The inspiring story of an Iraqi librarian's courageous fight to save books from the Basra Central Library before it was destroyed in the war.
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reviews
Dec 17, 2008
Alice
rated it: 
Appropriate for ages 10+
A true story of how a librarian and her helpers saved 30,000 books from destruction in graphic novel format.
One cannot fail to be moved by the true story of this book. It tells of a librarian, Alia Muhammed Baker, who saved 30,000 books from the library in Basra, Iraq, which would have otherwise burned after the U.S. invasion and subsequent looting. Told in graphic novel format, the story shows how, without government assistance but with the help More...
A true story of how a librarian and her helpers saved 30,000 books from destruction in graphic novel format.
One cannot fail to be moved by the true story of this book. It tells of a librarian, Alia Muhammed Baker, who saved 30,000 books from the library in Basra, Iraq, which would have otherwise burned after the U.S. invasion and subsequent looting. Told in graphic novel format, the story shows how, without government assistance but with the help More...
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Dec 08, 2010
Chris
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Stamaty, Mark Alan. Alias’s Mission: Saving the Books of Iraq: Inspired by a True Story (2004)
This is the true story of Alia Muhammad Baker, the chief librarian of the Central Library in Basra, Iraq. When the invasion of Iraq started in 2003, greatly concerned about the safety of the library and its collection,Alia began a secret relocation of thousands of books. Some she smuggled home in her car and others were passed over the library walls into the restaurant of a friend next door. More...
This is the true story of Alia Muhammad Baker, the chief librarian of the Central Library in Basra, Iraq. When the invasion of Iraq started in 2003, greatly concerned about the safety of the library and its collection,Alia began a secret relocation of thousands of books. Some she smuggled home in her car and others were passed over the library walls into the restaurant of a friend next door. More...
Jul 28, 2010
Kathy
rated it: 
Stamaty, M. (2004). Alia’s mission: Saving the books of Iraq. New York: Knopf
Nonfiction. This is the story of Alia Muhammad Baker, who was the chief librarian of the Basra Central Library, in Basra, Iraq, in 2003. With the invasion of Iraq, looming in the near future, Alia becomes concerned about the library as “the irreplaceable collective memory of our people.” Stamaty shows Baker requesting the government’s permission to remove the collection from the building; after she is r More...
Nonfiction. This is the story of Alia Muhammad Baker, who was the chief librarian of the Basra Central Library, in Basra, Iraq, in 2003. With the invasion of Iraq, looming in the near future, Alia becomes concerned about the library as “the irreplaceable collective memory of our people.” Stamaty shows Baker requesting the government’s permission to remove the collection from the building; after she is r More...
Jul 25, 2010
S10_tommccormack
rated it:
Ages: 11 and up
"Alia's Mission" is a graphic novel and tells the story of a woman who was instrumental in saving over 30,000 books from the Central Library in Basra during the Iraq War.
Alia is a librarian who sees the writing on the wall before her library is destroyed, so she starts sneaking books into her own house and other locations. When the library is ultimately destroyed, only the books she took remain.
This book attempts to provide a different per More...
"Alia's Mission" is a graphic novel and tells the story of a woman who was instrumental in saving over 30,000 books from the Central Library in Basra during the Iraq War.
Alia is a librarian who sees the writing on the wall before her library is destroyed, so she starts sneaking books into her own house and other locations. When the library is ultimately destroyed, only the books she took remain.
This book attempts to provide a different per More...
Feb 16, 2010
The story of an Iraqi librarian who fought to save the books at the Basra Central Library before it was destroyed in war. In spite of the government’s disapproval, Alia inspired a community of people to save 30,000 books from the library.
Okay, so I made another attempt at reading a graphic novel. Call me a glutton for punishment! Actually, this one was much more accessible for me and I was able to read it with little difficulty. This text was not nearly as busy as "Amelia More...
Okay, so I made another attempt at reading a graphic novel. Call me a glutton for punishment! Actually, this one was much more accessible for me and I was able to read it with little difficulty. This text was not nearly as busy as "Amelia More...
Mar 02, 2009
Shannon
rated it: 
Reading Level- 3-6
Genre- Non-fiction Picture book
Topic- War is going on in Iraq & Alia is on a mission to save the books from the library
Social- This book relates socially to our time today because of the war that is still going on in Iraq. It could be used to help children get a better understanding.
Literary elements- This book is based on a true story
Curricula Use- Guided reading
Text & Pictures- The pictures are in a comic form which More...
Genre- Non-fiction Picture book
Topic- War is going on in Iraq & Alia is on a mission to save the books from the library
Social- This book relates socially to our time today because of the war that is still going on in Iraq. It could be used to help children get a better understanding.
Literary elements- This book is based on a true story
Curricula Use- Guided reading
Text & Pictures- The pictures are in a comic form which More...
