The Turtle of Michigan by Naomi Shihab Nye
Published by Greenwillow Books on March 15, 2022
ISBN: 0063014165
Pages: 336
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
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In this follow-up (but fine as a standalone) to The Turtle of Oman, Aref and his family have moved from Muscat, Oman and settled in Ann Arbor, MI. Aref is enjoying life in the US and is making a wonderful new community for himself, but he misses his Sidi, his grandfather, dearly. They write regular letters to each other, and this helps, but nothing beats an in-person visit.

This is a wonderful book for younger middle grade readers. It brings up issues of immigration, community, family, and finding oneself, but it does so in a way that’s appropriate for younger readers. While reading the first book provides some back-story, it isn’t at all necessary to have read it prior to this book.

Recommended for readers 3rd grade and up and for some advanced second grade readers.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME