What do you think?
Rate this book
The Turtle of Oman
The Turtle of Oman by Naomi Shihab Nye
In this brief novel, told in short chapters by the acclaimed poet and National Book Award finalist Naomi Shihab Nye, Aref Al-Amri says good-bye to everything and everyone he loves in his hometown of Muscat, Oman, as his family prepares to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan. This is Naomi Shihab Nye’s first novel set in the Middle East since her acclaimed Habibi.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, 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.This accessible, exquisite novel shines with gentle humor and explores themes of moving, family, nature, and immigration. 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.
Paperback
First published August 26, 2014
159 people are currently reading
2864 people want to read
About the author
Naomi Shihab Nye
134 books978 followersNaomi Shihab Nye was born to a Palestinian father and an American mother. During her high school years, she lived in Ramallah in Jordan, the Old City in Jerusalem, and San Antonio, Texas, where she later received her B.A. in English and world religions from Trinity University. She is a novelist, poet and songwriter.
She currently lives in San Antonio, Texas. She was elected a Chancellor of the Academy of American Poets in 2010.
She currently lives in San Antonio, Texas. She was elected a Chancellor of the Academy of American Poets in 2010.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 510 reviews
June 19, 2015
While I felt like the writing was a little choppy, this is a beautiful story of a child learning to appreciate his home country's beauty one last time before moving to Ann Arbor, Michigan. I love the emphasis on looking at something three times: looking toward it, at it, and as you walk away.
January 6, 2015
The Turtle of Oman is a lovely, gentle story. The main character Aref's quiet innocence puts me in mind of The Year of Billy Miller by Kevin Henkes. I have to say though, I was bummed that none of this story actually takes place in Michigan. When it said that Aref was moving to Ann Arbor, I was excited at the prospect of reading a story in one of my favorite towns, but this book is only about Aref's preparation to move, not about the move itself. Having said that, even though I was bummed that this story doesn't actually take place in Ann Arbor, I'm equally happy that it's a quiet, peaceful story that takes place in a Middle Eastern country. Too often we perceive the Middle East as one big conflict zone, but here you have a young protagonist who loves his home and doesn't want to leave it. So in that regard, this is a great book to give to young people to help change their perceptions and prejudices.
February 23, 2017
A simple but cute story about a boy who doesn't want to move to another country. Aref, though not of my nationality, was relatable and the scenes with his grandpa made me reflect on my time with my grandpa. I think this would make an interesting 3 book series with book two focusing on him living in Michigan and book three on him adapting back to living in Oman.
2017 challenge: a book recommended by a librarian (Anna)
2017 challenge: a book recommended by a librarian (Anna)
June 2, 2016
Older elementary to middle grade novel about a young boy (7 year old) living in Oman who is reluctant to move to Michigan temporarily while his parents attend school for their doctorates. Beautiful relationship between Aref and his grandfather and fresh perspective in the descriptions of everything he loves about his homeland will connect with young readers who have been uprooted before.
April 27, 2020
And the secret rule of Muscat? Aref would keep it under the stone with a face that no one had noticed in a hundred years, in his Michigan windowsill lined up with other stones Sidi had given him. It would say, "Dear Aref, don't forget everything you love about your country is buried safely in the sand at our beach. Eggs hatching soon."
December 30, 2014
This read more like poetry than a story, the description of Oman was beautiful but led nowhere, it really didn't feel like a story and never seemed to go up or down, just kind of stayed on a beautiful plateau. Wanted something with a little more movement one way or the other.
March 24, 2023
I just loved everything about this book. Knowing where Aref was heading made it little bit more exciting for us, and we hope to visit Aref's turtles in Oman one day.
February 19, 2021
This is a sweet story of a little boy who will be moving from his home country, Oman, to the United States while his parents attend graduate school. The little boy is reluctant to pack for the move and his grandfather is called upon to help the boy out. The grandfather is gentle, good-humored and wise, He takes the boy on many adventures and helps him get a different perspective on the move.
