The Library Bus

“𝗡𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴. 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲.”

“The Library Bus” written by Bahram Rahman and illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard, is set in Kabul, Afghanistan and tells the story of Pari, who helps out for the first time in her Mama’s library bus. Pari’s Mama drives a bus with no seats but full of books that serves as a mobile library and teaches girls to read and write English.

If you believe that who tells the story matters, then this book is an indispensable addition to your library. The author’s note provides a very different perspective of Afghanistan, of how life carries on despite war. The lived experience of the author empowers him to provide a window for us to peep into life in a turbulent territory.

Particularly noticeable are the endpapers with the magical landscape, the book dedication, the image of Pari’s Mama driving the bus, the role of women as change-makers and Mama’s message, “…I want you to study. Never stop learning. Then you will be free.” Indeed, there are no shortcuts to being free!

Many thanks to @kidsreadtheworld for recommending this unique book!