My girls and I read three books which take place at least partially in Iraq. The Librarian of Basra is the story of a brave librarian which shows just how important books are. Building Zaha is a picture book biography of a creative Iraqi architect. And Lost and Found Cat is a beautiful story of a family who is reunited with their cat after being separated during their journey to find a new home. All three are worth looking for at the library or bookstore next time you are out. You can read more about each below.
If you know of any other great stories set in Iraq, or by an Iraqi author, please let me know so I can add them to our list!
Kid Reads
The Librarian of Basra
Libraries are special places, and Alia Muhammad Baker’s library, Basra’s Central Library, in Basra, Iraq was no different. People gathered there to talk and read – until war came.
Desperate to save the books that were “more precious to her than mountains of gold”, Alia began secretly taking books home every night so they would not be burned in the war’s fires. Running out of time she eventually asked the restaurant owner next door to help her smuggle even more books to safety.
When the fighting moved away from the library and restaurant Alia had the books moved again, this time to her home, and the homes of friends. This story ends with Alai waiting, with her books, for the war to end and for a new library to be built. I read an article online that said the library was rebuilt in 2004 and Alia was reinstated as chief librarian.
While war is central to this story, the images are gentle enough for young, sensitive readers. The focus is more on the courageous efforts of Alia to save the books that help preserve the history, culture, and heritage of her people.
Title: The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq
Author/Illustrator: Jeanette Winter
Publisher: Harcourt [2005]
I borrowed this book from our local library.
Building Zaha: The Story of Architect Zaha Hadid
Do your kids like picture book biographies? My 7 year old LOVES them. We’ve learned that they can teach us so much about a place ~ its history, its culture, the people, and the landscape. They can also help strengthen empathy by giving us a glimpse into the life of someone else.
Building Zaha: The Story of Architect Zaha Hadid invites us to learn about Iraqi-born architect Zaha Hadid. Growing up in Baghdad she loved to explore the city’s mosques and buildings. She was intrigued by models of buildings and decided at a young age she wanted to be an architect.
After studying math in Beirut, Lebanon, she moved to London, England where she studied architecture. Defying conventions, both in architecture and in business, she went on to win competitions and eventually design buildings that can be seen around the world. Using nature and her artistic flair, Zaha Hadid reached the goal she set for herself.
The illustrations in Building Zaha help convey the harmony and sense of movement Zaha tried to create with her designs. The text always circles back to the importance of having a goal and striving to meet it, even when the goalpost moves. This is a valuable lesson for readers.
My readers and I agree this is a well-done picture book biography. One worth picking up next time you’re at the library or bookstore.
Title: Building Zaha: The Story of Architect Zaha Hadid
Author/Illustrator: Victoria Tentler-Krylov
Publisher: Orchard Books [2020]
I borrowed this book from our local library
Lost and Found Cat
In 2015 when the city of Mosul, Iraq no longer felt safe for Sura’s family she decided it was time to leave. She packed up her 5 children and put her beloved cat Kunkush in a basket hoping he would stay quiet enough to be smuggled out.
All through the long journey Kunkush stayed hidden. After arriving in Greece by boat, Kunkush, who was scared and wet, escaped from his carrier and ran off into the woods. His family searched for him to no avail. A few days later he was picked up by volunteers who took care of him and set out to reunite him with his family. The reunion story is pretty incredible!
While this touching story does not prominently feature Iraq, it shines a light on the choices many Iraqi families must make when leaving their homes.
Back matter includes pictures of the journey Kunkush took, as well as his reunion with his family.
Title: Lost and Found Cat: The True Story of Kunkush’s Incredible Journey
Author: Doug Kuntz & Amy Shrodes
Illustrator: Sue Cornelison
Publisher: Crown Books/Random House Children’s Books [2017]
I borrowed this book from our local library.
*Links may be affiliate links meaning I may get a small commission for directing sales to the site, with no additional cost for you. I choose to support Bookshop.org because they are dedicated to supporting small local book stores.*
Kids Read the World 