I enjoyed this story and recommend the audiobook which is skillfully narrated. While the little boy in the story lives in Oman, it is widely applicable to people of all ages who are preparing for a major relocation.
I read this book as part of a challenge to read books from 80 different countries. It was a pleasant change from other books that I have read about war-torn countries and people living in deprivation. I was not familiar with Oman and learned a bit about the Oman, the setting and the culture.
I rate the book 4 stars.
I enjoyed this story and recommend the audiobook which is skillfully narrated. While the little boy in the story lives in Oman, it is widely applicable to people of all ages who are preparing for a major relocation.
I read this book as part of a challenge to read books from 80 different countries. It was a pleasant change from other books that I have read about war-torn countries and people living in deprivation. I was not familiar with Oman and learned a bit about the Oman, the setting and the culture.
I rate the book 4 stars.
January 22, 2015
Turtle of Oman is a book about a young man named Aref whose family is moving. They are leaving their country of Oman and moving to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for his parents' education at a university. Although they are planning to return to Oman in three years, Aref is resentful of moving, and does not want to leave. In the week before the move, he visits all of his favorite places with his Sidi (grandfather). They visit a desert camp, turtle hatching beach, go fishing, and have new adventures together before Aref leaves.
This book didn't impress me. The point of view was very childish- very short, broken up sentences with scattered thoughts. Aref seemed like a 6 year old, and not a character that my students at a 4.6 reading level could relate to.
I'm not sure what the big theme of "I'm moving and miserable" is all about, but that is also a concept that not every student can relate to- and certainly not Aref, who is difficult to relate to, to begin with.
There is no dictionary or map or extra context for this book. I kept thinking "Oman... where is that? Why are they talking about India? What language is spoken here? What is a souk?" but there was no glossary of Arabic phrases or terms. You had to just pick it up as you go along. Which, for a book that's not terribly interesting to begin with, was a slightly annoying task.
Clearly the best character in this book is Sidi, who is an old and wise grandfather and who puts up with Aref's incessant whining. The other part of this book that I liked was the collection of rocks- that's a neat hobby that I wish was explored more fully.
I get that Aref is like the turtle, and the crane, and the falcon- he will come back to his home when he is ready. That point was driven home endlessly and frankly was a little insulting to my intelligence. But I also feel that students will see the cover and title of this book and hope that this story is about an actual Turtle. And the turtles play a VERY minimal role in this book.
Lastly... most of my students who speak Arabic are new to our country and speak very little English. So I feel like the intended audience of Arabic-speaking Americans is a swing and a miss- for us, at least. It could be a book that is given to my other students to help them understand their Arabic friends.. but it sadly does not shine as an example of Arabic, er, Omani life.
It's already in my collection so I'm sure students will check it out- but it was a disappointment for me. Next!
This book didn't impress me. The point of view was very childish- very short, broken up sentences with scattered thoughts. Aref seemed like a 6 year old, and not a character that my students at a 4.6 reading level could relate to.
I'm not sure what the big theme of "I'm moving and miserable" is all about, but that is also a concept that not every student can relate to- and certainly not Aref, who is difficult to relate to, to begin with.
There is no dictionary or map or extra context for this book. I kept thinking "Oman... where is that? Why are they talking about India? What language is spoken here? What is a souk?" but there was no glossary of Arabic phrases or terms. You had to just pick it up as you go along. Which, for a book that's not terribly interesting to begin with, was a slightly annoying task.
Clearly the best character in this book is Sidi, who is an old and wise grandfather and who puts up with Aref's incessant whining. The other part of this book that I liked was the collection of rocks- that's a neat hobby that I wish was explored more fully.
I get that Aref is like the turtle, and the crane, and the falcon- he will come back to his home when he is ready. That point was driven home endlessly and frankly was a little insulting to my intelligence. But I also feel that students will see the cover and title of this book and hope that this story is about an actual Turtle. And the turtles play a VERY minimal role in this book.
