In this brief novel, told in short chapters by theacclaimed poet and National Book Award finalist Naomi Shihab Nye, Aref Al-Amrisays good-bye to everything and everyone he loves in his hometown of Muscat,Oman, as his family prepares to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan. This is NaomiShihab Nye''s first novel set in the Middle East since her acclaimed Habibi.
Aref Al-Amri does not want to leave Oman. He doesnot want to leave his elementary school, his friends, or his belovedgrandfather, Siddi. He does not want to live in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where hisparents will go to graduate school. His mother is desperate for him to pack hissuitcase-but he refuses. Finally, she calls Siddi for help. But rather thanpack, Aref and Siddi go on a series of adventures. They visit the camp of athousand stars deep in the desert, they sleep on Siddi''s roof, they fish in theGulf of Oman and dream about going to India, they travel to the nature reserveto watch the sea turtles. At each stop, Siddi finds a small stone that he laterslips into Aref''s suitcase-mementos of home.
This accessible, exquisite novel shines with gentlehumor and explores themes of moving, family, nature, and immigration. NaomiShihab Nye''s warmth, attention to detail, and belief in the power of empathyand connection shines from every page.
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