 books, including a biography of Muhammad from the 1300s, she asked the governor permission to move the books and he refused. Based on the real life of Alia, she secretly alone and then with the help of others was able to save 70% of the library’s collection before the library was destroyed by fire storing them in a neighboring restaurant, the Hamdan, and then in her and friend’s homes. The library was rebuilt in 2004 and she resumed as the chief librarian. Sadly she died in her late 60s on August 13, 2021 due to COVID. Her and the community’s efforts to save the written word were so admirable.
October 20, 2017
Alia Muhammad Baker is one of the unsung heroes of the war in Iraq. Her dedication to saving books for future generations is a true silver lining to this oppressive cloud of war.
September 19, 2017
A love story about books. The opening quote "In the Koran, the first thing God said to Muhammad was 'Read'." This is said by Alia Muhammad Baker, the librarian of Basra. During the war of Iraq, she saved 30,000 books from burning. This is a short and succinct story. She was brave and she obviously loved the word. I had never heard this story and it's powerful. I would think any book-o-phile would appreciate someone saving a library during war. That's a big thought; what books would you decided to take first? She saved 70%. What's your 70%?
April 17, 2017
Fantastic book that I read with my students! So educational and explains what war can do to a country and how important books are.
February 16, 2018
"In the Koran, the first thing God said to Muhammad was 'Read' " - Alia Muhammad Baker
Alia was the chief librarian at the Al Basrah Central Library in Basra, Iraq. A meeting place for discussions and connections, Alia loved her job. When war loomed and grew more imminent, Alia wanted to move the books to a safer location. When denied help by government officials, she took matters into her own hands.
I just love books about books and I particularly love this story for the sheer courage and strength of the real-life protagonist. Alia wanted more than anything to save the books but she was going to have to do so herself. She started by bringing books home every day. In April 2003, Basra was under attack and the library got hit. With the help of her neighbours, Alia got as many books as possible out. In total, she managed to save 30,000 books, about 70% of the whole content of the library. This simple yet profound work was inspiring. Dealing with war and struggle, this book is as relevant now as it was than. Some might not understand why in the midst of such chaos, Alia would not simply leave. But in books, there is heritage and culture, a place of solace and strength. Alia knew that better than anyone. Though the book deals with war, its done with finesse thus its an appropiate and excellent way to introduce it to children.
The illustrations are beautiful. The folk style art perfectly suited the narrative. When Alia's story was first reported, some in her city called her a looter and wondered why she did not take something more valuable. To all of us that love books and reading, we know Alia was saving something quite precious. Once the library was rebuilt, Alia came back as the chief librarian. A great book about a great lady.
Alia was the chief librarian at the Al Basrah Central Library in Basra, Iraq. A meeting place for discussions and connections, Alia loved her job. When war loomed and grew more imminent, Alia wanted to move the books to a safer location. When denied help by government officials, she took matters into her own hands.
I just love books about books and I particularly love this story for the sheer courage and strength of the real-life protagonist. Alia wanted more than anything to save the books but she was going to have to do so herself. She started by bringing books home every day. In April 2003, Basra was under attack and the library got hit. With the help of her neighbours, Alia got as many books as possible out. In total, she managed to save 30,000 books, about 70% of the whole content of the library. This simple yet profound work was inspiring. Dealing with war and struggle, this book is as relevant now as it was than. Some might not understand why in the midst of such chaos, Alia would not simply leave. But in books, there is heritage and culture, a place of solace and strength. Alia knew that better than anyone. Though the book deals with war, its done with finesse thus its an appropiate and excellent way to introduce it to children.
The illustrations are beautiful. The folk style art perfectly suited the narrative. When Alia's story was first reported, some in her city called her a looter and wondered why she did not take something more valuable. To all of us that love books and reading, we know Alia was saving something quite precious. Once the library was rebuilt, Alia came back as the chief librarian. A great book about a great lady.
July 6, 2017
"Only Alia is left to protect the books."
قصة سيدة عظيمة من العراق العظيم. أحبّت الكتب أكثر من أي شيء في العالم. وجازفت كثيراً من أجل إنقاذ هذه الكتب النادرة من وحوش الحرب.
سيدة عظيمة ومُلهمة تُعلّمك كيف يكون الانتماء الحقيقي للوطن، وتستحق أن تُعرف على نطاق واسع. ومن الرائع أن يتربّى أطفالنا على كهذا قصص.
