The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq Hardcover – Picture Book, January 1, 2005

It is such an amazing book!Children books that tell true storis like this one will help build a culture of true peace and help respect and preserve the dignity and humanity of people with different backgrounds and traditions whom, unfortunately, are being portraited by some media outlets as "savages" and "inhuman".In my opinion, this is the type of books that I would like for the friends and classmates of my children to read. I am saying this as an Iraqi refugee and permanent resident in the United States who lived through the horors of war in Iraq witnessing stories of resilience like this one and then came to the US hoping to build a future for my family, become a proud American citizen and become a good member of this respectful society that values facts, knowledge, perseverance and helping others.The next generation needs to know the crucial importance of peace and needs to learn how devastating war can be, without being traumatized or terrified by the stories of these wars. And I think, that for the children of the world's most powerful nation, as well as other children, this book is the right first step.

Wonderful story. The text is actually very good. I could wish for some little telling details that would draw children into the story but it does the job. The main reason it doesn't get five stars from me is that the illustrations are a bit dull and they don't have enough variation to grab kids' attention, but it is definitely worthwhile. There is real discussion of bombs dropping and other realities of war that are often too glossed over in children's books. It doesn't name any names about who is at war with whom or why. The focus is on saving the books and understanding the impact on people of any ar. That is probably a good thing. Parents and teachers can fill in the missing details if kids are old enough.

This is a true story about a brave woman, Alia Baker, who defied the bombs and bullets surrounding her, in order to save the precious books of her beloved library in Basra. This book should be required reading for all students so they can appreciate the value of knowledge, history, peace, and books, and to respect librarians who go out of their way to help spread the message of education.

I recently asked my seven year old granddaughter what her favorite school subject was and she immediately said, "Library, because there are so many books there and I love to read." A few days later I read the review of "The Librarian of Basra" in the Washington Post and decided this was the perfect book for her. I just read it myself today and can't wait to share it with Maria. I am also going to order a copy for her school library because I think it sends a double message - the importance of books in our lives and the terrible effects of war on everyone. Jeanette Winter's illustrations are beautiful. I would truly recommend this book to elementary school children.

Beautifully illustrations add to this harrowing story simply written. My 5th grade kids were thinking a great deal as I read this aloud. Appart from adding diversity to our classroom library (topic, country, people) this book is great for determining importance, making inferences and examining an emotional and tricky topic like war in a safe familiar place- a book.

Borrowed this from the library.I found it.. different.Might not have shelled out for it had the kids not fervently insisted they wanted it at home "forever".Wonder what they found so interesting - the bright colors, toned-down pictures of wartime, the light prose, the minimalist neat artwork, or the hopeful tone running subtlely throughout?Whatever it was, I bought it, and they're still going back to it ever so often.So it was worth it... I guess.(PS. the fact that it's a current world affair also probably plays into the interest factor, but hey, for reading time - whatever works!!)

Great story about considered risk-taking, friends and community pulling together, and one dedicated woman in a male-dominated society managing to save the history of human knowledge. Can't go wrong sharing this one!

Very nice book. My partner from Iraq and I’ve been wanting to find nice books on Iraq to show my kids so they can learn about their fathers birthplace. It’s a nice story on a courageous lady. It true story too!

Thought- and discussion-provoking story with an inspirational protagonist. Also a good story to communicate the value of books. We have given this book as a gift as well as kept a copy for our home 'library'.

Kids really enjoyed it. Details of story from Basra, Iraq Librarian really touched the kids. Good for bed time reading.

Story about books value

fabulous story, great for reading in my job as a school librarian

I was expecting a beautifully written story, especially that the true story behind it is fascinating and touching. But the book has done a bad job of making it interesting for children.