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librarylandlisa's review against another edition
4.0
Cute. Great portrayal of a young Arab boy preparing for a big life change with his family. Lovely scenery of Oman and the culture
jenmangler's review against another edition
3.0
This is a lovely story about a boy who loves his home and is struggling to say goodbye. I love the relationship between Aref and his grandfather and the adventures they have together during the last few days before the big move.
rissa_may_read's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
turtlebrainlibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
Turtles are my favorite, so the title and the cover were the first to draw me in, but I stayed for the story. Aref does not want to leave his home in Oman and move to America for his parents to get their doctorates. He spends his time before the move spending time with his grandfather and his friends as he takes the time to say goodbye and have a new adventure.
speakofthedevil2024's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
4.5
isaacmm43's review against another edition
3.0
The protagonist is a little bit of a punk but the wise and poetic Arab grandfather is a standout. Overall a nice low-stakes kid story
kaylarage's review against another edition
4.0
It's simple and beautiful and doesn't talk down to children. We need more middle readers like this one.
bookbuyingwithkatie's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
kellybean18's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
lanica's review against another edition
4.0
School Librarian Review
I would put this book in any library! School kids of all ages will enjoy learning about Oman, and the boys' adventures are able to translate into any culture. It is a great book for showing that no matter where we live, we are all basically the same.
SLIGHT SPOILER -
I went into this expecting Aref to get to the US and learn how he handled the transition from Oman to the US, but the book ends as he finishes packing...so be prepared to be slightly disappointed that we don't see the next step in his story. This is a book about saying goodbye.
I would put this book in any library! School kids of all ages will enjoy learning about Oman, and the boys' adventures are able to translate into any culture. It is a great book for showing that no matter where we live, we are all basically the same.
SLIGHT SPOILER -
I went into this expecting Aref to get to the US and learn how he handled the transition from Oman to the US, but the book ends as he finishes packing...so be prepared to be slightly disappointed that we don't see the next step in his story. This is a book about saying goodbye.