Naomi Shihab Nye's The Turtle of Oman receives praise for its evocative prose and rich cultural setting, immersing readers in the beauty of Oman. The protagonist’s emotional journey of moving away resonates with both children and adults. However, some readers find the pacing slow and the plot thin. Despite this, the novel’s lyrical quality and heartfelt themes make it a rewarding read.

A reader who would enjoy The Turtle of Oman by Naomi Shihab Nye is typically a middle-grader who appreciates multicultural themes, gentle storytelling, and evocative prose. Fans of Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai or Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan will find this book equally compelling.

The Turtle of Oman by Naomi Shihab Nye follows Aref Al-Amri in Muscat, Oman, as he prepares for a move to the United States. With guidance from his grandfather Sidi, Aref navigates the emotional challenges of leaving his home, learning to cherish memories and anticipate new adventures. He bids farewell to friends and treasures special moments with his grandfather, ultimately embracing the upcoming change.

Contemplative / Nostalgic / Melancholic / Heartwarming

Naomi Shihab Nye

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Turtle of Oman reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

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Overview

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The Turtle of Oman Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Turtle of Oman Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-7

The Turtle of Oman Chapters 1-7 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 8-14

The Turtle of Oman Chapters 8-14 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 15-22

The Turtle of Oman Chapters 15-22 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 23-29

The Turtle of Oman Chapters 23-29 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 30-37

The Turtle of Oman Chapters 30-37 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Turtle of Oman Character Analysis

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Themes

The Turtle of Oman Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Turtle of Oman Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Turtle of Oman Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Turtle of Oman Essay Topics

The Turtle of Oman

Before You Read

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Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Turtle of Oman?

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Book Details