Alia Muhammad Baker is the librarian of Basra, Iraq. “Her library is a meeting place for all who love books. They discuss matters of the world and matters of the spirit. Until now—now they talk only of war.” In 2003, with the U.S invasion of Iraq imminent, Alia wondered what would happen to the books in Basra’s Central Library if their city was attacked. When the governor refused her request to move the books to a safe place, she began smuggling volumes out of the library each night after work. When the war reached Basra and bombs began to fall, Alia frantically called upon nearby neighbors of the library to help her save more books while buildings in the city burned. Over the course of one night, they packed books in crates, sacks, and curtains, passing them over a seven-foot wall to hide them in the restaurant next door. In all, they saved 30,000 volumes, which Alia later hid in her own house and the houses of friends. There they remain, while Alia dreams of peace, and a new library for Basra. Jeanette Winter’s riveting picture book account of the real-life, heroic efforts of Alia and others to save the books of Basra’s library combines a tense, spare, present-tense narrative with stirring visual images that suggest the panic, destruction, and despair of war, but always in the context of the hope that grows from the actions and dreams of individuals determined to make a positive difference. (Ages 8–11)

*ALA Notable Children's book 2006 *

Celebrated author-illustrator Jeanette Winter weaves a hopeful tale of one woman's courageous book rescue.

In the Spring of 2003, Alia Muhammad Baker was the city of Basra's real-life librarian. She was the keeper of cherished books and her library was a haven for community gatherings.

But with war imminent in Basra, Iraq, what could this lone woman do to save her precious books?

With lyrical, spare text and beautiful acrylic illustrations, Jeanette Winter shows how well she understands her young audience.

This true story of one librarian's remarkable bravery reminds us all how, throughout the world, the love of literature and the respect for knowledge knows no boundaries.