كل الحب والاحترام والإجلال والإكبار للسيدة عالية محمد بكر ❤
قصة مؤثرة.
لا تُنسى.
...
قصة سيدة عظيمة من العراق العظيم. أحبّت الكتب أكثر من أي شيء في العالم. وجازفت كثيراً من أجل إنقاذ هذه الكتب النادرة من وحوش الحرب.
سيدة عظيمة ومُلهمة تُعلّمك كيف يكون الانتماء الحقيقي للوطن، وتستحق أن تُعرف على نطاق واسع. ومن الرائع أن يتربّى أطفالنا على كهذا قصص.
كل الحب والاحترام والإجلال والإكبار للسيدة عالية محمد بكر ❤
قصة مؤثرة.
لا تُنسى.
...
March 7, 2017
قصة للأطفال كتبتها البريطانية جانيت وينتر باللغة الانجليزية عن أمينة مكتبة البصرة أثناء الحرب في العراق وكيف أنها أنقذت ثلاثين ألفًا من الكتب الجديدة والقديمة بعد أن نقلتها دون موافقة من الحكومة إلى منزلها ومنازل أصدقائها قبل أن تلتهم النيران المكتبة بتسعة أيام
هذه قصة حقيقية بطلتها امرأة عراقية تدعى علياء محمد
الجميل في الأمر غير موضوع القصة أن الكاتبة البريطانية استهلت هذه القصة بالتالي
In the Koran, the first thing God said to Muhammad was "Read".
شيء جميل جدًا أن يقرأ أطفال الغرب مثل هذه القصة التي تحكي عن ديننا ونبينا بهذه الطريقة الرائعة
كل التحية والشكر للكاتبة البريطانية وللمثال المسلم والإنساني الجيد الذي قدمته أمينة المكتبة
March 8, 2012
The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq : I really enjoyed this book. It is important for readers to think about how people in other countries are impacted by events, such as war, from other perspectives. Many children know of the war in Iraq but from the American perspective. I am appreciative of Jeanette Winter for sharing Alia Muhammad Baker’s story and letting us see how the war affected the library and the residents of Basra, Iraq. I also appreciated that Winter noted that the Basra library contained books in other languages, new books, ancient books, etc; this allows children/readers to see that the people in Iraq read about all kinds of people and places just as we do. Children often have a special bond with their local library and will be able to understand how it might feel Iraqi children to have their library destroyed by war. This can open the door to many conversations and hopefully guide children to open-mindedness. The illustrations were colorful and added to the story but it would have been nice to see some photographs or realistic drawings of the town, library, people, etc.
My son’s favorite aspect of this book was that the librarian was able to save the books. (Which reminds me how remarkable it is to see a strong Iraqi woman, they are usually portrayed as submissive and weak.) My son also thinks it is unfair that the library burned down, he says that war can’t stop learning. We brainstormed all the different ways the people of Iraq could still learn until they get a new library.
My son’s favorite aspect of this book was that the librarian was able to save the books. (Which reminds me how remarkable it is to see a strong Iraqi woman, they are usually portrayed as submissive and weak.) My son also thinks it is unfair that the library burned down, he says that war can’t stop learning. We brainstormed all the different ways the people of Iraq could still learn until they get a new library.
March 10, 2012
Well, I am impressed by the true story and by the Librarian of Basra. I’m not as big a fan of this book as are most Goodreads’ members. (I took a look at the ratings.)
One thing about which I’m perplexed is if the saving of the books happened in exactly this way, their survival was a matter of chance. Maybe the restaurant and not the library could have been bombed?
So, I didn’t really like the spare text. I didn’t like that the story (sans beginning quote and author’s note) seems almost generic. Who’s doing the bombing is certainly not addressed. All these things aren’t necessarily flaws but I was expecting to read more detailed history.
I did enjoy the look of the illustrations, loved reading about the saving of so many books, of course, and enjoyed the brief description of some of the books and types of books that were in the library.
I’m not sure who the target readers are. Not very young or very sensitive children, but perhaps older elementary school children, preferably kids who know something about these events or who will have their questions about them answered.
The story is definitely inspiring, and would be good to read in concert with discussions about war, collaboration, bravery, friendship, and the importance of books, and the similarities between the world’s peoples.
