Nour's Secret Library

by Wafa' Tarnowska, Vali Mintzi (Illustrator)

Overview

★ “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

The world of books is wonderful, Nour thought, looking at the piles of books around her.
Like a galaxy full of stars. Some are shinier than others, but together they make the sky sparkle.

When their Syrian city is plagued with bombings, young Nour and her cousin Amir create a secret underground library, finding hope and escape for the people in their community within its walls. Based on the author's life and inspired by true events, Nour's Secret Library reveals the power of books to heal, transport, and create safe havens in difficult times.

• Highlights the resilience of children and the comfort of stories
• Inspired by real events and personal experience
• Perfect for young readers learning about empathy and courage

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781646862924
Publisher:	Barefoot Books
Publication date:	03/29/2022
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	8.40(w) x 10.50(h) x 0.30(d)
Age Range:	6 - 10 Years

About the Author

Wafa’ Tarnowska is an award-winning writer, translator and storyteller. She was born in Lebanon and has worked and lived in several countries from India, to Australia, to the UAE as well as Cyprus and Lebanon. She currently lives between the UK and Poland, writing, translating books and documentaries and offering storytelling sessions in English and Arabic. Wafa' sees herself as a cultural bridge between East and West, and has also written the award-winning The Arabian Nights for Barefoot Books.

Vali Mintzi was born in Romania and studied at the prestigious Bezalel Academy in Jerusalem. She works as an illustrator and graphic editor for the children's art magazine Einayim. In 2012 she was awarded The Israel Museum Ben-Yitzhak Award for the Illustration of a Children's Book. Her vibrant and evocative style is influenced by painters such as Bonnard, Hockney and Matisse. She has also illustrated The Girl with a Brave Heart for Barefoot Books.

Editorial Reviews

★ “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

From the Publisher

2022-03-02
As their city is ravaged by war, two children and their community create an oasis of hope amid the destruction.

Nour, a young girl whose name means light in Arabic, calls Damascus her home. After school, she and her beloved cousin, Amir, read stories about detectives and dream of finding treasure, camping, and creating a secret club. After months of planning, they are finally ready to launch their club; however, on the day of the first meeting, the fighting draws near to their part of town, forcing them to shelter with their families in a neighbor’s basement. There, they are often without water or electricity, and sometimes food is scarce. From a small street-facing window, the children can see active shelling and watch buildings collapse, “spilling the things inside onto the streets like open suitcases.” The kids start collecting books from the rubble, and the Al-Fajr (Dawn) Library is born. Some of Mintzi’s beautiful pencil, gouache, and charcoal illustrations in warm earth tones capture the vibe of Damascus in peaceful times, showing minarets, houses hugging each other, busy streets, and orchards. Based on a true story of the Syrian civil war from the resistant town and people of Daraya, this book demonstrates the power of hope and community in difficult times and uniquely portrays people in conflict zones as educated and rich, culturally and intellectually. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A warm, engaging, and informative book that’s a valuable addition to children’s literature about war and conflict. (glossary, additional facts, author’s note, illustrator’s note) (Picture book. 9-13)

Kirkus Reviews