This accessible, exquisite novel shines with gentle humor and explores themes of
moving, family, nature, and immigration. It tells the story of Aref Al-Amri, who
must say 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 acclaimed
poet and National Book Award Finalist Naomi Shihab Nye's first novel set in the
Middle East since her acclaimed Habibi.
Aref Al-Amri does not want to leave Oman. He does not want to leave his
elementary school, his friends, or his beloved grandfather, Siddi. He does not
want to live in Ann Arbor, Michigan,