Lastly... most of my students who speak Arabic are new to our country and speak very little English. So I feel like the intended audience of Arabic-speaking Americans is a swing and a miss- for us, at least. It could be a book that is given to my other students to help them understand their Arabic friends.. but it sadly does not shine as an example of Arabic, er, Omani life.
It's already in my collection so I'm sure students will check it out- but it was a disappointment for me. Next!
January 18, 2024
3 stars ✨
I think it was my fault because I thought it was about a turtle and I should have read the blurb before starting.
I think it was my fault because I thought it was about a turtle and I should have read the blurb before starting.
July 22, 2023
quick easy read. nothing special or to note, but i probably like turtles more than this kid.
fun to learn about oman a bit though, and i guess there was a nice grandfather relationship too
fun to learn about oman a bit though, and i guess there was a nice grandfather relationship too
January 27, 2020
Distraught at the idea of leaving his home in Muscat, Oman behind, and spending three years with his parents in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Aref Al-Amri does everything he can to avoid preparing for the trip. His mother, busy getting them packed in order to join Aref's father in the US, doesn't have time to address his profound sense of loss, so Aref spends his last week with Sidi, his grandfather. Together the two have many adventures, taking a trip into the desert interior, where they stay at the Night of a Thousand Stars camp and meet a trained falcon; going to visit the sea turtles at their nesting grounds at Ras al Hadd; and taking a short fishing trip with one of the fisherman in Muscat harbor. Throughout their time together, Sidi patiently listens to his Aref's fears and concerns, gently prompting him to think of his travels in a more positive light.
Written by Palestinian-American children's author and poet Naomi Shihab Nye, The Turtle of Oman is the first children's story I have read set in Oman, and is apparently inspired by the author's time teaching at an international school in that country. I found Aref and Sidi both very engaging characters, and thought that the author deftly captured the gentle back-and-forth of their loving and often humorous exchanges. The many lists included throughout - a list maker like his parents, Aref is forever jotting various things down, whether it be facts about turtles or questions about his life - make an interesting contrast to the main text. Although not quite what I expected - I thought the book would focus on Aref's adjustment to life in the US - this was still an engaging tale about a boy facing the common childhood problem of moving to a new place. What makes the story uncommon is the setting and culture from which Aref hails, as there really aren't a superfluity of Arab characters in American children's literature. The narrative focus on Aref's relationship with Sidi gives the tale added pathos and meaning, making this a book that many young readers will appreciate. Recommended to young readers looking for stories about children coping with moving house, or relating to their grandparents, as well as to anyone looking for children's books sets in the Middle East.
Written by Palestinian-American children's author and poet Naomi Shihab Nye, The Turtle of Oman is the first children's story I have read set in Oman, and is apparently inspired by the author's time teaching at an international school in that country. I found Aref and Sidi both very engaging characters, and thought that the author deftly captured the gentle back-and-forth of their loving and often humorous exchanges. The many lists included throughout - a list maker like his parents, Aref is forever jotting various things down, whether it be facts about turtles or questions about his life - make an interesting contrast to the main text. Although not quite what I expected - I thought the book would focus on Aref's adjustment to life in the US - this was still an engaging tale about a boy facing the common childhood problem of moving to a new place. What makes the story uncommon is the setting and culture from which Aref hails, as there really aren't a superfluity of Arab characters in American children's literature. The narrative focus on Aref's relationship with Sidi gives the tale added pathos and meaning, making this a book that many young readers will appreciate. Recommended to young readers looking for stories about children coping with moving house, or relating to their grandparents, as well as to anyone looking for children's books sets in the Middle East.
Read
August 11, 2015This was a sweet, quiet book. Aref, a young Omani boy, is not looking forward to his three-year stay in Michigan while his parents pursue doctoral degrees. He loves his home and is afraid things will change while he's gone. He spends much of the week between his father's departure and his and his mother's departure with his grandfather, doing fun things like camping at a desert oasis, sleeping on the roof of his grandfather's house, and fishing in the sea.
