Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Orphans vs. Nazi, other perils, in lively, poignant tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
With their father recently killed in World War II Iran, 13-year-old Babak hopes to keep himself and his 8-year-old sister, Sana, together by taking up his father's old job as THE TEACHER OF NOMAD LAND—traveling with a Bakhtiari tribe and teaching their children. But it's wartime, and few things are simple, as the country is overrun with occupying British and Russian forces. They soon encounter a well-armed Nazi who doesn't hesitate to kill kids. And a Jewish kid from Poland, who the Nazi is trying to kill. With a blackboard on his back and blisters everywhere, Babak heads down the road, with a lot of support from little sis, wise beyond her years—trying to stay together and do the right thing.
Is It Any Good?
This wild, heart-filled tale of two orphaned sibs in occupied World War II Iran trying to survive and stay together while facing not only rejection but a murderous Nazi is a lively and suspenseful read. Weighted down with responsibility and also the books and blackboard of his late dad, The Teacher of Nomad Land, 13-year-old Babak has a lot to deal with even before they befriend the Jewish kid from Poland. The one the Nazi is trying to kill. There's a lot of detail about language, culture, and alphabets in the region, as well as a kid's-eye view of a part of World War II that often gets overlooked in the West. As in Nayeri's other work, there's a wry, tragicomic sensibility to the narrative as the kids grapple with their circumstances. "That was our last parent," says Sana over her dad's headstone. Babak muses, "There is no earthly argument for orphans to get their way. If there was, they wouldn't be orphans."
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about World War II, and all the stories it continues to inspire to this day. Do you have any favorite tales set in this era? How does The Teacher of Nomad Land compare?
How do the main characters model courage and perseverance? Have you, or has anyone you know, survived war? What helps when you have to live through scary situations?
Do you like learning the words and alphabets of languages other than your own? Which ones do you like best?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Historical Fiction
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , History ( War: WWII )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Levine Querido
- Publication date : September 16, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 192
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Awards : Common Sense Selection , Newbery Medal and Honors
- Last updated : January 28, 2026
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