But I expected to enjoy this particular book more than I did. 3 ½ stars
One thing about which I’m perplexed is if the saving of the books happened in exactly this way, their survival was a matter of chance. Maybe the restaurant and not the library could have been bombed?
So, I didn’t really like the spare text. I didn’t like that the story (sans beginning quote and author’s note) seems almost generic. Who’s doing the bombing is certainly not addressed. All these things aren’t necessarily flaws but I was expecting to read more detailed history.
I did enjoy the look of the illustrations, loved reading about the saving of so many books, of course, and enjoyed the brief description of some of the books and types of books that were in the library.
I’m not sure who the target readers are. Not very young or very sensitive children, but perhaps older elementary school children, preferably kids who know something about these events or who will have their questions about them answered.
The story is definitely inspiring, and would be good to read in concert with discussions about war, collaboration, bravery, friendship, and the importance of books, and the similarities between the world’s peoples.
But I expected to enjoy this particular book more than I did. 3 ½ stars
April 20, 2017
هي تنتظر الحرب لتنتهي
تنتظر وتحلم بالسلام
وتنتظر
وتحلم بمكتبة جديدة
تنتظر وتحلم بالسلام
وتنتظر
وتحلم بمكتبة جديدة
March 15, 2012
I'm quite torn over my feelings about this picture book which tells the true story of Alia Muhammad Baker, a librarian in Basra, Iraq, and how she personally endeavors to save the precious books in her library when war reaches Basra. On the one hand, it is a deeply touching story about how one person can make a difference in his/her community, even against all odds, and even inspire others to help. In this case, it is even more poignant in that Alia wants save books--treasure troves of her culture, not just in the history they contain but in the physical volumes that happy, intelligent members of the community held and shared before the war came.
At the same time, I couldn't help but feel that I wanted more from this book. Some of the things that were included seemed a bit too frightening for younger children, yet the text was generally sparse and didn't provide enough information for older readers (or adults). Also, I was a bit confused over some elements, such as why the library was in danger but not the restaurant next store? I could see children having many questions, such as why the soldier seemed concerned over the restaurant owner having a gun, yet decided not to search the restaurant. Moreover, while on one hand, I appreciated why the author might wish to keep certain aspects were a bit vague (it is never specifically stated who was fighting whom) I also found it was also a bit frustrating. For example, my guess is that showing the Caucasian soldier (in US military attire) was to acknowledge the American involvement, but then, why show only a Caucasian to represent all of America? Again, young children may not understand enough as it seems a great deal is implied,or the reader is already expected to know about the Iraq war, and older children who are more aware may be frustrated by the lack of depth. Maybe the fact that I didn't love this book shows my own ignorance about some of these issues, but, again, I would have liked this book to enlighten me more.
Despite my reservations, I still think it's an important book and I am grateful that the author wanted to create a book to share Alia's courageous story with children. And in a time when many people look to all the qualities that make one group of people "different than" another, I appreciated that this book focuses on something that most of us can relate to--a love of books, a love of one's home and neighbors, and a desire to keep something sacred amidst all the profanity of war.
At the same time, I couldn't help but feel that I wanted more from this book. Some of the things that were included seemed a bit too frightening for younger children, yet the text was generally sparse and didn't provide enough information for older readers (or adults). Also, I was a bit confused over some elements, such as why the library was in danger but not the restaurant next store? I could see children having many questions, such as why the soldier seemed concerned over the restaurant owner having a gun, yet decided not to search the restaurant. Moreover, while on one hand, I appreciated why the author might wish to keep certain aspects were a bit vague (it is never specifically stated who was fighting whom) I also found it was also a bit frustrating. For example, my guess is that showing the Caucasian soldier (in US military attire) was to acknowledge the American involvement, but then, why show only a Caucasian to represent all of America? Again, young children may not understand enough as it seems a great deal is implied,or the reader is already expected to know about the Iraq war, and older children who are more aware may be frustrated by the lack of depth. Maybe the fact that I didn't love this book shows my own ignorance about some of these issues, but, again, I would have liked this book to enlighten me more.
Despite my reservations, I still think it's an important book and I am grateful that the author wanted to create a book to share Alia's courageous story with children. And in a time when many people look to all the qualities that make one group of people "different than" another, I appreciated that this book focuses on something that most of us can relate to--a love of books, a love of one's home and neighbors, and a desire to keep something sacred amidst all the profanity of war.
