The Librarian of Basra: the value of culture - and one woman's great courage

The Librarian of Basra: the value of culture - and one woman's great courage

Set in Iraq. The true story of Alia Muhammad Baker - a middle aged Iraqi woman living in the town of Basra and working as a librarian. Alia knew that war was coming to Basra and she knew that war brings fire which would likely destroy the precious books. This is the remarkable and impressive story of her work to save them.
ages 4 years to grownup

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Space Travellers: a respectful and warm look at homelessness

Space Travellers: a respectful and warm look at homelessness

ages 4 years to grownup
Children’s books about homelessness are hard to find and this one strikes just the right note. Zac and Mandy are homeless, but very far from helpless. Space Travellers is a beautiful book about homelessness, with themes of self-reliance, sharing, making do and so much more.

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leads to eye-opening, heartbreaking and yet ennobling thoughts

leads to eye-opening, heartbreaking and yet ennobling thoughts

in / chapter books but good for adults and young adults too
There are obvious Holocaust themes - and the ordinariness of a friendship between two small boys - all made clearer by the lack of flowery descriptions or moralising tones. There are no upper age limits for reading and absorbing this wonderful story.

 

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The Butter Man: the challenge and beauty of delayed gratification

The Butter Man: the challenge and beauty of delayed gratification

Set in Morocco—the baba (father) in this story is telling his little girl about a time when he was a child living in Morocco. There was a drought and his family was running out of food, so they ate less and less each day. Eventually, the gnawing hunger pervaded all of his thoughts ...
ages 4 to 12 years

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