Dar Al-Kutub Al Qatariyya Dar Al-Kutub Building in 2019 Dar Al-Kutub Al Qatariyya was first founded as a public library and it started its journey of Dar Al-Kutub through the Ministry of Education on December 29, 1962. The Ministry at that time decided to merge the two existing libraries – the Public library and Al … Continue reading #QATARILITMONTH: Dar Al-Kutub Al Qatariyya’s legacy to cherish
#QATARILITMONTH: Skyscrapers and Artificial Islands in Qatar
"Beauty At First Sight" Skyline of Doha The year 2005, when I set foot in Qatar, was a turning point in my life. That was the moment I saw the beautiful architecture that saturated my soul and nourished my ideas at the College of Architecture. I have not forgotten when I went with my husband … Continue reading #QATARILITMONTH: Skyscrapers and Artificial Islands in Qatar
#WorldKidLit Wednesday: Can You Hear the Trees Talking?: Discovering the Hidden Life of the Forest
Can You Hear the Trees Talking?: Discovering the Hidden Life of the Forest is a fascinating, informative, nonfiction book about the wonderful ecology of forests. Written by forester and global advocate Peter Wohlleben, it’s full of appealing color illustrations, quizzes, sidebars, and activities. All laid out in two-page spreads perfectly geared to readers age 8-12, … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Can You Hear the Trees Talking?: Discovering the Hidden Life of the Forest
#WorldKidLit Month 2020: Ellas: Histories of Puerto Rican Women
As part of my research in preparation for serving as guest editor of the GLLI blog for #WorldKidLit Month, I made it a point to look online for books published on the island of Puerto Rico proper. I knew there were books out there that I didn't have immediate knowledge of, as I am located … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Month 2020: Ellas: Histories of Puerto Rican Women
#WorldKidLit Month 2020: Afro Puerto Rican Bibliophile Arturo Alfonso Schomburg
Arturo Alfonso Schomburg In yesterday's post, we learned about trailblazing librarian and storyteller Pura Belpre. Today I want to present another monumental figure of the Puerto Rican diaspora, noted book collector, historian, researcher, writer, and activist Arturo Alfonso Schomburg. Often recognized as one of the fathers of Black history, his enormous book collection formed the … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Month 2020: Afro Puerto Rican Bibliophile Arturo Alfonso Schomburg
#WorldKidLit Month 2020: Trailblazing Puerto Rican Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré
Photograph of Pura Belpré Avid picture book readers, close followers of the children's publishing industry, and librarians may very well be familiar with the Pura Belpré Medal, given annually to Latinx illustrators and writers whose book "best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience." However, how much do we about the trailblazing librarian and storyteller … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Month 2020: Trailblazing Puerto Rican Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré
#WorldKidLit Month 2020: Parrots over Puerto Rico
We have already come across the Puerto Rican amazon, or Puerto Rican parrot, during this #WorldKidLit Month, but today I want to discuss this beautiful animal more closely. Puerto Rico has a rich ecosystem, and the iguaca is one of its crown jewels. Parrots over Puerto Rico is a is a standout nonfiction picture book from … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Month 2020: Parrots over Puerto Rico
#WorldKidLitWednesday: Francesco Tirelli's Ice Cream Shop
Very few people have heard of Francesco Tirelli, one of the multitude of unsung heroes and heroines of World War II. Nor have they heard about how this Italian gelato aficionado emigrated to Hungary, opened a successful ice cream parlor in the middle of Budapest, and, years later, quietly saved many of his Jewish friends … Continue reading #WorldKidLitWednesday: Francesco Tirelli's Ice Cream Shop
Excerpt: Going Back by Andrea von Treuenfeld (Germany)
Ruth Wolff-Stirner My mother became sick very quickly. Because of the unhygienic living conditions in Shanghai, her liver became infected and she died at the age of 46. That was in 1954 and I was eight. My father kept me away from her. I didn’t see her anymore after she was taken to the hospital. … Continue reading Excerpt: Going Back by Andrea von Treuenfeld (Germany)
Banned Book: Rethinking Columbus, ed. Bill Bigelow
It’s a shame to think that a text like Rethinking Columbus: The Next 500 Years would be banned anywhere—but it was, by the Tucson school district. Thankfully, the book has remained popular elsewhere. Rethinking Columbus is a collection of primary sources, lesson plans, poems, essays, stereotype checklists, and interviews not only intended to help young … Continue reading Banned Book: Rethinking Columbus, ed. Bill Bigelow
Global Literature in Libraries Initiative 