There's not really a plot; the story is in the interactions between Aref and his grandfather and mother, as well as the people they encounter during this week. Aref likes keeping lists and makes notes about things that catch his interest--these are done in handwriting and complement the narrative. Overall, the book gives the author a chance to share some of the special pleasures, flavors, and sights of Oman. This would be a great book for Aref's equivalent in the United States--some child who's anxious about living in Oman for a few years--to read to get a sense of the place they're coming to and what's special about it. Or, any child who wants a window into another place and daily life there could enjoy it. I can also imagine ex-pat Omani parents reading it to their kids to give them a flavor of home. But the readers have to be into it just for the daily vignettes, for the insights and gentle, humorous words of the grandfather and Aref's feelings about his cat and his cousins and his rock collection--it's not a book with much of an overarching plot, adventure, etc.
There's not really a plot; the story is in the interactions between Aref and his grandfather and mother, as well as the people they encounter during this week. Aref likes keeping lists and makes notes about things that catch his interest--these are done in handwriting and complement the narrative. Overall, the book gives the author a chance to share some of the special pleasures, flavors, and sights of Oman. This would be a great book for Aref's equivalent in the United States--some child who's anxious about living in Oman for a few years--to read to get a sense of the place they're coming to and what's special about it. Or, any child who wants a window into another place and daily life there could enjoy it. I can also imagine ex-pat Omani parents reading it to their kids to give them a flavor of home. But the readers have to be into it just for the daily vignettes, for the insights and gentle, humorous words of the grandfather and Aref's feelings about his cat and his cousins and his rock collection--it's not a book with much of an overarching plot, adventure, etc.
January 26, 2019
"Hani and Shadi?? Mahshi, makloobe... sidi and sittu... ??? mabsoot??"
I the story is kind of nice, and it's good maybe for kids between 10-12 years old not the younger and not older.
But why did I give it ONLY 1 start? To be honest if there was less stars availble I would have gone even lower. I found as an adult this book disrespecting a whole country and their originality. I have visited Oman, and this was the reason I got interested to read this book, but the writer that I have never read anything for was so disrespectful.
She could have at least make a research about names, food, what names they use for fathers, mothers and grandparents... My husband is from Bahrain and I have many friends from Oman so calling Haboutik Sidi was the first blow. I mean if you really want to write of a country the least you can do is find out, felafel, mahshi and makloobe are not at all traditional Omani-food but Shami-food! The don't use Mabsoot for happy... They use saeed or even more local dialect mestanes.
This was first and last book I read to a writer that doesn't bother to even make few hour research of a country she wants to write about. What a disappointment!
I the story is kind of nice, and it's good maybe for kids between 10-12 years old not the younger and not older.
But why did I give it ONLY 1 start? To be honest if there was less stars availble I would have gone even lower. I found as an adult this book disrespecting a whole country and their originality. I have visited Oman, and this was the reason I got interested to read this book, but the writer that I have never read anything for was so disrespectful.
She could have at least make a research about names, food, what names they use for fathers, mothers and grandparents... My husband is from Bahrain and I have many friends from Oman so calling Haboutik Sidi was the first blow. I mean if you really want to write of a country the least you can do is find out, felafel, mahshi and makloobe are not at all traditional Omani-food but Shami-food! The don't use Mabsoot for happy... They use saeed or even more local dialect mestanes.
This was first and last book I read to a writer that doesn't bother to even make few hour research of a country she wants to write about. What a disappointment!
April 19, 2022
no matter what you say, there is always something more inside that you can't say. You talk around it in a circle...p259
He learned how to read shoes first. Then he learned to read books. p217
Aref doesn't quite understand why they have to leave his home in Oman so that his parents can go to graduate school in Michigan. His friends, his beloved grandfather, his whole life is here. He doesn't want to go. Quietly, he refuses to pack the green trunk. When his grandfather is enlisted to help him with the task, they first embark on a series of adventures that Aref will treasure for the rest of his life. The stones that he will take with him will be potent reminders of his connection to his homeland and he learns that relinquishing something does not mean losing it entirely if you carry it in your heart.
