Nour's Secret Library

one rarely finds a children’s book that is so true and so real and alive that tears flood the eyes of both the adult and the child reading it!this story took us on a trip and showed us light that defeated darkness and hope that survived pain and death.it’s based on a real story but is also perfectly written and illustrated.

This book has the courage to look at the realities of war head-on while also honoring the strength and creativity of children living through war. And it speaks to the importance of books for helping humans retain hope and gain empathy for others' situations. A must-read in classrooms and homes.

This book is delightful and has so many hidden treasures as usual. First the story is simple enough that it can be read and understood by kids of any age. The vocabulary is rich which speaks to older kids and young adults. Adults who have been through a war have a lot to relate to especially Lebanese who spent a good part of their youths in basements during the civil war. The illustrations are wonderful; they perfectly blend the vivid colors of a child’s life, the dark destruction of war and the richness of the Arabic civilization and Syrian culture. The map that acknowledges the Palestinian territories is a good reminder that the plight of the Palestinians has yet to be addressed . The list of libraries at the end is enlightening and everything in that appendix reflects the author's love of learning and teaching.

It is amazing how children adapt to their surroundings. Nour and her friends were living a normal life climbing trees, playing hide-and-seek, and jumping over puddles. But all that changes when war comes to Damascus. This is a look at the life of children who are surrounded by war.Nour and her friends bravely roam their neighborhood looking for abandoned books. The secret library they create provides a haven where people can escape into a world without wars, a world of beauty, all through the books in Nour’s secret library. A beacon of light, a glimmer of hope.The illustrations are softly muted while the scenes of destruction are in grey tones.At the end of the book is information on Syria and most libraries in the Middle East. Throughout history, the people of the Middle East have had a love of books. I loved this quote from the book: “Every book was like a person wanting to be loved, with a unique personality and soul.”This book may not be appropriate for all children. There are mentions of bombings and war.

We loved this story of a brave girl with a big idea to bring light to those living in a dark existence. So much to reflect on and learn from in this story based on real events.

It is hard not to be touched by the narrative of Nour’s Secret Library. It is a story of hope that shines out against a blanket of sadness that has been experienced by so many children around the globe. Waft Tarnowska beautifully reflects our world’s longing for peace. A must read for all ages.