The Turtle of Oman

by Naomi Shihab Nye Narrated by Peter Ganim

Overview

Praised by the Horn Book as “both quiet and exhilarating,” this novel by the acclaimed poet and National Book Award Finalist Naomi Shihab Nye follows Aref Al-Amri as he says goodbye to everything and everyone he loves in his hometown of Muscat, Oman, as his family prepares to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan. This book was awarded a 2015 Middle East Book Award, was named a Notable Book by the American Library Association, and includes extra material by the author.

Aref Al-Amri does not want to leave Oman. He does not want to leave his elementary school, his friends, or his beloved grandfather, Siddi. He does not want to live in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where his parents will go to graduate school. His mother is desperate for him to pack his suitcase, but he refuses. Finally, she calls Siddi for help. But rather than pack, Aref and Siddi go on a series of adventures. They visit the camp of a thousand stars deep in the desert, they sleep on Siddi's roof, they fish in the Gulf of Oman and dream about going to India, and they travel to the nature reserve to watch the sea turtles. At each stop, Siddi finds a small stone that he later slips into Aref's suitcase-mementos of home.

Naomi Shihab Nye's warmth, attention to detail, and belief in the power of empathy and connection shines from every page. Features black-and-white spot art and decorations by Betsy Peterschmidt.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Nye’s story about the special bond between a boy and his grandfather and their mutual love for their country is somehow both quiet and exhilarating.” — Horn Book (starred review)

“A warm and humorous peek at the profound and mundane details of moving from one country to another—a perfect pick for kids on the move.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Magical . . .Will deeply touch young readers who have also moved between countries—and it will enlighten their new friends.” — Booklist

“Nye’s elegant but accessible tale—a love letter to Oman, a touching portrayal of a boy and his grandfather, and a poignant look at how we experience change—is deeply moving.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

Nye’s elegant but accessible tale—a love letter to Oman, a touching portrayal of a boy and his grandfather, and a poignant look at how we experience change—is deeply moving.

Horn Book (starred review)

Nye’s story about the special bond between a boy and his grandfather and their mutual love for their country is somehow both quiet and exhilarating.

Booklist

Magical . . .Will deeply touch young readers who have also moved between countries—and it will enlighten their new friends.

Booklist

Magical . . .Will deeply touch young readers who have also moved between countries—and it will enlighten their new friends.

Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Nye’s elegant but accessible tale—a love letter to Oman, a touching portrayal of a boy and his grandfather, and a poignant look at how we experience change—is deeply moving.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940170008742
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	08/26/2014
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

Videos