In my eyes I have a map of these lights....You can have one too. Just soak it all up and close your eyes, then look again until it's written in your brain. p269
I read this book as part of my ambition to read everything NSN.
3.5 rounded up to 4 for GR 5/7
December 17, 2015
Rarely do I give a book one star because usually if I don't care for a book that much I do not finish it and thus do not rate it. However, when you are a librarian you sometimes get assigned reading and this was one of the books that was assigned to me as a children's librarian. Everyone else in my grouped loved it. Of all the books we were assigned, this one I just could not get into it and I couldn't really imagine a child reader enjoying it every much. I gave it one star simply because I did not enjoy it.
I do not think this book was without merit. The prose is good. It taps into true childhood emotion of homesickness. It's a good peek into another culture and another part of the world. Despite all of that, I did not find it engaging.
I do not think this book was without merit. The prose is good. It taps into true childhood emotion of homesickness. It's a good peek into another culture and another part of the world. Despite all of that, I did not find it engaging.
August 19, 2019
"Love is a strange animal."
This was a beautiful story about a boy who is moving away from his home country and doesn't want to. Sidi is everything, and now I really want to go visit Oman. 🇴🇲
This was a beautiful story about a boy who is moving away from his home country and doesn't want to. Sidi is everything, and now I really want to go visit Oman. 🇴🇲
February 21, 2017
This book was read for my Reading Challenge Around the World in 80+ Books
A simple book with a complex story. Aref is an Omani boy preparing for the most monumental change in his young life…a move to the United States. The Turtle of Oman captures Aref’s last week in Oman, as he wrestles with the all emotions of leaving his homeland, saying goodbye to his pet cat and beloved grandfather. He’s a boy who likes lists, and he continually collects lists of his life in Oman and how to prepare for his life in Michigan. We as readers journey with Aref through his fear, uncertainty and finally acceptance of his upcoming move. Although Aref and his family are not refugees, but immigrants, I felt like reading this book was timely given the state of America these days. So much fear and misunderstanding surrounds Muslim immigrants. If I were an elementary school teacher, this would be required reading. A chance for American kids to see the world from an immigrant’s point of view is simply brilliant. I hope more stories are written like this one. I hope these stories are shared around dinner tables, classrooms, offices, and even into the White House. Share this one with a friend, won’t you?
A simple book with a complex story. Aref is an Omani boy preparing for the most monumental change in his young life…a move to the United States. The Turtle of Oman captures Aref’s last week in Oman, as he wrestles with the all emotions of leaving his homeland, saying goodbye to his pet cat and beloved grandfather. He’s a boy who likes lists, and he continually collects lists of his life in Oman and how to prepare for his life in Michigan. We as readers journey with Aref through his fear, uncertainty and finally acceptance of his upcoming move. Although Aref and his family are not refugees, but immigrants, I felt like reading this book was timely given the state of America these days. So much fear and misunderstanding surrounds Muslim immigrants. If I were an elementary school teacher, this would be required reading. A chance for American kids to see the world from an immigrant’s point of view is simply brilliant. I hope more stories are written like this one. I hope these stories are shared around dinner tables, classrooms, offices, and even into the White House. Share this one with a friend, won’t you?
September 4, 2014
Aref is already homesick for Muscat and he hasn't even left yet. Forced by his parents to relocate to the foreign world of Ann Arbor, Michigan from Oman, Aref can't help but fixate on all the things he must leave behind: his friends, his grandfather, and the sights and smells of Oman. The one small thing that brings him comfort is a pamphlet detailing the turtles native to Michigan, different, yet the same as the giant sea turtles he has come to love in Oman. With the help of his grandfather, Aref prepares to leave the comfort of Oman behind and embrace the adventure that awaits him in Michigan.
The Turtle of Oman is a smart little novel that successfully illustrates that differences in culture and location are no match for universal feelings of fear, familial love, and the anxiety of starting over in a new place.