November 5, 2016
A true story of Mrs. Alyaa the manager of Basra Library whom saved over than 3000 priceless books during the US invasion in Iraq.
I encourage everyone to read it. Very interesting true story! Feel proud of this Iraqi Woman.
The story is available pdf using this link:
http://www.4shared.com/office/foTaVVL...
I encourage everyone to read it. Very interesting true story! Feel proud of this Iraqi Woman.
The story is available pdf using this link:
http://www.4shared.com/office/foTaVVL...
January 26, 2016
I just bought this book in ebook format today and completed it. I was prompted to read The Librarian of Basra because of the recommendation of it by one of my Goodreads friends who is Iraqi and the controversy this innocent book has caused in this country.
I am always skeptical when a Westerner, especially American, writes about a non-Western country or culture because many of these authors have a bad track record of making fantastically false presentations and setting up propaganda to make the other side look bad or very primitive in a brutal or ignorant sort of way. But sometimes with authors of children's or YA (young adult) books this is not always the case I've noticed. Many of the authors who write for the young do not have a negative agenda of war propaganda and personal bigotry. They merely want to tell a good story and present a culture to young people that they probably aren't familiar with. This book for young children is one of these with a positive message which some parents here in the US, who probably never bothered to read the book have managed to use their fear of and bigotry against Islam to try to have this book banned in some school districts. The theme of The Librarian of Basra is not about religion. Yes, at the beginning of the story it says that God told the Prophet Muhammad to read, but nothing else is said about Islam.
This book is about a courageous Iraqi librarian who was so passionate about the books under her protection, some new, some old, some centuries old and a part of her nation's heritage, that she is determined to save them from war. The library which she ran in the southern Iraqi city of Basra is also a gathering place for people to relax and have intellectual discussion.
Yes, libraries get bombed in wars, and America has been and continues to be involved in the cultural destruction of nations. When I visited a Byzantine exhibition here in my hometown about eight years ago and saw artifacts from Greece, Syria, and Turkey that were a part of a private collection gathered back in the 1920s, it became clear to me for the first time that many rich white Western elites were in and still are in the business of trafficking the antiquities of non-Western nations.
But getting back to the book, there is nothing dangerous here. American children and Americans in general need to learn about other cultures because we live in a globalized world, it's far past time that we let go of our fear, bigotry, and ignorance about the world off America's shore, and also because most cultures are older than this one and often have more meaning and excitement than American culture, which has no real historical basis and is always changeable and based on fads and consumerism. This book's message is not about religion, but about the love of books, an ancient nation's heritage, the bravery and diligence of one woman, and how war disrupts and ruins the lives of innocent civilians.
If I had to do it over again, I would have gotten a hard copy of the book. The pictures and the writing were small on my Kindle Fire. Even so, the pictures in this book are very colorful and well done for a children's picture book.
I'd hope this book would inspire children to want to learn more about Iraq, and since America has been at war most of it's 230 or so years, begin to ask questions why this country is always in a constant state of war with countries that are always so far away and of no physical threat.
I was so happy to see that the Iraqi people and Muslims were not demonized in this book the way they have been in adult media for the last 15 years. The characters are dignified and smart, and it's time that our citizens of all ages become aware of who the real barbarians are.
Photo of the reconstructed library of Basra:
http://www.reuters.com/news/picture/i...
2003 NYT article about the librarian of Basra:
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/27/wor...
The destruction of the National Library and State Archives of Iraq:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03...
I am always skeptical when a Westerner, especially American, writes about a non-Western country or culture because many of these authors have a bad track record of making fantastically false presentations and setting up propaganda to make the other side look bad or very primitive in a brutal or ignorant sort of way. But sometimes with authors of children's or YA (young adult) books this is not always the case I've noticed. Many of the authors who write for the young do not have a negative agenda of war propaganda and personal bigotry. They merely want to tell a good story and present a culture to young people that they probably aren't familiar with. This book for young children is one of these with a positive message which some parents here in the US, who probably never bothered to read the book have managed to use their fear of and bigotry against Islam to try to have this book banned in some school districts. The theme of The Librarian of Basra is not about religion. Yes, at the beginning of the story it says that God told the Prophet Muhammad to read, but nothing else is said about Islam.
