The Turtle of Michigan

The Turtle of Oman

by Naomi Shihab Nye

“Celebrates the power of human connections.”—School Library Journal (starred review)

“Humorous, sensitive, and poignant.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

The stand-alone companion to National Book Award Finalist and beloved poet Naomi Shihab Nye’s The Turtle of Oman. 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. A wonderful pick for young middle grade readers and fans of Kevin Henkes, Erin Entrada Kelly, and Meg Medina.

Aref is excited for his journey from Oman to the United States, where he will reunite with his father in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Aref makes a friend on an airplane, wonders what Michigan will be like, and starts school in the United States. While he does miss his grandfather, his Sidi, Aref knows that his home in Oman will always be waiting for him.

Award-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. Carrying a suitcase and memories of Oman, Aref experiences the excitement and nervousness that accompany moving to a new home and new school. The Turtle of Michigan is a great choice for reading aloud as well as a perfect read-alone for younger middle grade readers.

Genres: Middle Grade, Family, Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Childrens, Contemporary, Young Adult

336 pages, Hardcover

First published March 15, 2022

About the author

Naomi 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.

Reviews

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this almost as much as The Turtle of Oman. Aref remains his delightful self and we got to know more about Sidi in this one. Ann Arbor seems almost to good to be true. I might need to visit there sometime as it sounds beautiful.

[BookNightOwl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the story behind this. Quick and easy read for somebody who lives in Michigan!

[Beth Rodgers · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘The Turtle of Michigan’ by Naomi Shihab Nye is a wonderfully engaging read about a young boy named Aref (pronounced “R-F”) and the journey he takes with his parents to move across the world from Oman to Michigan. It is an entirely different world, and even though Aref finds it special and exciting, he also truly misses his grandfather, whom he calls Sidi (pronounced "C-D"). Some of the story is told through letters that they write to each other, while other parts are narrated, and still others are Aref’s journal entries telling about his new life.

Aref loves turtles, and he wants to have one of his own. The title is a beautiful metaphor for Aref’s life and the way in which he little by little takes steps to grow into his surroundings and find the beauty therein. He desperately wants Sidi to come and visit so they can spend more time together, because he won’t be coming home with his parents for three years while they study at the University of Michigan.

For those who have ever been to Ann Arbor, Michigan or attended the University of Michigan themselves, this book is a fascinating exploration of parts of campus and aspects of the state of Michigan that they may not be aware of already. I myself am a graduate of the school, and there were plenty of interesting and thought-provoking ideas that I looked up to see if they were based in truth just because I didn’t know much, if anything, about them yet. The author has done a great job weaving together a story about a boy who misses home but is eager to embrace his new world with learning so much about the beauty of the place where he has moved.

There are lots of new opportunities for Aref, including joining his school’s anti-bullying club, having sleepovers with new friends, running through fields, having meals with his neighbors, and so much more. It is a beautiful, realistic, thoroughly engaging story and one which is a nice addition to any booklover’s shelf.

Beth Rodgers, Author of ‘Welcome to Chanu-Con!,’ a Children's Picture Book, and ‘Freshman Fourteen’ and ‘Sweet Fifteen,’ Young Adult Novels

*Review originally posted at YABooksCentral.com*

[Paulette Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Recently met this amazing human, so kind and down to earth. What a pleasure it was to read!

Wish I had a small child to share it with.

[Phil J]

I read about 20 pages. This book, as a physical object, is beautiful. I love the cover, the chunky dimensions, the interior illustrations, and even the font. I looked at this in between Freewater and Dream, Annie, Dream, and it makes those books look like butt by comparison.

Unfortunately, the story itself did not stand out to me in any way. A child is immigrating from Oman to Michigan and they feel uncertain about it. That is hardly new or interesting to me. Also, it is clear from the flying details that this happens in some pre-9/11 time period which makes it feel less relevant.