Oct 11, 2009
Huong
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Dec 28, 2011
Carly
rated it:
Alia's Mission: Saving the Books of Iraq tells the remarkable story of Iraqi librarian, Alia Muhammad Baker. In 2003, Alia knew that her library- the Central Library of Basra- could be targeted in the impending war. She courageously begins smuggling books out of the library and brings them to the safety of her home. Other residents of Basra- including the owner of a restaurant close to the library- work with Alia to save the library collection. Alia and her neighbors were able to save over 30,00
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Mar 10, 2011
Lady
rated it:
Great way to tell this story! Very much a good book to read in conjunction with The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq, although "Librarian" is for a younger crowd than this graphic novel (which is probably ideal for 10 though 14 year olds).
Fantastic true story of a brave librarian who organized the saving of thousands of books as the war in Iraq rolled closer and closer. Although the library did burn to the ground, she along with a large part of her neighbours and librar More...
Fantastic true story of a brave librarian who organized the saving of thousands of books as the war in Iraq rolled closer and closer. Although the library did burn to the ground, she along with a large part of her neighbours and librar More...
Feb 26, 2009
Corby
rated it:
Genre- Picture book
Reading Level- 2-6
Topic and Themes- Alia wants to save the books from the library. War is going on around her
Curricula use- Read Aloud and Shared reading
Social- The Iraq war is happening and the library is being used as a headquarters. Alia wants to save the books. The community pulls together and helps her.
Literary Elements- Based on true events
Text and Pictures- This book is written in comic book forma More...
Reading Level- 2-6
Topic and Themes- Alia wants to save the books from the library. War is going on around her
Curricula use- Read Aloud and Shared reading
Social- The Iraq war is happening and the library is being used as a headquarters. Alia wants to save the books. The community pulls together and helps her.
Literary Elements- Based on true events
Text and Pictures- This book is written in comic book forma More...
Sep 06, 2010
Mavia
rated it:
This story is about a woman named Alia who is a librarian and wants to save all the books in her library.Because her country is in war.Alia wants to get all the books out before the bombs and attacks fire up the whole library of Baghdad!!! She does not want the books to be destroyed!
If all the books are destroyed then Baghdad culture,religion and history will be destroyed and forgotten.From this story I learned that if we did not have books we would not have knowledge.We would not know hi More...
If all the books are destroyed then Baghdad culture,religion and history will be destroyed and forgotten.From this story I learned that if we did not have books we would not have knowledge.We would not know hi More...
Oct 27, 2011
528_Tracy
rated it:
This graphic novel details the true story of Alia, the Chief Librarian of the Basra Central Library. During the Iraq War, Alia led the effort to save over 30,000 books from the Basra Library, which was burnt to the ground. She saved the books by storing them in her own home, a nearby restaurant, anywhere she could find room. The back of the book includes some background history on the libraries of Iraq and the Middle East. This book is most appropriate for ages 9-12. It could be paired with
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Feb 22, 2010
Cynthia
rated it:
This story, written as a comic being told by a book, is based on the true story of Alia, who makes it her mission to save the books in the library she works for from the coming war between Iraq and England and America. It really is wonderful to see a strong female protagonist in a book like this.
Middle elementary students should enjoy this book. The pencil comic drawings and the straightforward language make the real story engaging. You end up rooting for Alia and her mission. It's More...
Middle elementary students should enjoy this book. The pencil comic drawings and the straightforward language make the real story engaging. You end up rooting for Alia and her mission. It's More...
Feb 25, 2009
Linzi
rated it:
Genre: Picture book
Reading Level: Grade 4-6
Topics & Themes: This book is set during the first Iraq war. Alia saves thousands of books from the local library before the war begins. She is a hero to many people.
Curricular Use: Shared reading, read aloud
Social: This book talks about the Iraq war that we are currently fighting. Be sensitive when talking about this topic because many children might have parents or relatives fighting in the war.
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Reading Level: Grade 4-6
Topics & Themes: This book is set during the first Iraq war. Alia saves thousands of books from the local library before the war begins. She is a hero to many people.
Curricular Use: Shared reading, read aloud
Social: This book talks about the Iraq war that we are currently fighting. Be sensitive when talking about this topic because many children might have parents or relatives fighting in the war.
More...
Feb 20, 2009
Darlene
rated it:
Genre - nonfiction history
reading level - 3rd grade
topic and themes - Alia wants to save the books
curricula use - guided reading
social - war
literary elements - conflict between Alia and the upcoming war, irony, imagery,
text and pictures - text and pictures connect the story, interesting that it was put together like a comic book
summary - Alia is a librarian and there is a war going on in her country. She is worr More...
reading level - 3rd grade
topic and themes - Alia wants to save the books
curricula use - guided reading
social - war
literary elements - conflict between Alia and the upcoming war, irony, imagery,
text and pictures - text and pictures connect the story, interesting that it was put together like a comic book
summary - Alia is a librarian and there is a war going on in her country. She is worr More...
