The Librarian of Basra ~ Jeanette Winter (2004, Reed Business Information)

Summary: The story is about a librarian fromt he city Barsa, in Iraq. Her library has been a place where people have come to enjoy books. She fears for the safety of these books because a war has come to her country. She moves the books to her house where she feels that they will be safe.

My Review: I like this book because it shows the importance of a single person. One person can make a difference and the students are able to see this when the librarian saves all of the books. It also shows the importance of books which I think can always be emphasized more with the younger generation. 


About the Author:  Jeanette Winter is the author and illustrator of a number of children's picture books, including September Roses, a small picture book based on a true story that happened in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, Calavera Abecedario: A Day of the Dead Alphabet Book, My Name Is Georgia, a book about artist Georgia O'Keeffe, and Josefina, a picture book inspired by Mexican folk artist Josefina Aguilar. She has also illustrated children's books for other writers, including Day of the Dead by Tony Johnston.

Genre: Non-Fiction, Multicultural
Theme/ Skill: Multicultural education, cause and effect
Age Level: 5-12

Pre-Reading Activity: Ask students what they know about libraries and librarians? Ask them what they know about Iraq? Have them predict what this book could be about.

Post-Reading Activity: Have students help you write a summary of the story. Then have students pick a book that can be considered multicultural literature. Have students take the book home and share it with an adult. Also, send home the summary of The Librarian of Basra taht should explain why this story is important.