Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Krawczyk
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Affirming, gentle story about boy's move from Oman to U.S.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In THE TURTLE OF MICHIGAN, 8-year-old Aref and his mom travel through various airports to join his dad in Ann Arbor, where his parents will attend grad school for three years. Aref observes everything with curiosity as he views different landscapes, meets new neighbors, and makes friends at school. The story alternates between short chapters about Aref's day-to-day experiences and explorations in Ann Arbor, his brief journal entries, and letters or emails between Aref and his beloved grandfather Sidi. A few interspersed chapters describe how Sidi is doing back home in Oman. Although Aref occasionally worries about things, he is a confident boy enjoying the adventure of a new home. But he misses Sidi terribly, and Sidi misses him too. Sidi says he can't and won't fly on an airplane. How will Aref continue to adjust to his new home? When will Aref and Sidi see each other again?
Is It Any Good?
This affirming, uplifting story offers a glimpse of what it's like to adjust to life in a new country. It's fun to experience new things through Aref's eyes, like flying on an airplane or seeing snow for the first time. The kindness and care of family, neighbors, and community in the story is heartwarming. There's also some gentle humor in Aref's everyday explorations of his new surroundings. Aref's close bond with his grandfather is evident through their correspondence and memories of times together.
The Turtle of Michigan will appeal most to readers who appreciate author Naomi Shihab Nye's poetic prose and a slower-paced story. Readers who've moved to new place or new school may find it relatable. Aref and his parents arrive at a community that's completely welcoming. Aref's school is very diverse and inclusive. His biggest worry is how to correct classmates who mispronounce his name. While this positive take is assuring and inspiring, it may ring less true for readers who have faced more difficult challenges when moving to a new home or country.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the different emotions that Aref feels about moving in The Turtle of Michigan. What is he worried or sad or excited about? Why?
Aref moves from the country of Oman to Ann Arbor, Michigan in the United States. Oman is on the Arabian Peninsula. Can you find it on a map? What did you learn about the Oman in the book? What more would you like to know?
Aref is excited to fly on an airplane and see snow for the first time. What is something that you were excited to do or see for the first time? Why? How did it feel?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Contemporary Fiction
- Topics : Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Greenwillow Books
- Publication date : March 15, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 336
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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