Aref is about to move from Muscat in Oman to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where his parents will attend graduate school. Aref is unhappy about going, and worried about everything he’s leaving behind: his friends; his cat, Mish-Mish; his house; and especially his grandfather, Sidi. He’s also worried about making new friends in a new place so far from everything he knows and loves. Although his mother is busy packing she takes time to reassure him while his dad, who’s already left, sends encouraging word about the apartment he’s found. But it’s the time Aref spends with Sidi during his final week before leaving that is at the heart of this story. It’s a week of small moments and special outings — camping in the desert, sleeping out on the roof, going on a boat ride, hoping to see the turtles on the beach. Aref is making new memories, weaving the bond he has to Sidi and to Muscat ever tighter, even as Sidi is clearly also helping Aref get ready to say good-bye. Lyrical, observant, tender, funny, Naomi Shihab Nye conveys the wonder of childhood, of love, and of the world in which we live. (Ages 7–10)

ALA Notable Book: A “warm and humorous” novel of a boy’s much-dreaded move from the Middle East to Michigan with his parents (Kirkus Reviews, starred review).

Aref Al-Amri does not want to leave Oman. He does not want to leave his elementary school, his friends, or his beloved grandfather, Sidi. He does not want to live in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where his parents will go to graduate school. His mother is desperate for him to pack his suitcase, but he refuses. Finally, she calls Sidi for help. But rather than pack, Aref and Sidi go on a series of adventures. They visit the camp of a thousand stars deep in the desert, they sleep on Sidi’s roof, they fish in the Gulf of Oman and dream about going to India, and they travel to the nature reserve to watch the sea turtles. At each stop, Sidi finds a small stone that he later slips into Aref’s suitcase—mementos of home.

Acclaimed poet and National Book Award finalist Naomi Shihab Nye’s warmth, attention to detail, and belief in the power of empathy and connection shines from every page of this story following Aref Al-Amri as he says goodbye to Muscat, Oman and prepares for a journey to an unfamiliar world.

“Richly rewarding.” —School Library Journal

“Deeply moving.” —Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“Nye’s story about the special bond between a boy and his grandfather and their mutual love for their country is somehow both quiet and exhilarating.” —Horn Book (starred review)

A Winner of the Middle East Book Award

Includes bonus material from the author and art by Betsy Peterschmidt