Jul 31, 2010
Lindsey
rated it:
MIDDLE EAST BOOK AWARD WINNER (2005)
Format: Graphic novel
Age level: Elementary
Protagonist: Alia
Set in Iraq
Brief Summary: This is the same story as the picture book The Librarian of Basra. This version is written for an older audience and has some additional details.
I thought the political references were very out of place in the story. The pictures in the background were very violent and showed all soldiers looking the same. I didn't think the s More...
Format: Graphic novel
Age level: Elementary
Protagonist: Alia
Set in Iraq
Brief Summary: This is the same story as the picture book The Librarian of Basra. This version is written for an older audience and has some additional details.
I thought the political references were very out of place in the story. The pictures in the background were very violent and showed all soldiers looking the same. I didn't think the s More...
Apr 30, 2009
Shawn
rated it:
This books tells of how a woman cared deeply for the history and culture of her own culture, that she will do whatever is necessary to preserve it.
Illustrator: Mark Alan Stamaty
Publisher: Knopf books for young readers
Publication Date: 2004
Audience: 5 - 10 yrs.
specific use: independent reading / guided practice
social issues: how a woman was able to save books she thought was very important.
literacy elements: perseverance in the face of the ene
Illustrator: Mark Alan Stamaty
Publisher: Knopf books for young readers
Publication Date: 2004
Audience: 5 - 10 yrs.
specific use: independent reading / guided practice
social issues: how a woman was able to save books she thought was very important.
literacy elements: perseverance in the face of the ene
Apr 18, 2011
Seher
rated it:
A graphic novel about an Iraqi woman librarian who is determined to save a library in Iraq. The country is being affected by the war and no one will help! Alia doesn't let that stop her. She saves 30,000 books from the library and when friends and family see her determination, they follow her foot steps in saving the books as well. This book would be great to show an example of an everyday hero or change agent. It would bring a lot of discussion to the classroom.
Oct 11, 2011
Christine
rated it:
A non-fiction kids'graphic novel about the woman named Alia Muhammad Baker, the chief librarian of the Central Library in Basra, Iraq. In 2003 the war in Iraq is coming closer to Basra and Alia fears for the books. Despite soldiers surrounding the library, Alia leads the community on a mission to save the books. By the time the library has been set on fire, together the community saved over 30,000 books, sneaking them out armloads at a time.
Dec 21, 2009
Sam
rated it:
Some would probably recognize this as the story of the librarian of Basra. During the escalating conflict in 2003, she smuggled close to 30,000 books out of the Basra Central Library before it was eventually bombed by the British. The story is well-told and everything, but honestly the way Stamaty draws people kind of bugs me- the mouths are really disturbing, with giant teeth sticking out.
Sep 25, 2009
pati
rated it:
I like that the story begins with a reference to superheroes, (typical kids' material) and contrasts that with reality, that average people take part in courageous acts which often go unacknowledged. And of course, as a future librarian I enjoy almost anything that speaks in favor libraries/librarians, of the importance of reading, and the preservation of cultural heritage.
Jul 11, 2009
Lesley
rated it:
After reading and enjoying The Librarian of Basra, I was interested in reading this version of the story as well. The illustrations in this book seem rather busy, but they did give me better feel for how some of the citizens of Bazra helped pitch in and save the library books from destruction before the library burned.
Dec 01, 2010
Kisha
rated it:
This book is very interesting to me because it is the first graphic story that I have ever read. It is the storty of a woman who boldly saught to preserve her countries history by saving books from being destroyed. I think that the pictures were really great because they captured the emotions of the characters.
Apr 23, 2011
Mina
rated it:
This is an amazing Graphic Novel. It can be used in a variety of ways. I would use it for book clubs, for great discussions. Can be used to teach about a change agent, a women fighting for her rights and voice to be heard. Teach about the love of books with it. Look at the illustrations.
Mar 13, 2009
Patrick
rated it:
This book is very important because children learn how important books can be. Alia did whatever it took to save these books. It teaches children the stick up for things they want. They need to be courageous and try to be successful during hard times.
Jul 20, 2010
Alicen
rated it:
Although this graphic novel is intended for younger readers I very much enjoyed this story of one woman's mission to save the main Basra Library in Iraq. There were some very moving images, reminding me why I enjoy this genre of literature.
Nov 29, 2011
Jill
rated it:
Good graphic novel with b&w cartoons that tell the story of a librarian in Basra who saves much of the central library's books in 2003 when Iraq was invaded by the British and Americans. Good story and good book. Go librarians!
Sep 27, 2010
Lori
rated it:
Terrific comic-style biography about a librarian in Iraq who saved thousands of books. Short, easy to read. Good sense of community. Good historical notes to explain the context to the reader.
Oct 07, 2009
Debrarian
rated it:
Graphic novel account of everyday heroism: Alia organizes neighbors and friends to carry 30,000 books from the library of Basra and store them in their homes—just before the library is burned.
Oct 31, 2010
Kim
rated it:
I've read the picture book version of this story before, and I honestly enjoyed that more. This, however, is better for an older set and might be more boy-friendly.
