Set in Daraya, and based on a real events in Syria, as well as the author’s own life in Lebanon, this 32 page elementary and up story does an amazing job of showing relatable childhood adventures and ingenuity shining through even in the most horrific of environments. The book is inspiring and warm, but the backdrop of war is very much present. Some young children may be bothered by the images and text, while others will benefit from understanding the humanity that is affected by such violence. I know the book says the pages are not final, but I wanted to put it out to help drum up interest. I feel this story would best work in intimate settings where discussion, compassion, and gratitude can all intuitively transpire.
Nour’s best friend is her cousin Amir, they love to read and imagine adventure and secret societies. As their dream to create a secret club, complete with a secret password and handshake, for them and their friends starts to come to fruition, war arrives first.
Families are forced to seek shelter away from the bullets at night in their basements, and only are allowed to venture out when absolutely necessary. Every time Amir goes out, he collects any books he finds, and encourages his friends to do the same.
They begin sorting the books, and trying to decide what to do with them, when Nour has an idea to create a secret library. Everyone pitches in when an empty, half destroyed basement is located, and the books are moved and set up on discarded planks of wood. A boy next door is entrusted with the secret handshake and becomes the deputy librarian.
As word spreads, everyone from boys and girls to soldiers and rescuers, collect books to stock the shelves and checkout books to keep their minds busy. The library, named Fajr, is open every day from morning to evening and closed during Jummah. It becomes the city’s best kept secret and a source of hope for the community.
There are references at the back that tell about the true story of the Secret Library in Syria, the author’s memories of hiding in the basement in Lebanon, a glossary of terms, information about Syria, the illustrator’s research, information about the war, and famous libraries in the Middle East.
A nonfiction picture book for teens that features amazing women from ancient times to the present day. Many of the women featured are Muslim and each entry receives a teasing summation page with a full page portrait from one of five international artists before a two page, more in-depth biography is presented. The 112 pages feature an introduction, and a map to start the book off, and acknowledgements and a glossary at the end. There are large time gaps that I wish would have been commented on, the geographical pool includes India which surprised me, and in one of the entries the way hijab is discussed seemed judgmental to me, but other than that the stories are absolutely remarkable. There are amazing women in every culture and throughout all time periods, but to see one that highlights a region that is stereotypically oppressive to women is a sight for sore eyes. I learned so much and marveled at the intellect, bravery and determination shown from being rulers of empires to intellectuals to scientists and artists everything in between.
Islamic School Librarian 