Praise for The Library Bus
2021 Governor General's Literary Award: Young People's Literature Illustrated Books Finalist
2022 FLA Children's Book Award Finalist
2021 Middle East Book Award Winner Picture Book Category
2022 OLA Forest of Reading Blue Spruce Award nominee
2020 Northern Lights Book Award: Multicultural Category Winner
2021 South Asian Book Awards Highly Commended Books Pick
2022 RISE: A Feminist Project List Selection
2022 Mrs. Laura Bush's Summer Reading List for Kids Selection
2021 CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens Starred Selection
2021 New York Public Library "Books About Bookmobiles and Mobile Libraries" selection
2021 Open Book feature ""There is Something Universal in How Children Connect with Stories" Bahram Rahman on Literacy, Equality, & Collective Memory"
2022 Five Books feature The Best Books about Libraries for 4-8 Year Olds recommended by Bahram Rahman
STARRED REVIEW The conversational text is great for one-on-one sharing, but this will also come in handy at story times, for a celebration of reading, and for a glimpse of Afghani culture.School Library Journal Starred Review
In a story inspired by the first library bus in Kabul, Afghanistan, where Rahman grew up during the civil war, it brings books to girls in remote villages and refugee camps who have no other access to education.The New York Times
The girls individualized faces and emotions will establish a bond with children everywhere as Rahman celebrates the brave and resourceful Afghani women teachers from his childhood who found creative ways to educate girls.Booklist
An inspiring story that conveys the power of educationpaying it forward and meeting avid readers where they are.Kirkus Reviews
The reassuring watercolor and digital illustrations help convey Rahmans assertion that when you are born in war, you are truly unaware of the alternative, peace. War is your normal.The Horn Book Guide
Bahram Rahman, who worked as a gender equality activist in Afghanistan, delicately portrays in his first picture book the continued effects of the Talibans prohibition on female education.Closed with an authors note sharing his connection to the story, The Library Bus extols the soaring spirit of those who value learning.Shelf Awareness
Bahram Rahmans The Library Bus is inspired by growing up in Afghanistan and by the children he met during visits to orphanages and camps in Kabul....Gabrielle Grimards characteristically warm style and her animated representation of Pari and the other children beautifully brings to life the vitality and potential of the girls in the book.Quill & Quire
Although the book deals with heavy and complex themes, there is still a lightness to the story that attracts and engages young readers.The illustrations by Gabrielle Grimard are equally appealing and capture Rahmans tone and the power of books and education, while celebrating the bond between mother and daughter.Asian Review of Books
The story is simple and heartwarming and underscores the importance of literacy and schooling for girls and gently points to the political challengesrepressive regimes, poverty, refugee campsthat preclude education for young girls.The International Examiner
The Library Bus reminds us what a luxury it is to learn to read....Award-winning illustrator Gabrielle Grimard brings this story to life with water-colour paintings of the refugee camps, villages, and the little children who live there.Montreal Review of Books
Drawing upon very real conditions confronting Afghanistan girls wanting an education, The Library Bus by the collaborative team of author/storyteller Bahram Rahman and artist/illustrator Gabrielle Grimard is an extraordinary, original, thoroughly kid friendly, and highly recommended addition to family, elementary school, and community library picture book collections.Midwest Book Review
The Library Bus is a gentle day-in-the-life book that introduces readers to a beautiful country. Highly Recommended.CM Magazine
Inspired by the first Library Bus to operate in Kabul, Bahram Rahmanhas written The Library Bus to show how important it is for girls to be allowed to go to school.Gabrielle Grimards pictures wrap around whole pages with watercolour and digital abandon.Winnipeg Free Press
This nicely illustrated picture book looks at the importance of education for everyone. At the end of the book the author writes about what it was like growing up in Afghanistan.Postmedia
The Library Bus by Bahram Rahman is a picture book, a gently told story of Pari and her mother who operates a library bus in Afghanistan.A great read to discuss the plight of refugees with young children.The International Educator
This is a beautiful testimony to ensuring a love of literacy and instilling it in all who desire it. The illustrations further engage readers as the land and people being described are vividly depicted throughout the story.YA Books Central
This book was so accessible for both my kids and gave them such a rich introduction to the country of Afghanistan.Kids Read the World
What a beautiful window into the lives of children in remote Afghanistan towns and refugee camps and the selfless service of those providing an opportunity for a brighter future.jmebills
This is such a poignant and touching story and truth. It celebrates literacy, resourcefulness, and women striving for a better future while shedding light on past generations struggles and injustice. The illustrations are absolutely stunning with rich earth tones depicting this heroic mother/daughter duo and their journey to sharing love and education.Little Book Worm Club
[A] beautiful love letter to the women of Afghanistan and their creativity in ensuring they receive an educationWhen we exist in our own little bubbles we can forget there is a huge world out there and many different people with vastly different experiences.Storytime with Stephanie
Thiswould be a great book to use in classrooms to give students a different perspective of school. It can help children recognize that going to school is a privilege and something that we should not take for granted.Mr. Alexs Bookshelf
The captivating watercolor and digital media artwork portraysthe rich landscape of Afghanistan, and the power of education. Included are notes about refugee camps and the authors experiences in Kabul.OmniLibros
When war is all you know, that is your normal. Lack of access to education did not stop women like Paris mama to help the girls. Such an amazing story of hope and resilience and the power of everyday female heroines.The Colorful Muse
Mama tells Pari she will be going to school soon and never stop learning because learning makes you Free. The book ends with a personal message from the Author about his life in Afghanistan and the memories he shared.Homeschoolingabhi
The Library Bus is uplifting. It shows joy in times of struggle[Bahram Rahman] emphasizes the strength and determination of Afghan girls to pursue educationI cant forget to mention the absolutely gorgeous illustrations.@raisingalegacybookshelf