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The Turtle of Oman: A Novel Audiobook
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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 Al-Amri does not want to leave Oman. He does not want to leave his elementary school, his friends, or his beloved grandfather, Siddi. 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 Siddi for help. But rather than pack, Aref and Siddi go on a series of adventures. They visit the camp of a thousand stars deep in the desert, they sleep on Siddi's roof, they fish in the Gulf of Oman and dream about going to India, and they travel to the nature reserve to watch the sea turtles. At each stop, Siddi finds a small stone that he later slips into Aref's suitcase—mementos of home.
Naomi Shihab Nye's warmth, attention to detail, and belief in the power of empathy and connection shines from every page. Features black-and-white spot art and decorations by Betsy Peterschmidt.
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“Peter Ganim’s dreamlikevoice transports listeners to Oman…Listeners will be reminded of their ownexperiences with change as Ganim applies the perfect blend of anxiety andmisery to Aref as he stubbornly refuses to pack his suitcase. Ganim’sperformance exceeds expectations by nailing the bond between Aref and hisgrandfather, Sidi, who helps his grandson create a pocket of courage to saygoodbye to all he loves, including sea turtles, fresh apricots, and the deepblue Arabian sea. Sidi’s voice is full of love, wisdom, and a mischievousspirit, which imbue the pair’s last week together with magic.”
— AudioFile
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“An enthusiastic boy from Oman has serious misgivings about temporarily moving from his homeland to Michigan…Spanning Aref’s final week in Oman, this sensitive chronicle perceptively conveys the feelings and fears of a boy about to leave the known and face the unknown. 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.”
— Kirkus Reviews (starred review) -
“Aref Al-Amri doesn’t want to accompany his professor parents on their three-year stint to Ann Arbor, Mich., so he spends his last days in Oman thinking of reasons not to go…While conveying Aref’s ambivalence about leaving home, this tender story also reveals the inner resources that will help him navigate his new environment.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“The language is fresh and lyrical at times, with vivid descriptions of daily life and Aref’s obvious anxiety about leaving…The excellence of the portrayal of the setting and the emotional state of a young boy subject to the loving whims of his parents are vividly captured…Simply told, yet richly rewarding.”
— Library Journal -
“The setting is so affectionately portrayed, with descriptions of colorful sights, mouth-watering tastes, and friendly interactions with fellow countrymen, that even when Aref is ready to say goodbye, readers may not be. Nye’s story, with spot art by Betsy Peterschmidt, is both quiet and exhilarating.”
— Horn Book -
“Will deeply touch young readers who have also moved between countries—and it will enlighten their new friends.”
— Booklist -
“Nye’s poetic prose is so filled with tenderness that I found myself slowing down and rereading long passages just to enjoy the feel of the words on my tongue. It’s been a long time since I have read a book that has brought me that special kind of pleasure, and I look forward to sharing this with children and adults.”
— BookPage
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About Naomi Shihab Nye
Naomi Shihab Nye is an acclaimed, multiaward–winning author of thirty books who describes herself as a “wandering poet,” having spent decades traveling the country and the world, leading writing workshops and inspiring students of all ages. She was named a Young People’s Poet Laureate for 2019–2021 by the Poetry Foundation.
About Peter Ganim
Peter Ganim, an Earphones Award–winning narrator, is an American actor who has appeared on stage, on television, and in film. He has performed voice-over work since 1994.