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.

• “In ‘Nour’s Secret Library,’ books are a refuge for a community under attack” – Wall Street Journal

• “A beautifully told and illustrated story of hope and community” – The Guardian

• “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

Barefoot Books is an award-winning, independent, women-owned and run, children’s publisher based in Concord, MA. Founded by two mothers in England in 1992, our mission is to open children’s hearts, minds and worlds through carefully crafted books and gifts. In 2017, we were named by Forbes as one of the 25 Best Small Companies in America.