Book description
In this incredible true story of a war-stricken country where civilians seem powerless in the face of battle, this feminist and inspirational tale about a librarian's struggle to save her community's priceless collection of books reminds us how, throughout the world, the love of literature can unite us all.
Why read it?
2 authors picked The Librarian of Basra as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
This is one of the first “solutionary stories” I fell in love with as a humane educator and mom. A classic and beautiful true story of an Iraqi librarian in war-torn Basra who, with the help of her neighbors, hides and saves the books in her city’s library, this one never fails to touch my heart. Jeanette Winter has a simple, powerful way of evoking emotions in her books—in this one, about war, and about one woman’s mission amidst it. This story speaks to the power of books, the power of community, and the power of one person’s passion to…
From Meeg's list on The best picture books about ordinary helpers in extraordinary times.
This is the remarkable true story of Alia Muhammed Baker, a librarian in Basra, Iraq. When war threatened to destroy her library in 2003, Alia, who considered books “more precious than mountains of gold,” made the heroic effort to transfer 30,000 volumes to safe locations just days before her library was burned to the ground. Author/illustrator Jeanette Winter tells this story in a way that is not traumatizing to young children but also doesn’t sugarcoat the horrors of war. Ultimately, it is a triumphant celebration of books, of courage, and of the human spirit.
From Sharlee's list on The best children’s books about libraries and librarians.
If you love The Librarian of Basra...
Hazel and Mabel
A satisfying story of rediscovering friendship after time spent apart.
For many years, Hazel and Mabel were inseparable. The two friends made up stories, spent the night together, and shared their snacks. Then, Mabel moved away. As time passes, Hazel and Mabel think of each other often, but they also…
Want books like The Librarian of Basra?
Our community of 13,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Librarian of Basra.
Share your top 3 reads of 2026!
And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.
185
readers submitted
so far, will you?
📚 If you like The Librarian of Basra, you might also like...
If I Could Choose a Best Day
A fresh, fun, inspiring illustrated poetry collection you can put in the hands of any reader.
Curated by the award-winning duo Irene Latham and Charles Waters, this collection contains 30 poems that all begin with the same word: "if." Subject matter moves from the practical "if you have a pencil"…
A Foot is Not a Fish!
In a time of alternative facts and the loss of a shared sense of reality, A Foot is Not a Fish playfully illustrates the difference between what is true and what is not through absurd fun comparisons that every child—and parent—will instantly understand.
This book playfully illustrates common truths by…
