The Librarian of Basra: A True Story of Iraq

Written and illustrated by Jeanette Winter, The Librarian of Basra is a nonfiction picture book about how one determined woman helped save the Basra Central Library's books during the invasion of Iraq in 2003. In a Harcourt interview, Winter was asked, "What do you want children to remember about the librarian of Basra?" She replied, "I would hope that children would take with them the belief that one person can truly make a difference. And that they would remember the bravery of one woman protecting what was important to her, especially when they feel powerless, as we all do sometimes." This is an excellent book, one I recommend for children 8-12 years old.

(Cover art courtesy of Harcourt)