There's also a notable blind neighbor with many wonderful stories, and a return of Aref's marvelous grandfather, Sidi. Aref's new teacher is a paragon of inclusivity and his parents are quick to smooth out tense moments by modeling kindness and acceptance themselves. They are welcomed with open arms both by their new apartment complex and their extremely culturally diverse school. I'm not sure what it says that this book is so remarkable in its joyful acceptance - presumably Aref's family is Muslim, and yet they experience no racism or microaggressions or unkindness at all on their adventure. This is a very gentle read about a 8 year old boy relocating from Muscat, Oman to Ann Arbor, Michigan for 3 years while his parents are in grad school. It's lovely to join Aref on the next stage of his journey, and I think both this book and The Turtle of Oman stand alone beautifully as well, so readers can have a great experience with both or either without needing the companion book as background. The Turtle of Michigan is a great choice for reading aloud and a must-have for younger middle grade readers. Carrying a suitcase and memories of Oman, Aref experiences the excitement and nervousness that accompanies moving to a new home. While he does miss his grandfather, his Sidi, Aref knows that his home in Oman will always be waiting for him.Īward-winning author Naomi Shihab Nye’s highly anticipated sequel to The Turtle of Oman explores immigration, family, and what it means to feel at home. Aref makes a friend on an airplane, wonders what Michigan will be like, and starts school in the United States. A wonderful pick for young middle grade readers and fans of Other Words for Home and Billy Miller Makes a Wish.Īref is excited for his journey to reunite with his father in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Turtle of Michigan is a deft and accessible novel that follows a young boy named Aref as he travels from Muscat, Oman, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, and adjusts to a new life and a new school in the United States.

The stand-alone companion to National Book Award Finalist and beloved poet Naomi Shihab Nye’s The Turtle of Oman.

The Turtle of Oman by Naomi Shihab Nye