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A Song of Her Own
Seven-year-old Kiin is ready to shepherd her nomadic family’s animals in the Haud region of Somalia all by herself. She already helps care for her siblings and build huts, but as the middle child it is hard to find a task not already taken. Turning to bonfire storytelling to show her wit and wisdom, she must find her inner compass and the voice only she can bring.
A Song of Her Own is the first in a new series, a fresh and heartfelt chapter book that explores creativity and self-discovery while offering an authentic window into Somali culture and nomadic life. Recommended for ages 6 to 10, with crossover appeal for middle grade readers.
A Song of Her Own is the first in a new series, a fresh and heartfelt chapter book that explores creativity and self-discovery while offering an authentic window into Somali culture and nomadic life. Recommended for ages 6 to 10, with crossover appeal for middle grade readers.
112 pages, ebook
Published November 18, 2025
2 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
December 11, 2025
An awkward piece – or at least something that is awkward for the non-Somali audience. We get phrases dumped on us with no definitions visible, such as "a strong aqal always has a strong udubdhexaad", which might be something they are always saying in your family but doesn't trip off my tongue so easily. Oddly, too, it concerns a girl witnessing the nomadic transition from place to place, and determined to become a generous, responsible, adult kind of goatherd – while actually being seven years of age.
And this can really feel a one-note story – I mean, it's not exactly long, working quite well as a chapter book, but it seldom breaks away from that theme. Mentions of Mogadishu and significant wars happening occur close to the midway point, but they don't really add much depth or interest to things. It proves to be what it sets out to do, and no more – to show a girl determined to have the wisdom and experience and ability to speak her story round the fire when the day's farming is done.
To one end then this is universal – a child wanting to prove their maturity. But with the heroine being seven it just doesn't work. OK, you could argue the moral of the piece is not having the girl reach maturity, just working out the merits of 'home', whatever that means, and however nomadic you are. But she doth protest too much for someone so young. Alright, I protest too much, too – there is indeed a glossary and translation section at the end, but this did seem to me to be speaking to the Somali child more than, say, the indigenous British like what I was. For their sake I'll round this up to three stars but I don't think it's the success it might have been.
And this can really feel a one-note story – I mean, it's not exactly long, working quite well as a chapter book, but it seldom breaks away from that theme. Mentions of Mogadishu and significant wars happening occur close to the midway point, but they don't really add much depth or interest to things. It proves to be what it sets out to do, and no more – to show a girl determined to have the wisdom and experience and ability to speak her story round the fire when the day's farming is done.
To one end then this is universal – a child wanting to prove their maturity. But with the heroine being seven it just doesn't work. OK, you could argue the moral of the piece is not having the girl reach maturity, just working out the merits of 'home', whatever that means, and however nomadic you are. But she doth protest too much for someone so young. Alright, I protest too much, too – there is indeed a glossary and translation section at the end, but this did seem to me to be speaking to the Somali child more than, say, the indigenous British like what I was. For their sake I'll round this up to three stars but I don't think it's the success it might have been.
November 21, 2025
“Crossing her legs, she said with a big smile, ‘That’s how great stories start. A storyteller quiets their mind, and a story is born…’”
A Song of Her Own, by Saida Bulhan, offers an enchanting window into the nomadic Somali life of a young child. It is a beautiful and accessible story for young readers—ideal for early chapter-book readers, perfect as a classroom read-aloud with a caring adult, or engaging enough for an independent reader discovering longer stories for the first time (thinking of my own 9-year-old reluctant reader with this story).
Through Kiin’s journey, we experience both the challenges and joys she faces as she grows, longs for independence, and searches for ways to show her family she is ready for greater responsibility. Young readers will easily empathize with her desire to contribute, explore, and be trusted.
The book includes just enough illustrations to support young readers while still allowing them to imagine the scenes for themselves. Saida's descriptive writing draws us into Kiin’s world with warmth and clarity. Somali vocabulary is woven naturally throughout the story, enriching cultural literacy by introducing readers to the sounds and expressions of another language. A helpful glossary at the end provides definitions for any unfamiliar words encountered along the way.
This is a wonderful addition to any child's reading list.
**I was sent a pre-release e-copy of this book by my cousin-friend Saida for review and will be purchasing a book for our home library, as well as copies to give as gifts.**
A Song of Her Own, by Saida Bulhan, offers an enchanting window into the nomadic Somali life of a young child. It is a beautiful and accessible story for young readers—ideal for early chapter-book readers, perfect as a classroom read-aloud with a caring adult, or engaging enough for an independent reader discovering longer stories for the first time (thinking of my own 9-year-old reluctant reader with this story).
Through Kiin’s journey, we experience both the challenges and joys she faces as she grows, longs for independence, and searches for ways to show her family she is ready for greater responsibility. Young readers will easily empathize with her desire to contribute, explore, and be trusted.
The book includes just enough illustrations to support young readers while still allowing them to imagine the scenes for themselves. Saida's descriptive writing draws us into Kiin’s world with warmth and clarity. Somali vocabulary is woven naturally throughout the story, enriching cultural literacy by introducing readers to the sounds and expressions of another language. A helpful glossary at the end provides definitions for any unfamiliar words encountered along the way.
This is a wonderful addition to any child's reading list.
**I was sent a pre-release e-copy of this book by my cousin-friend Saida for review and will be purchasing a book for our home library, as well as copies to give as gifts.**
November 20, 2025
A Song of Her Own (ebook)
by Saida J. Bulhan
This book is a good resource for upper elementary of middle school readers to help them understand the differences in world politics and societies. This book highlights the nomadic life of African subtribes that are entirely a different world then modern American society.
by Saida J. Bulhan
This book is a good resource for upper elementary of middle school readers to help them understand the differences in world politics and societies. This book highlights the nomadic life of African subtribes that are entirely a different world then modern American society.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews