Nour's Secret Library by Tarnowska, Wafa'

★ "A beautiful and poignant coming-of-age book . . . Based on the author's and illustrator's personal experiences, this unique war story is full of hope and resilience that shines through even the worst of situations" - School Library Journal, starred review Forced to take shelter when their Syrian city is plagued with bombings, young Nour and her cousin begin to bravely build a secret underground library. Based on the author's own life experience and inspired by a true story, Nour's Secret Library is about the power of books to heal, transport and create safe spaces during difficult times. Illustrations by Romanian artist Vali Mintzi superimpose the colorful world the children construct over black-and-white charcoal depictions of the battered city.

Author: Wafa' Tarnowska
Publisher: Barefoot Books
Published: 03/29/2022
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.90lbs
Size: 10.80h x 8.80w x 0.40d
ISBN: 9781646862917
Audience: Ages 4-8

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.7
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 517821 / Nour's Secret Library


Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 02/01/2022 pg. 68
Horn Book Magazine 03/01/2022
Kirkus Reviews 03/15/2022
Publishers Weekly 04/25/2022 pg. 63
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2022 - Superior,Well Above Average

About the Author

Wafa' Tarnowska is an award-winning writer, translator and storyteller. She was born in Lebanon and has worked and lived in several countries from India, to Australia, to the UAE as well as Cyprus and Lebanon. She currently lives between the UK and Poland, writing, translating books and documentaries and offering storytelling sessions in English and Arabic. Wafa' sees herself as a cultural bridge between East and West, and has also written the award-winning The Arabian Nights for Barefoot Books.

Vali Mintzi was born in Romania and studied at the prestigious Bezalel Academy in Jerusalem. She works as an illustrator and graphic editor for the children's art magazine Einayim. In 2012 she was awarded The Israel Museum Ben-Yitzhak Award for the Illustration of a Children's Book. Her vibrant and evocative style is influenced by painters such as Bonnard, Hockney and Matisse. She has also illustrated The Girl with a Brave Heart for Barefoot Books.