The Turtle of Oman: A Novel
Product ID: 27429550
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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 does not want to leave Oman. He does not want to leave his elementary school, his friends, or his beloved grandfather, Sidi. 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 Sidi for help. But rather than pack, Aref and Sidi go on a series of adventures. They visit the camp of a thousand stars deep in the desert, they sleep on Sidi’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, Sidi 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 has created what Kirkus called “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.” Features black-and-white spot art and decorations by Betsy Peterschmidt. Review: Beautifully written novel - My kids enjoyed this story and learning about Oman, a different place. They enjoyed the portrayal of Sidi (the grandfather),his personality and his interactions with Aref. The novel is written with beautiful prose, which is not surprising because the author is a poet. I would recommend it for elementary or middle school aged kids. Review: Love it - Love it! Book came in in great condition and book itself is amazing.
| Best Sellers Rank | #121,790 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #714 in Children's New Experiences Books #825 in Children's Books on Girls' & Women's Issues #3,191 in Children's Friendship Books |
| Customer Reviews | 4.3 out of 5 stars 254 Reviews |
T**M
Beautifully written novel
My kids enjoyed this story and learning about Oman, a different place. They enjoyed the portrayal of Sidi (the grandfather),his personality and his interactions with Aref. The novel is written with beautiful prose, which is not surprising because the author is a poet. I would recommend it for elementary or middle school aged kids.
A**R
Love it
Love it! Book came in in great condition and book itself is amazing.
K**R
Going Knowing You Will Return - Perhaps Not One For Those Who Are Simply Going
This lovely, kind story is a meditation on the challenge inherent in transitions for some people. While the protagonist, Aref, knows he will be back in three years, he struggles to pack. It is also a love letter to the positive bonds between a grandparent and grandchild, and subtly to the wisdom of a mother. That said, if you are leaving indefinitely or permanently, it may be awfully unkind to read it to your children or offer it to them to read. There is a lot of visiting loved placed and doing memorable things with a loved one who is not coming and talking about how they will do them again in three years. So glad I previewed this novel. It will be years before I offer it to my own children.
V**S
My son enjoyed this book
We chose this book because it talks about immigration from a young boy's POV. My son enjoyed the book. I appreciated that it deals realistically with a child's feelings about moving away. There's no language, sex, or violence in the book, which is a plus. There's one scene in which adults smoke. All in all, my son said he'd give it 4.5 out of 5 stars. He said "it moves kind of slow" which is the only reason he didn't rate it a 5. He tends to like action type books. ;)
A**T
Adorable kids book
The grandfather Sidi was so fun and delightful. I loved his interactions with the main character. The book makes Oman sound like a lovely place. I hope I can go visit someday.
J**C
Great book
Was given as a gift and is loved by my grandson, who is 8 years old.
S**E
Not a favorite.
Purchased for my 10 year old Daughter Battle of the books - 4th grade. It was not one of the kids favorite books.
P**Y
Turtle of Oman
Nice little story from a great poet/author about a boy from a culture not always understood in the States. Since I grew up in Ann Arbor, I wish the story would have described his new home.
P**L
Good for children
The book is great for children's read. Had to return it due to faulty copy.
K**L
Four Stars
This is a great little book set in Oman.
P**A
Una bella historia de relación abuelo-nieto
Lindo libro, un clásico de Omán. En perfectas condiciones.
E**A
Maravilhoso
Otimo
R**J
Good book
It is a really good book. I had a lot of fun reading it.
Trustpilot
1 month ago
3 weeks ago