Though it takes him some time to admit it, one of Aref's biggest fears is that he will not be accepted in Michigan; that the way he speaks, dresses, and acts will set him apart and prevent him from making friends. Eventually, he realizes that, in Oman, he is used to meeting and accepting Americans who are far from home and it has never once prevented him from welcoming them and embracing them. Also helpful is easing his fears are messages from his father, who has already left for Michigan, detailing the excitement and cultural diversity he's been enjoying in Ann Arbor.
In order to process and accept the move, Aref researches Michigan, attempting to connect with the place that will soon be his home. He makes lists with details about the customs and wildlife and, little by little, he finds that Michigan might not be such a horrible place after all; different, he realizes, does not equal bad.
Though there are many things Aref is loathe to leave behind, his grandfather is perhaps the most difficult. No one understands and listens to Aref like Sidi and he cannot fathom being separated from him for three whole years. It is Sidi who Aref spends his final days in Oman with, making memories that he can carry with him to Michigan, bouyed by the promise that Sidi will hone his email skills so that he and Aref can always be close, even when they are separated by oceans. I adored Aref's grandfather, a wise old man who recognized the adventure that awaited Aref, as well as the importance of experiencing different cultures and places.
Recommended!
The Turtle of Oman is a smart little novel that successfully illustrates that differences in culture and location are no match for universal feelings of fear, familial love, and the anxiety of starting over in a new place.
Though it takes him some time to admit it, one of Aref's biggest fears is that he will not be accepted in Michigan; that the way he speaks, dresses, and acts will set him apart and prevent him from making friends. Eventually, he realizes that, in Oman, he is used to meeting and accepting Americans who are far from home and it has never once prevented him from welcoming them and embracing them. Also helpful is easing his fears are messages from his father, who has already left for Michigan, detailing the excitement and cultural diversity he's been enjoying in Ann Arbor.
In order to process and accept the move, Aref researches Michigan, attempting to connect with the place that will soon be his home. He makes lists with details about the customs and wildlife and, little by little, he finds that Michigan might not be such a horrible place after all; different, he realizes, does not equal bad.
Though there are many things Aref is loathe to leave behind, his grandfather is perhaps the most difficult. No one understands and listens to Aref like Sidi and he cannot fathom being separated from him for three whole years. It is Sidi who Aref spends his final days in Oman with, making memories that he can carry with him to Michigan, bouyed by the promise that Sidi will hone his email skills so that he and Aref can always be close, even when they are separated by oceans. I adored Aref's grandfather, a wise old man who recognized the adventure that awaited Aref, as well as the importance of experiencing different cultures and places.
Recommended!
September 26, 2017
Aref is just a boy who doesn't want to move. He loves his home, his cat, his neighborhood, his rock collection, and his grandfather. Especially his beloved grandfather. In the one week between the time that Aref's father leaves Oman for Ann Arbor, Michigan, and the end of the book as Aref and his mother are about to leave, Aref must say goodbye to everything and everyone. Goodbye to friends, goodbye to Mish-Mish the cat, goodbye to the broiling heat of Oman, goodbye to glittering stars and wondrous turtles, goodbye to familiar customs and sights and smells.
Nothing unexpected happens, here. The story ends exactly the way we're told it will: Aref will move to Michigan. Everything that happens is in the hearts of the characters--and in our own. The sweetness of his grandfather's gentle understanding, the patience of his mother's reminders to pack. The empty suitcase, waiting to be packed is the metaphor for the whole story: what do we most need when we uproot our lives and leave? If Aref's last week in Oman is right, we need love, family, and reminders of where we have been.
There's so much to talk about with this book--highly recommended for book clubs! The audiobook is superb and should be strongly considered for all readers.