This book is about a courageous Iraqi librarian who was so passionate about the books under her protection, some new, some old, some centuries old and a part of her nation's heritage, that she is determined to save them from war. The library which she ran in the southern Iraqi city of Basra is also a gathering place for people to relax and have intellectual discussion.
Yes, libraries get bombed in wars, and America has been and continues to be involved in the cultural destruction of nations. When I visited a Byzantine exhibition here in my hometown about eight years ago and saw artifacts from Greece, Syria, and Turkey that were a part of a private collection gathered back in the 1920s, it became clear to me for the first time that many rich white Western elites were in and still are in the business of trafficking the antiquities of non-Western nations.
But getting back to the book, there is nothing dangerous here. American children and Americans in general need to learn about other cultures because we live in a globalized world, it's far past time that we let go of our fear, bigotry, and ignorance about the world off America's shore, and also because most cultures are older than this one and often have more meaning and excitement than American culture, which has no real historical basis and is always changeable and based on fads and consumerism. This book's message is not about religion, but about the love of books, an ancient nation's heritage, the bravery and diligence of one woman, and how war disrupts and ruins the lives of innocent civilians.
If I had to do it over again, I would have gotten a hard copy of the book. The pictures and the writing were small on my Kindle Fire. Even so, the pictures in this book are very colorful and well done for a children's picture book.
I'd hope this book would inspire children to want to learn more about Iraq, and since America has been at war most of it's 230 or so years, begin to ask questions why this country is always in a constant state of war with countries that are always so far away and of no physical threat.
I was so happy to see that the Iraqi people and Muslims were not demonized in this book the way they have been in adult media for the last 15 years. The characters are dignified and smart, and it's time that our citizens of all ages become aware of who the real barbarians are.
Photo of the reconstructed library of Basra:
http://www.reuters.com/news/picture/i...
2003 NYT article about the librarian of Basra:
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/27/wor...
The destruction of the National Library and State Archives of Iraq:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03...
January 12, 2020
قصة جميلة و ملهمة للأطفال بكلمات بسيطة و مفهومةكما تشجع على القراءة و أهمية الكتب في حياتنا
July 1, 2015
أمينة مكتبة البصرة
جانيــــت ونتـــــر
ذات يوم العام الفائت كنت أقرأ مقالا عن الكتب ومن موضوع إلى موضوع عثرت على مقالة تشيد بقصة جانيت ونتر "أمينة مكتبة البصرة - قصة حقيقية من العراق" وقتها ظننت أن هذه القصة عبارة عن رواية تروي فيه جانيت تفاصيل نجاح أمينة المكتبة علياء في الحفاظ على كتب المكتبة العامة التي تعمل بها
اليوم فقط فوجئت بأن القصة عبارة عن قصة قصيرة للأطفال وبها رسوم توضيحية .. لكنني لم أحزن لفقدي متعة التلذذ في تفاصيل امرأة تعيش بين الكتب وكل ما يهمها في الحياة هو الحفاظ على هذه الكتب من الغزو الذي يهدد المنطقة
لماذا فرحت بهذا الكتاب؟
1.جانيت ونتر تستهدف أطفال بلدها بين سني العاشرة والثانية عشرة لتخبرهم أن هناك عالما آخر من
أناس بعيدين عن لهم ثقافتهم الخاصة وتشير لكتابهم المقدس " القرآن" في أول صفحة ونبيهم محمد وبأن دينهم يدعوهم للقراءة بكلمة اقرأ
2. جانيت ونتر تدعو دخول أمريكا للعراق
الغزو
وليس تحريرا
3.جانيت ونتر تشير وبطريقة غير مباشرة أن استهداف القوات للمكتبات والكتب لم يكن عشوائيا
إنه لمن الرائع حقا أن ترى نموذجا كجانيت ونتر يحاول أن يسمي الأسماء بمسمياتها ويحاول أن يغرس الحقيقة في قلوب صغار أمريكا والعالم ويبين لهم كم من أن أناس رائعين ومخلصين يعيشون في هذه العالم غيرنا وهم يهتمون بالثقافة والحرية والأمل والسلام
جانيت ونتر
شكرا
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5xp-...
2015، 1 يوليو
August 21, 2021
I wish it was much longer than this🤦
I was just starting the story and it ended so soon.
