The Turtle of Michigan audiobook

I love the story behind this. Quick and easy read for somebody who lives in Michigan!

‘The Turtle of Michigan’ by Naomi Shihab Nye is a wonderfully engaging read about a young boy named Aref (pronounced “R-F”) and the journey he takes with his parents to move across the world from Oman to Michigan. It is an entirely different world, and even though Aref finds it special and exciting, he also truly misses his grandfather, whom he calls Sidi (pronounced "C-D"). Some of the story is told through letters that they write to each other, while other parts are narrated, and still others are Aref’s journal entries telling about his new life.Aref loves turtles, and he wants to have one of his own. The title is a beautiful metaphor for Aref’s life and the way in which he little by little takes steps to grow into his surroundings and find the beauty therein. He desperately wants Sidi to come and visit so they can spend more time together, because he won’t be coming home with his parents for three years while they study at the University of Michigan.For those who have ever been to Ann Arbor, Michigan or attended the University of Michigan themselves, this book is a fascinating exploration of parts of campus and aspects of the state of Michigan that they may not be aware of already. I myself am a graduate of the school, and there were plenty of interesting and thought-provoking ideas that I looked up to see if they were based in truth just because I didn’t know much, if anything, about them yet. The author has done a great job weaving together a story about a boy who misses home but is eager to embrace his new world with learning so much about the beauty of the place where he has moved.There are lots of new opportunities for Aref, including joining his school’s anti-bullying club, having sleepovers with new friends, running through fields, having meals with his neighbors, and so much more. It is a beautiful, realistic, thoroughly engaging story and one which is a nice addition to any booklover’s shelf.Beth Rodgers, Author of ‘Welcome to Chanu-Con!,’ a Children's Picture Book, and ‘Freshman Fourteen’ and ‘Sweet Fifteen,’ Young Adult Novels*Review originally posted at YABooksCentral.com*

Well written. Fun to see references to a city I know somewhat. Interesting to see seasons through the eyes of someone who has never experienced. Would be a great book for a kid who has had to move to an unfamiliar area.

This book opens with a plane taking off from Muscat, Oman, en route to Michigan, USA. Third grader Aref and his parents will be spending three years in Ann Arbor, while his dad teaches at the university. Aref is unbelievably excited, but still notices that his mother is scared. He is great observer of people and animals, and his inquisitive soul permeates the story of the family’s first few months in the USA. He notices birds in the terminal at JFK; he observes the kids in his summer school art class; he notices how his mother loves barbeque.What is striking is how kind and welcoming everyone in the USA is to Aref and his family. I wanted that to be the case in this story, but I had worried that the baser elements in society would give the family grief. I needn’t have worried. Nye presents the best of us Americans, from kind teachers and classmates, to friendly neighbors – all are curious and welcoming. I love how this gives young readers a taste of what life should be. And Aref is a sweet soul – he misses his Sidi, his grandfather, but rapidly makes friends wherever he goes. The turtle of the title is a reference to his first love, and he had hoped to find one for his new terrarium. He eventually decides to let the turtles he finds stay in their wild habitats, and plants herbs in the terrarium. The third person prose is occasionally enhanced by letters and emails to and from Sidi, journal entries and lists of observations about Michigan. In addition, Sidi’s short, loving letters back to Aref attest to a very close relationship between the two.I loved getting to know Aref and his family and their experience with America. This book is a companion to Nye’s earlier The Turtle of Oman, and stands on its own. Illustrations to come.

It's lovely to join Aref on the next stage of his journey, and I think both this book and The Turtle of Oman stand alone beautifully as well, so readers can have a great experience with both or either without needing the companion book as background. This is a very gentle read about a 8 year old boy relocating from Muscat, Oman to Ann Arbor, Michigan for 3 years while his parents are in grad school. I'm not sure what it says that this book is so remarkable in its joyful acceptance -- presumably Aref's family is Muslim, and yet they experience no racism or microaggressions or unkindness at all on their adventure. They are welcomed with open arms both by their new apartment complex and their extremely culturally diverse school. Aref's new teacher is a paragon of inclusivity and his parents are quick to smooth out tense moments by modeling kindness and acceptance themselves. There's also a notable blind neighbor with many wonderful stories, and a return of Aref's marvelous grandfather, Sidi. Stands out as a story that celebrates all the little explorations and discoveries that children make in their day-to-day adventures. Advanced Reader's Copy provided by Edelweiss.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy in return for an honest review.A lovely middle grade story, although I would say it's geared a bit more towards younger middle grade, There's not a lot of action, but I could see doing this as a read aloud with 3rd or 4th graders. I really enjoyed the diversity of Aref's classmates and think it would be a great conversation starter about being the new student and celebrating differences. As a note, I do think this can be read as a stand alone, and The Turtle of Oman doesn't need to be read first.

Though the audience is lower-middle grade readers, I thoroughly enjoyed this story of young Aref from Oman who moves to Michigan with his parents. He loves turtles, his grandpa, and it was such a joy to see the US through his eyes. More specifically, super fun to see Ann Arbor repped so much. A really sweet story that made me see what the world could be.

A nice lower MG stand alone but I previously read Turtles of Oman and would recommend reading them together. This one was lovely in it’s telling of a boy experiencing so many new things in a place he’s never been and making new friends, learning new customs, attending a new school, etc. some beautiful writing and messages within.

A sweet book about a boy moving across the world from Oman to Michigan. I do not agree that it is a standalone book. Knowledge of what happened in the turtle of Oman greatly enhance the overall experience of this book.

I was so excited to see that there was a sequel to The Turtle of Oman. I love Ms. Nye’s writing style. It is poetic. I struggled to get students to read her books though. I don’t think the writing style is geared towards the age range of her audience, which is why I didn’t give the book 5 stars.

A pretty little book with beautiful descriptions and a wonder that can only come from new places and a young child's mind. I felt at peace while listening to it, wrapped up in the snow and fudge of Michigan.

Excellent audiobook. I want more books like this for middle school. I’m afraid they wouldn’t read it when the main character is in third grade.