[Jerry Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Turtle of Michigan by Naomi Shihab Nye (2022) was honored as a Michigan Notable Book.
This is a contemporary novel for 8- to 12-year-olds about Aref’s (pronounced R-F) move from the Arabian country of Oman to Ann Arbor, Michigan and how he and his parents (who came to attend graduate school) adjust to their new life. It is a big adjustment for Aref. He misses his grandfather, who stayed in Oman.
The Kirkus Review says it best – this is “a humorous, sensitive, and poignant family centered take on coming to a new county”.
My impression of this excellent story is that it would be a wonderful family read aloud book. The story has all kinds of possible topics for conversation for the family. There could be many gentle probing questions around the new experiences of traveling to America, the small new apartment, Aref starting third grade in Ann Arbor, and the new surroundings. Plus, just thinking about Aref’s feelings of being eager and unsure as he learns about Michigan and makes new friends.
Aref wants a turtle. The turtles in Michigan are small compared to the turtles of Oman. Things are different in America. And Aref embraces the difference. He meets his neighbors, makes friends at school, and experiences a new climate. And he still misses his grandfather who stay in Oman.
This is a stand alone second book about Aref. The first is The Turtle of Oman also by Naomi Shihab Nye (2014). The first book is the story of Aref learning about his parents’ upcoming 3 years of study in America and preparing for the move to America. Kirkus says in its 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...”
I recommend this book to young independent readers and/or as a great read aloud with lots of room for discussion.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aref and Sidi and their families and friends just make for a quick, uplifting read. I love the idea of learning from everything and everyone! I also loved the quick little lesson Aref's father gives him about never laughing at anyone because they don't know something, even if they are laughing with you. That's good advice for all of us.

[Danielle Wood · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet sequel. Aref is an endearing character and I love his relationship with Sidi.

[Deanna Westfall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written. Fun to see references to a city I know somewhat. Interesting to see seasons through the eyes of someone who has never experienced. Would be a great book for a kid who has had to move to an unfamiliar area.

[Moonkiszt · Rating 3 out of 5]

RTC. . .

[Megan Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Equally as lovely as the first book. I didn't want it to end.

Nye has a wonderful gift for igniting curiosity. Her writing makes me want to learn and explore and ask questions.

[Israa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy. It's been over a year since I read the prequel Turtle of Oman, but you really don't need a refresher before jumping into this story. While the main characters are Muslim, it's not a religious story. The diversity of the neighbors and classmates adds to the heartwarming story of a family moving to America from Oman. The school's values and classroom activities are great for multicultural studies. The plot is a little slow, and there isn't too much action, but that is fine. This is an absolutely clean book, and I will likely use this in novel study in the future.

[Jeremy Lucas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute. Definitely cute. And maybe that’s all it’s supposed to be. But for a book that hovers above so many authentic challenges, like being an immigrant, or being an Arab American in a hostile era, or dealing with health care and education at a time of great tension, this is a book that feels a bit unreal, like most of the world is super nice and super gracious overall. It’s not that kids can’t be happy-go-lucky and cheery all the time, but Aref seems to never sincerely feel or experience hardship the way so many kids in his situation might, to never really feel or experience the world as it is, as so many of our kids with lesser challenges tend to feel, especially in 2022. Naivety is real, no question, and it’s nice to read a child who lives in a blissful state of curiosity amidst this difficult world, though I think children benefit from reading a child who actually hurts sometimes, like they do.

[Sandra Porter · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has high reviews. So read it for yourself: fast read.
From Goodreads "Aref is excited for his journey to reunite with his father in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Aref makes a friend on an airplane, wonders what Michigan will be like, and starts school in the United States. While he does miss his grandfather, his Sidi, Aref knows that his home in Oman will always be waiting for him."
I think it would be a great book for elementary and MS readers want a longer book, but simple story, lots of white space on page, and a feel good book. The problem for me was the book was too good. The family was perfect and so was Aref. There was little conflict, no story arc really. You should probably read the preceding book by Nye as I think that would add a level of understanding to this book, about turtles and Aref's grandfather.

[Simi Sunny · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I really love how we get to see Aref adapting into the United States. Of course, it was a rocky start. But I loved that Aref was liking his new home, and he was able to make new friend. And we not only get to see his POV, but we also get to see Sidi's POV (only for a few chapters). So there were two character growths in this book, which I enjoyed, but it is only a little.

But just like the first book, the book is dragged and was choppy. But I was persistent since there some moments that were adorable and enjoyable. I'm really glad to give it a chance. So if there is anyone who is into slow-paced stories and is afraid to move into a new country, give the duology a try.

[Kara Kvasnicka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure there’s enough dramatic tension in this story to hold the interest of even the juvenile audience for which it is intended. Likewise, even a 10-year-old might find Aref and all the other characters a bit too virtuous to be believable. Sadly, we can only wish everyone, despite their cultural differences, could live as harmoniously with each other as they do in the hunky dory fictional universe Nye has created.

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read The Turtle of Oman, I set my expectations accordingly for this book, and I think that helped me to better appreciate it. I really loved it. Some might call the writing "slow", but I'd describe it as gentle, steady, and deliberate, with poetic interludes. Occasionally, the narration transitioned between third and second person. I really enjoyed the way the writing channelled the perspective and narrative voice of a child.

