The Turtle of Michigan by Naomi Shihab Nye

★★★★★

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.