Review by Booklist Review
This comical yet poignant reimagining of a dark episode in Iberian history finds a trio of commoners--a thief and two slaves--partnering up with a stubborn mule to save the world's greatest collection of books. The year is 976, and the Caliph of Córdoba has died, leaving the kingdom and its library to his 11-year son, Hisham II. Vizier Amir usurps the caliphate and orders a book burning to appease radical clerics and legitimize his rule. Two slaves--Tarid the educated eunuch and librarian, and Lubna the copyist--sneak and toss books out the window, overloading them atop a passing mule that Marwan, a thief and former apprentice to Tarid, has stolen. They go on the run, pursued by mercenary Berber soldiers while battling warlords, hunger, and the mule's insatiable appetite for one math book. Madcap action alternates with meditative reflection on class struggle and the adversities slaves must overcome to rise to levels of influence. Gorgeously illustrated in colors that bring alive the majesty and danger of Andalusia's golden age, The Library Mule of Córdoba makes a powerful statement on the importance of protecting knowledge in times of political upheaval, a point emphasized in a haunting coda that traces the continuing history of book burning throughout the world.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 7 Up-- A fast-paced adventure that follows a group of eccentric characters who set out to save the world's knowledge from a corrupt leader. This wonderfully illustrated historical fiction graphic novel is set in Córdoba, Spain, 976. The rulers of this time set out to establish Córdoba as one of the top intellectual and cultural hubs in the world by supporting educational pursuits and collecting scholarly texts and manuscripts. After their passing, the new ruler with different pursuits sets out to destroy the vast collection of knowledge. In order to preserve the world's knowledge, a librarian, a slave turned copywriter, and a former apprentice/current thief hoist volumes upon volumes of priceless books onto the back of a stubborn mule who will only move if offered some food in the form of the mathematic texts they are trying to save. Although this tale is set far in the past, the themes, including censorship, book banning, book burning, and intellectual freedom, are unfortunately still relevant in today's world. The lighthearted humor woven through the story helps readers unpack these difficult issues, while offering hope to those who aim to protect and cultivate education. VERDICT A good purchase to add to libraries that aim to support book discussion groups and classroom learning that coincides with true events, past and present.--Cat Miserendino
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