Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (Peril)
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
During WWII, Russian and British soldiers invaded Iran in order to protect British owned oil wells. In the process, 13yo Babak and 8yo Sana lost their father when he was killed while teaching nomadic shepherds on a hillside. Essentially orphans, they are separated. After a year of working for their keep, Babak and Sana run away together to join the nomads as they are moving their flocks to winter pastures. But when the leader sends them away they find themselves on their own, trying not to starve, interacting with soldiers - from both sides - and remembering lessons their father taught about understanding people and keeping each other safe.
I did not know about this part of the war at all! Nayeri weaves a tale of two smart, brave and desperate kids just trying to stay together. I really loved Sana, she was such a great positive force for her brother, always willing to do whatever she could, including scavenging, looking for water and even mediating between her brother and an angry German soldier. Historical Fiction is a hard sell these days, but Nayeri’s name may carry enough recognition to get Teacher of Nomad Land picked up, and then kids who read it will definitely talk about it.
Lisa Librarian
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