Nothing unexpected happens, here. The story ends exactly the way we're told it will: Aref will move to Michigan. Everything that happens is in the hearts of the characters--and in our own. The sweetness of his grandfather's gentle understanding, the patience of his mother's reminders to pack. The empty suitcase, waiting to be packed is the metaphor for the whole story: what do we most need when we uproot our lives and leave? If Aref's last week in Oman is right, we need love, family, and reminders of where we have been.
There's so much to talk about with this book--highly recommended for book clubs! The audiobook is superb and should be strongly considered for all readers.
August 31, 2015
A bittersweet story of a young boy leaving Oman to move to the United States. Aref Al-Amri and his parents are moving to Michigan for three years and he is having a hard time adjusting to that reality. Even though everyone around him keeps telling him that this is an incredible opportunity, Aref can only focus on all that he will miss: his home, his cat, his rock collection, but most especially his grandfather.
Nye does a beautiful job giving life to Aref's most tender and honest feelings; each touchstone in Aref's life, his rocks, his books, his neighbors, embodies his deep love for his life and his childhood. Aref fears all he will miss, but most of all he fears how much he will change. The relationship between Aref and his grandfather is magical. Through Aref's goodbyes, the reader is introduced to the country of Oman, it's food, animals and climate. A heartwarming story and a unique perspective that celebrates culture and family.
Nye does a beautiful job giving life to Aref's most tender and honest feelings; each touchstone in Aref's life, his rocks, his books, his neighbors, embodies his deep love for his life and his childhood. Aref fears all he will miss, but most of all he fears how much he will change. The relationship between Aref and his grandfather is magical. Through Aref's goodbyes, the reader is introduced to the country of Oman, it's food, animals and climate. A heartwarming story and a unique perspective that celebrates culture and family.
November 21, 2017
This book was about a boy names Aref who is moving to Michigan in the United States from Muscat, Oman. When he gets back with his mother from dropping his father at the airport, he procrastinates packing. He is nervous to go to a new place and to leave the home that he knows and loves as well as all of his friends. Throughout the first half of the book, Aref spends time at his house and around his neighborhood saying goodbye. The second half of the book consists of Aref and his grandfather Sidi going on different adventures around Oman. This book is a NBGS book, but I do not think that it incorporated as many cultural aspects as it could. Also, the first half of the book dragged on as nothing was really happening in Aref’s life. I kept thinking that the author was leading up to something, potentially the big move, but he wasn’t. However, some of the chapters alone were well written and enjoyable to read.
September 19, 2017
Lexile - 700
I can see both boys and girls enjoying this book. Its pace is very slow. There is not a lot of action. It takes the reader on the journey of a boy who will be leaving his home to move to the U.S. In which case it's a thoughtful detailed look at the small things that make up the joys in this boys life.
Positives:
- You learn many new and interesting facts. The boy is curious and keeps a journal to write down all the things he learns each day.
- The relationship between the boy and his grandfather is amazing. It brought me great joy to read. They enjoy one another so thoroughly it was inspiring.
Recommended for strong readers with long attention spans.
I can see both boys and girls enjoying this book. Its pace is very slow. There is not a lot of action. It takes the reader on the journey of a boy who will be leaving his home to move to the U.S. In which case it's a thoughtful detailed look at the small things that make up the joys in this boys life.
Positives:
- You learn many new and interesting facts. The boy is curious and keeps a journal to write down all the things he learns each day.
- The relationship between the boy and his grandfather is amazing. It brought me great joy to read. They enjoy one another so thoroughly it was inspiring.
Recommended for strong readers with long attention spans.
May 11, 2018
A beautiful book about a boy who has to leave his homeland in Oman so that his parents can study abroad for a few years.
This is a childrens book to help them come to terms with starting over and saying goodbye to the things they cherish dearly, in this case Aref’s cat, friends and grandfather.
The story is very fluffy and light, full of imagination. The mixed emotions is a little saddening but in a touching way.
I would recommend this to any parent who is moving the family away from their hometown and sharing this with their kids.
This is a childrens book to help them come to terms with starting over and saying goodbye to the things they cherish dearly, in this case Aref’s cat, friends and grandfather.
