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km24's review against another edition
Written by Wafa' Tarnowska, Nour's Secret Library is a slice-of-life story giving a glimpse into the lives of children living in a war-torn region. Nour and her cousin Amir live in Damascus, Syria. Like most kids their age, they love making up secret clubs with their own rules and passwords. But then, the war enters their town, and they have to stay safe in the basement with their family and friends. As the kids try to distract themselves from the war and its violence, their idea for a secret club turns into a secret library. The idea grows, and kids and adults start collecting books from among the debris left behind by the bombs and missiles. The library becomes a place of solace for everyone.
While reading this illustrated book, I was often reminded of Anne Frank, another child trying to find hope in the midst of horrors of war and persecution. Unlike Anne Frank, Nour might be fictional. But she is based on the author's life experiences and a true story. So, Nour and her story too is real.
I especially liked the information about similar secret libraries that sprang up during wars and the true story this book is based off of found at the back of the book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for sending across a review copy of the book.
While reading this illustrated book, I was often reminded of Anne Frank, another child trying to find hope in the midst of horrors of war and persecution. Unlike Anne Frank, Nour might be fictional. But she is based on the author's life experiences and a true story. So, Nour and her story too is real.
I especially liked the information about similar secret libraries that sprang up during wars and the true story this book is based off of found at the back of the book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for sending across a review copy of the book.
mehsi's review against another edition
5.0
Wauw, wat een absoluut prachtig en heerlijk boek was dit. Vol hoop en liefde tussen alle oorlog en pijn in. Wat machtig van die kinderen dat ze hun eigen bibliotheek hebben gemaakt, hun eigen veilige plek, iets van hen, maar wat ze met liefde ook delen aan iedereen die het wil. Ik heb onwijs genoten van dit prachtige boek en wat een mooie illustraties, die cover bijvoorbeeld? Die wil ik zo wel hebben op de muur.
Tof vond ik ook de non-fictie stukken aan het einde waarin de schrijfster verteld over een andere verborgen bieb, over de oorlog, en meer.
Aanrader!
Tof vond ik ook de non-fictie stukken aan het einde waarin de schrijfster verteld over een andere verborgen bieb, over de oorlog, en meer.
Aanrader!
estherfilbrun's review against another edition
4.0
This is such a sweet story! I read it to my two youngest siblings last night, and while I was reading, several other family members gathered around to listen, too. A picture of hope in the middle of destruction, this book is a celebration of family, friendship, and literature. As a book lover, I appreciated the way books brought this community together and the way books helped them through a difficult time. The illustrations in this book were beautiful and bright, and I particularly enjoyed the notes at the end from the author and illustrator. Books like this are a great way to introduce children to other cultures and give them a bit of a glimpse into the trouble other children face at times (although done gently, this book does talk about bombed homes, lack of water, and food shortages). Highly recommended!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.
ciara032's review against another edition
4.0
some of the children’s books that come into the library are so beautiful that i can’t help but sit and read them instead of working. this book is so beautifully illustrated and tells such an important story and is one i want to keep a note of so i can buy it for nieces/nephews/wee cousins in the future !
erine's review against another edition
4.0
This text-heavy picture book describes the coming war in Syria, the long nights in basement shelters, the speedy elimination of everyday activities like school and shopping and play. And then the slow sprouting of hope in the form of a secret library, books collected from wreckage around the city.
Detailed backmatter offers context and additional information.
Detailed backmatter offers context and additional information.
librarianryan's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This book is wonderful. It is fiction, but it is based on true events. It’s based on the war in Syria and families that chose to stay. The children collected books from the bombed-out buildings and created their own library. It’s sad that stories like this exist but it’s through books that we lose our ignorance. This book was wonderful, the illustrations match and, I’m glad the story exists even though I wish it didn’t
rainbowbookworm's review against another edition
5.0
Books have the power to save lives. This is why so many people are afraid of them. In this book, the secret library keeps people safe physically, but also mentally by occupying their minds while devastation reigns outside its walls.
A powerful true story, with a heartbreakingly open ending.
A powerful true story, with a heartbreakingly open ending.
saccalai's review against another edition
4.0
A lovely, magical book with beautiful illustrations. But it's tinged with sadness at how real it all is, wars that are fought all the time.
I liked that there is some information at the end of the book, describing all the wonderful things about Syria and showing there is much more to it than just a war zone.
I liked that there is some information at the end of the book, describing all the wonderful things about Syria and showing there is much more to it than just a war zone.
twicomb's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
With this touching story, Wafa' Tarnowska takes us inside the experience of living as a child in a city being torn apart by war. But she also shows the resilience and hope that persists. It's a simple, beautiful tale that is based in true events, which makes it even more touching. This story contains a line that may be one of my new favorites: "Every book was like a person wanting to be loved."
Vali Mintzi's soft, painterly illustrations remind me very much of the Madeline books by Ludwig Bemelmens (the first won Caldecott Honor). There is an absolutely gorgeous image of a ship riding on waves made up of books' pages. The ship contains the buildings and the people of the town. I interpret that as symbolizing how the books are keeping them safe and giving them hope that they're continuing to move forward.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this eARC for unbiased review.
Vali Mintzi's soft, painterly illustrations remind me very much of the Madeline books by Ludwig Bemelmens (the first won Caldecott Honor). There is an absolutely gorgeous image of a ship riding on waves made up of books' pages. The ship contains the buildings and the people of the town. I interpret that as symbolizing how the books are keeping them safe and giving them hope that they're continuing to move forward.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this eARC for unbiased review.
twirlsandwhirls's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Nour's Secret Library is a gorgeous book, from the bright and shifting illustrations to the story itself. The resources in the back of the book were excellent as well, including some translations for a few Arabic words used in the text, information about the real secret library that inspired this book, and short bios of the author Wafa' Tarnowska and illustrator Vali Mintzi.
I am very lucky to have never seen war at my doorstep. I think it's important to understand that this is a privilege and to familiarize myself with narratives of war, even if they are intended for children. They suffer so much during wartime.
I am very lucky to have never seen war at my doorstep. I think it's important to understand that this is a privilege and to familiarize myself with narratives of war, even if they are intended for children. They suffer so much during wartime.