Aref is 8 years old. He's inquisitive, friendly, and not shy, a good model for young readers, particularly those who may feel nervous about moving to some place new. It's very clear how Aref benefited from a very diverse neighborhood and school, both in his old home of Muscat, Oman and in his new home of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Such diversity may not be the reality in many places, which means this book could serve as a good "window" for young readers who have less personal experience with different cultures.

It's been a while since I read The Turtle of Oman, so I can't remember for sure, but I think this book picks up right where that book left off. From the very beginning, we see Aref discovering a powerful truth: oftentimes, the anticipation of something is more anxiety-producing than actually experiencing the thing itself. The Turtle of Oman was about Aref feeling sad and scared about moving to America, but once he boarded the plane, he felt relief and excitement and was open to adventure.

Aref and his family are Arabs from Oman. There are occasional references to the Arabic language and Omani culture, which set the background and help to describe the main characters, but they are not central plot points. Oman is predominantly Muslim, but it's not clear if Aref's family is Muslim. There is a chapter about learning to celebrate Christmas in America, and other cultural and religious holidays are mentioned, but Aref's family's usual holidays are never identified. It seems like the author made a very conscious decision to not mention religion at all, since it wasn't even touched upon in the Christmas chapter.

[Stephanie Tournas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book opens with a plane taking off from Muscat, Oman, en route to Michigan, USA. Third grader Aref and his parents will be spending three years in Ann Arbor, while his dad teaches at the university. Aref is unbelievably excited, but still notices that his mother is scared. He is great observer of people and animals, and his inquisitive soul permeates the story of the family’s first few months in the USA. He notices birds in the terminal at JFK; he observes the kids in his summer school art class; he notices how his mother loves barbeque.

What is striking is how kind and welcoming everyone in the USA is to Aref and his family. I wanted that to be the case in this story, but I had worried that the baser elements in society would give the family grief. I needn’t have worried. Nye presents the best of us Americans, from kind teachers and classmates, to friendly neighbors – all are curious and welcoming. I love how this gives young readers a taste of what life should be. And Aref is a sweet soul – he misses his Sidi, his grandfather, but rapidly makes friends wherever he goes. The turtle of the title is a reference to his first love, and he had hoped to find one for his new terrarium. He eventually decides to let the turtles he finds stay in their wild habitats, and plants herbs in the terrarium. The third person prose is occasionally enhanced by letters and emails to and from Sidi, journal entries and lists of observations about Michigan. In addition, Sidi’s short, loving letters back to Aref attest to a very close relationship between the two.

I loved getting to know Aref and his family and their experience with America. This book is a companion to Nye’s earlier The Turtle of Oman, and stands on its own. Illustrations to come.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Naomio Shihab Nye has returned to the story of Aref, a young boy in Oman that is moving with his family to Michigan so that his parents may attend college at The University of Michigan. The characters are lovely and very connected to one another. Although Aref seems older than he is described his simple wisdom, much attributed to his Sidi, his grandfather, is wonderful. The family makes the move to the United States and begins the first of three years there. In many ways this poetic story of strength, love, and wonder is as much for adults as for children. Aref journals his experiences, connects with nature (so different in Michigan than in his native Oman), and learns from his neighbors, classmates, and family. Aref also writes and his family calls back to their grandfather whom they miss very much.

This is a worthwhile story that has many "aha" moments for me. Respecting each other, nature, and education are the heart of these characters and their transition to a new place without losing sight of their connection to their home. I have many students who have travelled from elsewhere to this country, to Michigan, and I believe this story will be one they will want to read! Teacher note: the idea for the club at Aref's new school in the chapter No Bullies hit home for me. I will be chatting with others about that idea and how it plays out in this story.

[Jennybeast · Rating 4 out of 5]

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. 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. 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. They are welcomed with open arms both by their new apartment complex and their extremely culturally diverse school. 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. There's also a notable blind neighbor with many wonderful stories, and a return of Aref's marvelous grandfather, Sidi. Stands out as a story that celebrates all the little explorations and discoveries that children make in their day-to-day adventures.

Advanced Reader's Copy provided by Edelweiss.

