The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq (original 2005; edition 2005)

by Jeanette Winter

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1,205	84	16,234	(4.2)	7
Alia Muhammad Baker is a librarian in Basra, Iraq. For fourteen years, her library has been a meeting place for those who love books. Until now. Now war has come, and Alia fears that the library--along with the thirty thousand books within it--will be destroyed forever. In a war-stricken country where civilians--especially women--have little power, this true story about a librarian's struggle to save her community's priceless collection of books reminds us all how, throughout the world, the love of literature and the respect for knowledge know no boundaries.… (more)

▾Book information

Member:	DenaLanders
Title:	The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq
Authors:	Jeanette Winter
Info:	Harcourt Children's Books (2005), Edition: First Edition, Hardcover, 32 pages
Collections:	Your library
Rating:
Tags:	Multicultural, Picture Book, Adventure, The Book Woman, Nasereen's Secret School, The Librarian is a Camel

Work Information

The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq by Jeanette Winter (2005)

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A Child's Book Tour of the Arabian Peninsula (41)

At the Library ::: Children's Picture Books about Libraries (14)

fictional librarians (42)

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I'm always a sucker for books about passionate protectors of libraries. I liked Baker's determination and creativity.

sloth852 | Jan 2, 2024 |

رحمها الله..توفيت السيدة عالية باقر (أمينة مكتبة البصرة منذ أسبوع) في العراق (

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DrEmanreads | Sep 1, 2022 |

Another banned books selection. This true story is about a librarian who saved 70% of her library's books knowing that the likelihood of our being bombed and burned was high. Another one I wouldn't hesitate to put in the hands of a child. I would love to find out more about this woman! (

)

bookdrunkard78 | Jan 6, 2022 |

Great book that shed lights on getting through tough times. Would suggest 4th grade and up read the book due to more mature themes such as warfare. (

)

EverettDowdy | Mar 8, 2021 |

Recommended Ages: Gr. K-4

Plot Summary: Alia Muhammad Baker is the librarian in Basra. She anticipates trouble for the books in her library when the war begins, so she and some friends manage to get most of them out before a bomb starts a fire in the building.

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Characters:

Recurring Themes: bravery, devotion, war, conflict, friendship, library

Controversial Issues: none

Personal Thoughts: This easy read shows war, and the worry that comes with war, without the blood. I love that it's a woman who saved the books.

Genre: nonfiction, biography

Pacing: very quick, about 1-3 sentences per page
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Activity: (

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pigeonlover | Sep 27, 2020 |

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Has the adaptation

Alia's Mission: Saving the Books of Iraq by Mark Alan Stamaty

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Canonical title

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Original publication date

2005

People/Characters

Important places

Basra, Iraq

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Epigraph

"In the Koran, the first thing God said to Muhammad was 'Read.'"
--Alia Muhammad Baker
From the New York Times, July 27, 2003

Dedication

For Allyn Johnston

First words

Alia Muhammad Baker is the librarian of Basra, a port city in the sand-swept country of Iraq.

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▾Book descriptions

Alia Muhammad Baker is a librarian in Basra, Iraq. For fourteen years, her library has been a meeting place for those who love books. Until now. Now war has come, and Alia fears that the library--along with the thirty thousand books within it--will be destroyed forever. In a war-stricken country where civilians--especially women--have little power, this true story about a librarian's struggle to save her community's priceless collection of books reminds us all how, throughout the world, the love of literature and the respect for knowledge know no boundaries.

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Book description

Alia Muhammad Baker, a librarian in Basra, Iraq, is the focus of this 2003 true story as she saves the books from her library before it is burned during the Iraq war. When she asks the governor for safe storage of the books, and it is denied, she is aided by her community in protecting the books from destruction. Although appearing as a book for elementary level, this beautifully told and illustrated story will be appreciated by readers of all levels.

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