This is the real story that happened in Iraq during the times of its invasion during 2003. The chief librarian of Basra's Central Library, Alia Muhammad Baker, with the help of a few trusted friends, did her best to save some 30,000 books before a fire burns the library to the ground.
Awesome spirit.
Awesome read.
I was just starting the story and it ended so soon.
This is the real story that happened in Iraq during the times of its invasion during 2003. The chief librarian of Basra's Central Library, Alia Muhammad Baker, with the help of a few trusted friends, did her best to save some 30,000 books before a fire burns the library to the ground.
Awesome spirit.
Awesome read.
April 21, 2017
A real worthy book aimed for kids to teach them part of what happened in Iraq through a simple illustrated story and to raise the awareness of the importance of learning, books and reading.
June 28, 2008
A true librarian! I probably would have done the same thing were I in her shoes. The thought of destroying books-- unthinkable!
March 15, 2012
The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq by Jeanette Winter, based on a New York Times article of July 27, 2003, tells the story of Alia Muhammad Baker, head librarian of Basra, Iraq who helped save 70% of the library's collections before the library burned during the Iraq War. An author's note gives backgound at the end of the book. This was a March 2012 selection for the library topic for the Picture Book Club at Goodreads.
Winter's colorful, bold illustrations were done in acrylic and pen. Among the striking images include bringing books home, war reaches Basra, soldiers abandon library, passing books over wall, fire burns library, and the last two images.
This inspiring true story tells how Alia Muhammad Baker saved many of Basra's library books at considerable potential danger to both herself and the friends who were helping her. By focusing on the story of the library, Winter is able to show the war in Iraq without going into the politics of the situation. The United States is never mentioned in the text, nor is the U.S. military and their bombing and destruction during the war. The value placed on books and literature is shown. Some very sensitive children could be upset by some of the images. This is recommended for school and public library collections.
For ages 5 to 10, collaboration, bravery, friendship, books, libraries, perseverence, current-affairs, women-and-girls, war, middle-east, military, multicultural, and fans of Jeanette Winter.
Winter's colorful, bold illustrations were done in acrylic and pen. Among the striking images include bringing books home, war reaches Basra, soldiers abandon library, passing books over wall, fire burns library, and the last two images.
This inspiring true story tells how Alia Muhammad Baker saved many of Basra's library books at considerable potential danger to both herself and the friends who were helping her. By focusing on the story of the library, Winter is able to show the war in Iraq without going into the politics of the situation. The United States is never mentioned in the text, nor is the U.S. military and their bombing and destruction during the war. The value placed on books and literature is shown. Some very sensitive children could be upset by some of the images. This is recommended for school and public library collections.
For ages 5 to 10, collaboration, bravery, friendship, books, libraries, perseverence, current-affairs, women-and-girls, war, middle-east, military, multicultural, and fans of Jeanette Winter.
November 2, 2016
Well, I was not expected the booklet to be that short. It is directed for children, I suppose, so that's why. The picture book shows moderate artwork, and the story is OK for kids. I think it would give them a boost on how valuable books are that even at the times of dismay, Alia couldn't just leave them be. A Book is a treasure, and a treasure must be treasured by all means.
Cool lesson, from a true story.
Cool lesson, from a true story.
November 5, 2016
An amazing true story of an amazingly brave librarian!
Thanks for the rec Ridha!
Thanks for the rec Ridha!
March 7, 2017
قصة حقيقية وجميلة بالفعل..يمكن تحويلها إلى فيلم دراماتيكي غاية في الروعة..
February 2, 2023
He leído este libro infantil como homenaje a la bibliotecaria Alia Muhammad Baker, directora de la Biblioteca Central de Basora, en Irak, durante más de catorce años.
En el 2003, con la ocupación y los bombardeos de Irak, Alia se temió lo peor, así que pidió permiso a las autoridades iraquíes para mover los libros a un lugar más seguro, pero ese permiso no le fue concedido. Y no solamente eso, las oficinas del gobierno fueron trasladadas a la biblioteca. Alia decide en ese momento y por cuenta propia salvar los libros, así que por las noches, cuando finalizaba su trabajo, llenaba una caja con libros y los llevaba para su casa. Llegado el momento en que no podía almacenar más libros decidió pedir ayuda. Convenció a sus vecinos para que la ayudasen a sacar los libros y guardarlos y, aunque mucha de esta gente no sabía ni leer ni escribir, la ayudaron porque sabían que podía perderse todo su patrimonio, su historia, ... Consiguieron salvar cerca de 30.000 libros, más o menos el 70% del catálogo que tenía la Biblioteca de Basora antes de ser quemada.
