Teacher of Nomad Land was a stunning exploration of history and people.

Daniel Nayeri is an impressive storyteller who has brought a little know story about the fate of Iran in WWII.

"The Teacher of Nomad Land" is a fascinating middle grade historical fiction set in Iran during its occupation by British and Soviet forces during WWII. The main characters are siblings Babak and Sana who have recently lost their father and now must face a future where as orphans they are separated. In an effort to remain together they run away to join the nomads, a group of traveling herders for whom their father was a teacher. Once they catch up to the nomads they learn that they do not have anything to offer them to earn their keep. Babak's efforts to be a teacher like his father are not quite enough to impress the nomadic leader. After being sent away their journey becomes even more perilous when they meet a violent Nazi spy looking for a young Jewish refugee. After escaping the angry "Vulf" they encounter the object of his pursuit, Ben and together the 3 become allies, working together to stay alive and determine their future. Daniel Nayeri tells a gripping and skillfully researched story that deftly shows the complexities of nations at war through the voices of children. I learned a lot about the "third world" countries impacted by the war between the Allies and Axis powers. My favorite part of "The Teacher of Nomad" is its theme of language. In one scene after another, including one dramatic one at a roadside checkpoint, the ability to communicate across languages is shown to be a means to peace.

The Teacher of Nomad Land is not to be missed, even if you aren't a teacher, parent, or grandparent. It is beautifully written, with cultural differences and experiences so perfectly woven into the fabric of the story that you learn effortlessly, as if by osmosis. Through the innocence of these children's voices, we experience the life-shattering consequences of global conflict. The book is set during World War II, but it's easy to draw connections to current political situations in Syria and Ukraine.

I read this book twice...first as a retired middle school teacher and the grandmother of a 10-year-old grandson. I made six pages of notes and quotes, as if I'm walking back into a classroom tomorrow! Old habits die hard and I would teach this novel in a heartbeat because it lends itself easily to a discussion of refugees, world religions, and history. I reread it for the sheer beauty of the author's writing. Although terrible things happen to Babak and Sana, the tension is both heightened and broken by the fact that they are just children and still do childish things. For example, while they are being chased by a violent Nazi, Sana tells Babak of a game she made up at school, Horse Friend Donkey Friend. The rules are absurd, and her description is so long-winded that her older brother can't figure out the goal. She answers, "You just hold hands with your friends and run around and scream a lot. It's great!" If you have much experience with 8-year-old girls, you will relate.

In a short time, we watch 13-year-old Babak take on the role of an adult, protecting his sister while growing into the role of a teacher, emulating his father. Where children will cheer his acts of bravery, I wept at his loss of innocence. As Babak prepares to attack the Nazi so his sister will have time to run, "He says goodbye in his heart. He knows it will hurt. He does it anyway." That is soul-shattering. I will be buying copies of this book when it is published on August 26, 2025, because The Teacher of Nomad Land is a treasure. I loved it, and so will my grandson.