The Teacher of Nomad Land is one of the best children's books I've read all year. Daniel Nayeri's writing absolutely sparkles in 2nd POV. The historical setting is perfect for exploring brother-sister relationships, tensions and compassion between ethnicities, and the conflict in the Middle East.

Fascinating read. There are lots of WW2 texts, but this focus on the impact of people living in different countries was enlightening. The main characters of Babek and Sana epitomise the all important characteristics of bravery, determination,resilience and empathy for others. I found this to be a highly engaging read as I willed Babek and Sana to conquer the considerable number of obstacles they faced in order to survive.I also appreciated the author comments at the end.

I received an Advance Copy of this book on NetGalley and here’s my review:

Read it.

I knew I’d enjoy this book, as I have loved everything I’ve read from Daniel Nayeri, but this was wonderful. I have not read much (anything) about the WWII era in the Middle East and actually know very little about how the war played out there. This book is about much more than WWII-era Iran. It’s about family, grief, doing the right thing (even when you don’t like the person you’re doing the right thing by), nomad life, as well as the war, all told from the perspective of a boy who suddenly has to keep his little sister safe and fed in a world determined to not let him.

The only thing I wish is for more story. It’s so well-told, and the voice of that young boy is so clear, that more story would just be wonderful!

This compelling title finds Iranian siblings Babak and Sana in search of a new home after they are orphaned during World War II. Babak's father was a teacher, and Babak hopes to assume his role with the Bakhtiari people, a tribe of nomads. While trying to find safety and remain together, Babak and Sana encounter both English and Soviet troops, a German spy, and a young Jewish boy. In lesser hands, these plot threads might fray, but Nayeri masterfully weaves them together, crafting a taut story that is by turns humorous, tense, frightening, endearing, suspenseful, enlightening, and ultimately, hopeful. It also illuminates a part of WWII history that may be unknown (or at least lesser known) to Western audiences in its exploration of the impact of the war on the people of Iran. Readers will root for Babak and Sana, and the setting comes vividly to life; in addition, Nayeri deftly examines themes related to empathy, compassion & communication, and the power of education.