[Katherine Szerdy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Naomi Shihab Nye is one of my all-time favorite YA authors and poets. Her multi-cultural novels like Habibi and The Turtle of Oman, Picture books such as Sitti’s Secrets and poetry collections such as Words under the Words and Everything Comes Next deserve 5-star ratings! This one, The Turtle of Michigan, though beautifully written, was a bit slow for me. The plot was thin and could be summarized in two sentences. The correspondence between Aref and his Sidi was tender and real, the literary device of having Aref keep lists such as “Tree Questions,,” “Things People May Not Have Seen in Oman,” and “New Things,” was a creative way of seeing into this young lad’s mind.
I recommend both The Turtle of Oman and The Turtle of Michigan as classroom novels as they cover important themes middle grades students need to know such as immigration, generations, growing up.
Discussion questions:
1. Who was Hugh and why was he an important character in the story?
2. Why did Aref decide not to catch a turtle to keep as a pet?
3. Why did Sidi finally decide to come to the U.S.?
4. Did he plan to return to the U.S.?

[Libby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure how I felt about reading this sequel to "The Turtle of Oman". Part of why I liked that book was its deep sense of place. I didn't want to read another immigrant story. I should have trusted Nye. Yes, this book does focus on Aref's adjustment to 3rd grade life in the US, but what is very clear is that he is still Omani. He's in the process of becoming a TCK (a Third Culture Kid). I also loved how Nye managed to make Siddi's thoughts (Aref's grandfather's) true to his characters yet still accessible to kids. One final thing I liked: that this is a soothing book. The problems Aref solves are truly child-sized. This is actually both its strength and what will keep the book from having broad appeal. But the right reader will fall in love with Aref. Recommended for ages 6-8.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy in return for an honest review.

A lovely middle grade story, although I would say it's geared a bit more towards younger middle grade, There's not a lot of action, but I could see doing this as a read aloud with 3rd or 4th graders. I really enjoyed the diversity of Aref's classmates and think it would be a great conversation starter about being the new student and celebrating differences.

As a note, I do think this can be read as a stand alone, and The Turtle of Oman doesn't need to be read first.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is very positive about moving from Oman to the U.S. for a 3 year stay while Aref's parents study at a university in Michigan. Aref had attended an International school at home and is very comfortable speaking English. At least 9 kids in his 3rd grade class have lived in other countries or speak at least one other language, so the culture Aref is moving into is very welcoming. He is open to a variety of new experiences and people.
He does miss his grandfather, Sidi, immensely. Letters are exchanged and Sidi is encouraged to visit.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aref and his parents fly to Michigan, where his parents are both students in Ann Arbor. It's a lovely, beautifully written story about adjusting to America and meeting new people, where everyone is uniformly nice. Because I had forgotten about the first book (see below), I wondered why wanted to tell this story. Good for readers who want to know whether Aref gets to see his grandfather, Sidi, again.

Note: This is a companion novel to the Turtle of Oman, which I loved! A quiet, beautiful story about a boy and his grandfather.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars: I didn't get a chance to read The Turtle of Oman first, as I needed to get this one done for a project. I'm sure that I would have had a greater appreciation for this book had I done that, but it was still enjoyable as a stand-alone. A very sweet take on the immigrant story that works for younger kids. Normally books on this subject tend to focus not just on cultural differences, but on the immigrant child facing a lot of xenophobia, but that was not the case here. While I'm not sure that that's necessarily very realistic, it did make for a fun tale.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for one of my classes but it was a cute and easy read! Definitely geared for a younger audience but it was nice to read it and have a break from some of the bigger and heavier readings I have to read for my other classes. Tells a cute story of a boy discovering a new country and the new place where his family moved to and then getting reunited with his grandfather when his grandfather comes to visit at the end of the book!

[Scott Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story about a boy that moves from the Middle East to Ann Arbor, Michigan. I had been wanting to read this story for a year now, but I didn't realize until I started that it is actually part two in a series.
I really enjoyed seeing Michigan from a unique perspective. It was also really cool to read about all of the actual places in Ann Arbor. I was with my family that is from there, and they confirmed that all of those places not only exist but are really cool places.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally got to this sequel. It does not disappoint. Love seeing Aref settle in to life in Ann Arbor, Michigan while his parents are in school. He is proud of his heritage and shares about Oman with friends and classmates. We see him bloom and try new things while maintaining his family connections in both countries. I appreciate that we learn more about Sidi also and understand his bravery at the end. This can be read as a stand alone also.

[Suzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aref is afraid about moving and making new friends. Naomi Shihab Nye has such a beautiful way with words. This is a wonderful follow up to the "Turtle of Oman".
It will make a great read-aloud in schools and help anyone who feels like they don't fit in, find their place.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!