The story is very fluffy and light, full of imagination. The mixed emotions is a little saddening but in a touching way.
I would recommend this to any parent who is moving the family away from their hometown and sharing this with their kids.
May 11, 2015
Really cute! I fell in love with Aref and Sidi, and I will have to add Oman to my list of places to travel to. I would love to see what Aref thinks of America once he gets here. I wonder if there is a sequel?
July 23, 2019
A charming children's story about a young boy's preparation to leave his Muscat home with his parents to spend a few years in Michigan. It's a book one can give to a child who has apprehensions about leaving home.
June 5, 2016
More didacticism than entertainment, and definitely aimed at kids under 10 who are scared of moving house. Slim pickings to find a book about Oman though.
July 26, 2017
Although the writing in "The Turtles of Oman" is a bit choppy, the overall message of this book is powerful for elementary school children. It is the story of a little boy who is very unhappy that his family is moving to Michigan for three years. He is nervous that he won't fit into his new school, that his new classmates will make fun of his accent, and that he will miss his home country and grandfather too much. Reading this book is a good way to introduce the concept of immigration and explaining to children that not all immigrants are undocumented (as the media loves to portray). Furthermore, this book is a great way to introduce the reader to Oman--Lulu's Supermarket, Oman's traditional dress (dishdashas), diversity in Muscat, Arabic, and the list goes on and on. Oman is a great case study to learn about the thriving, productive, peaceful people that do, indeed, live in the Middle East.
"The Turtles of Oman" is a valuable learning tool for students. Discussion questions and activities can be found at the back of the book to enhance student reading. I do hope teachers read this book and incorporate into their classrooms because reading this book can help young students crush any stereotypes they have regarding Southwest Asia, the Middle East, Arabs, or Islam---not everyone is a terrorist--and this book helps open our eyes to the reality.
"The Turtles of Oman" is a valuable learning tool for students. Discussion questions and activities can be found at the back of the book to enhance student reading. I do hope teachers read this book and incorporate into their classrooms because reading this book can help young students crush any stereotypes they have regarding Southwest Asia, the Middle East, Arabs, or Islam---not everyone is a terrorist--and this book helps open our eyes to the reality.
July 17, 2019
This was a sweet story about the special relationship between an Omani school boy and his grandfather. Aref and his mother were getting ready to join his father in Michigan. But he and his grandfather managed to pack the last few days with adventures and memories, sharing thoughts and dreams and wishes.
Almost all I could think of while I was reading this book, which was written in 2014, was that Aref and his family would not be welcome here now, and it broke my heart. It broke my heart that a fictional boy from Oman would no longer be welcome in America. In just five years, one of the premises of this book is no longer valid - that America is a place that welcomes strangers to its shores. It broke my heart.
Almost all I could think of while I was reading this book, which was written in 2014, was that Aref and his family would not be welcome here now, and it broke my heart. It broke my heart that a fictional boy from Oman would no longer be welcome in America. In just five years, one of the premises of this book is no longer valid - that America is a place that welcomes strangers to its shores. It broke my heart.
June 2, 2019
This book was given to me in conjunction with a trip I recently took to Oman. It was meant to be read before the trip, but I read it afterwords. I think it was lovelier because I had a connection to the places being described.
The book is a children’s book, maybe 3-5th grade. It tells the story of Aref, whose family is temporarily moving from Oman to the USA. Aref cannot get motivated to pack or help his mother prelate for the move. His father had to go ahead. It is Sidi, Aref’s grandfather who is able to finally help him understand and accept the change, as they say goodbye together to all the things Aref loves in Oman.
The book is a children’s book, maybe 3-5th grade. It tells the story of Aref, whose family is temporarily moving from Oman to the USA. Aref cannot get motivated to pack or help his mother prelate for the move. His father had to go ahead. It is Sidi, Aref’s grandfather who is able to finally help him understand and accept the change, as they say goodbye together to all the things Aref loves in Oman.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 510 reviews