abigailbat's review against another edition
3.0
This brief graphic novel tells the true story of Alia Muhammad Baker, who saved the library in Basra, Iraq from destruction. Passionate about books and dedicated to preserving the culture of her hometown, Alia manually transported library books to safe places. She started the efforts herself, gradually recruiting more people from the neighborhood when the government ignored her plight. Thanks to her efforts and the efforts of all the volunteers, tens of thousands of books were removed before the library was burned down. It's an inspiring story (especially for us librarians!).
l1brarygirl's review against another edition
3.0
Good illustrations & story. I liked the further stories given in the back of the book too
libraryrobin's review against another edition
3.0
Working together as a community saves much of the history contained in an Iraqi library ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّٰهِ
antsneversleep's review against another edition
3.0
I love the story this book told, the drawings were straightforward & were definitely a positive addition to the book. However, I didn't love the way the story was told, especially troublesome were the grand/sweeping statements regarding the people of Iraq's viewpoints & perspectives. Ultimately, I think there are better versions of the story.
michelleful's review against another edition
4.0
This is another telling of the story of Alia Muhammad Baqer, the librarian of Basra, who saved tens of thousands of books from going up in flames during the Iraq War by marshalling the community. I liked this a bit better than "The Librarian of Basra", which is aimed at even younger readers and tackles slightly more mature themes, though not so much the ethics of war itself; the fact that it threatens books and lives is sufficient condemnation within these pages.
elizabethlk's review against another edition
4.0
Alia's Mission is a really solid telling of the story of Alia Muhammad Baker, an incredible librarian who saved thousands of books from destruction in Basra. The comic style works well to tell this story. I thought sometimes the language and art style didn't match up in maturity level, but overall it was a great read, and it shared important information. The additional library history at the end was appreciated.
Recommended.
Recommended.
academianut's review against another edition
3.0
Similar to The Librarian of Basra, "Alia's Mission: Saving the Books of Iraq" is a fascinating true-life story, a short children's biography drawn as a black-and white graphic novel, about one heroic librarian who, together with her community, secretly saved 30,000 books from being destroyed in the Iraq War. I just wish it were longer and in color - but still, à good story and great for kids to learn about!
drtlovesbooks's review against another edition
3.0
This true story tells a little-known tale that might encourage younger readers (and even older ones) to think about how lucky they might be if they have access to books or a decent library. It also helps foster connections, as so much of the exposure of American audiences to Iraq comes through news reports of dictatorial regimes. This book offers an interesting counterpoint that shows that people love to learn and love books, no matter where they live.