Forced to take shelter when their Syrian city is plagued with bombings, young Nour and her cousin begin to bravely build a secret underground library. Based on the author’s own life experience and inspired by a true story, Nour’s Secret Library is about the power of books to heal, transport and create safe spaces during difficult times. Illustrations by Romanian artist Vali Mintzi superimpose the colorful world the children construct over black-and-white charcoal depictions of the battered city.
Publisher: Barefoot Books Ltd
ISBN: 9781646862924
Number of pages: 32
Dimensions: 272 x 216 mm
★ “A beautiful and poignant coming-of-age book . . . Based on the author’s and illustrator’s personal experiences, this unique war story is full of hope and resilience that shines through even the worst of situations” – School Library Journal, starred review
“This dual story—one of destruction, and one of preservation and hope—focuses on the importance of reading during war and the cultural role of libraries and knowledge, especially during times of crisis” – The Horn Book Magazine
“As their city is ravaged by war, two children and their community create an oasis of hope amid the destruction . . . A warm, engaging, and informative book that’s a valuable addition to children’s literature about war and conflict” – Kirkus Reviews
“Inspired by a true story and the author’s own childhood experience, Nour’s Secret Library conveys the comfort and hope books and libraries offer in times of struggle” – Anne Thompson, A Library Lady
“In ‘Nour’s Secret Library,’ books are a refuge for a community under attack” – Wall Street Journal
“A beautifully told and illustrated story of hope and community” – The Guardian
“Books prove ‘a safe port in a sea of war’ when conflict comes to Damascus in this affecting picture book” – Publishers Weekly
“This picture book tells the story, inspired by reality, of Syrian cousins who salvage books from bombed buildings and create a secret library in a basement, which offers a refuge from war. Lyrically told and attractively illustrated, it is a celebration for book lovers anywhere” – Sunday Times
Bombs are crumbling the structures around Nour, but the power of books is about to rebuild souls in a fractured land.
This is a beautiful, enlightening story with stunning illustrations that float off the page and...
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This beautiful story book is based on a true story set in the town of Daraya near Damascus when the children of the town gathered together books over a four year period creating a library - a place of peace and... More
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