Shaila K. Dewan, reportera del “New York Times” fue la primera en revelar estos hechos al mundo, después de haber oído la historia de Alia y su biblioteca durante una visita al restaurante de Anis Mamad, el Hamdan, que se encuentra cerca de la biblioteca. El intérprete de Shaila le dijo que Anis tenía una historia increíble que contarle sobre la guerra, así que Shaila le pidió una cita. Alia también estuvo presente, y juntos compartieron esta emotiva historia.
Y este libro infantil trata sobre esta bonita historia. ¡Admiro a Alia por su determinación y valentía! ¡Para mí es una heroína!
En el 2003, con la ocupación y los bombardeos de Irak, Alia se temió lo peor, así que pidió permiso a las autoridades iraquíes para mover los libros a un lugar más seguro, pero ese permiso no le fue concedido. Y no solamente eso, las oficinas del gobierno fueron trasladadas a la biblioteca. Alia decide en ese momento y por cuenta propia salvar los libros, así que por las noches, cuando finalizaba su trabajo, llenaba una caja con libros y los llevaba para su casa. Llegado el momento en que no podía almacenar más libros decidió pedir ayuda. Convenció a sus vecinos para que la ayudasen a sacar los libros y guardarlos y, aunque mucha de esta gente no sabía ni leer ni escribir, la ayudaron porque sabían que podía perderse todo su patrimonio, su historia, ... Consiguieron salvar cerca de 30.000 libros, más o menos el 70% del catálogo que tenía la Biblioteca de Basora antes de ser quemada.
Shaila K. Dewan, reportera del “New York Times” fue la primera en revelar estos hechos al mundo, después de haber oído la historia de Alia y su biblioteca durante una visita al restaurante de Anis Mamad, el Hamdan, que se encuentra cerca de la biblioteca. El intérprete de Shaila le dijo que Anis tenía una historia increíble que contarle sobre la guerra, así que Shaila le pidió una cita. Alia también estuvo presente, y juntos compartieron esta emotiva historia.
Y este libro infantil trata sobre esta bonita historia. ¡Admiro a Alia por su determinación y valentía! ¡Para mí es una heroína!
September 30, 2016
This is a sad, but heartwarming tale about how war tears apart the foundations of society. One librarian strives to protect her precious books, books that are hundreds of years old and cultural relics.
It's sad that the library is burned to the ground during the conflict, but inspiring that Alia was so dedicated to preserving her piece of Iraqi culture and language. Our girls enjoyed watching the story on the Tumblebooks website. (tumblebooks.com)
This story was selected as one of the books for the March 2012 - Library reads at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
It's sad that the library is burned to the ground during the conflict, but inspiring that Alia was so dedicated to preserving her piece of Iraqi culture and language. Our girls enjoyed watching the story on the Tumblebooks website. (tumblebooks.com)
This story was selected as one of the books for the March 2012 - Library reads at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
April 16, 2016
Inspiring story of Alia Muhammad Baker, the librarian who rescued 30,000 books from the Basra library during the Iraq War in 2003 and hid them in her home, the homes of friends, and a nearby restaurant. I read today in the National Coalition Against Censorship's e-newsletter that one of Ms. Winter's other books, Nasreen's Secret School: A True Story from Afghanistan, is being challenged by parents in Wisconsin, but that book was checked out so I found this one. This is a lovely piece about the horrors of war, the necessity of reading and culture, and the ways that communities in ravaged countries can work together to preserve cultural and historical treasures. Looking forward to when my copy of Nasreen's Secret School arrives.
April 21, 2018
A beautiful picture book that tells the story of Alia Muhammad Baker, a librarian in Basra who goes to great lengths to protect her library's books during wartime. There's not much text in it. It's very short and simplified. I think even in a kids book there could have been a tiny bit more in the way of detail about Baker and the war and her wartime activities. But, it's still lovely and I'm glad I read it and I imagine it could be a great conversation starter when talking to kids about any number of topics (war, heroes, libraries and librarians, the importance of access to books and other forms of learning, why and how books can be "threatening" to political regimes...)
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