The Turtle of Michigan
The Turtle of Oman Series
What’s inside...
The Turtle of Michigan is a stand-alone companion to Naomi Shihab Nye's National Book Award Finalist, The Turtle of Oman. It follows a young boy named Aref as he travels from Muscat, Oman, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, and navigates adjusting to a new life and school in the United States. This novel portrays Aref's journey, his experiences with making new friends, and his emotional struggles with missing his grandfather back home, while exploring themes of immigration, family, and belonging. Illustrated in black-and-white, this accessible novel is a wonderful choice for young middle grade readers and fans of books like Other Words for Home and Billy Miller Makes a Wish.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
336 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the turtle represents in the story and why?
How did the characters' interactions with the turtle change their perspective or actions?
What emotions did you feel when reading about the turtle’s journey?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone, like the characters helped the turtle?
What lessons can we learn from the turtle about nature and our environment?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the characters and the turtle to life, enhancing the emotional impact of the story.
Pause at key moments to allow your child to absorb and imagine the details of the scene, asking them to describe it in their own words.
Relate the story to real-life situations by discussing similar events in your child’s experiences or in nature documentaries.
Encourage your child to draw or write about their favorite scene or character to deepen their connection to the story.
Discuss the broader themes of the book, such as empathy and environmental conservation, linking them to personal or family values.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story delves into the life of a turtle in Michigan, portraying its daily challenges and interactions. Through the turtle's experiences, children learn to understand and empathize with creatures different from themselves.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing kindness and understanding towards their peers and animals, recognizing that everyone has unique experiences and feelings.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Perseverance
Explanation: The turtle faces numerous obstacles throughout the story but continues to push forward despite the difficulties. This resilience is a central theme.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges, whether it be at school, in sports, or in their personal pursuits.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Environment Conservation
Explanation: The book highlights the natural habitat of the Michigan turtle and the impacts of environmental changes on its life.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of taking care of their environment, encouraging them to participate in recycling, conservation, and clean-up activities in their communities.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The turtle’s journey introduces it to various other characters and settings, sparking curiosity and learning.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to explore and learn more about the world around them, ask questions, and seek new experiences.
Example Lesson: Community and Support
Explanation: Throughout the turtle's adventures, other animals often lend help or advice, highlighting the importance of community and support systems.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to value and contribute to their communities, understanding the importance of helping others and working together.