
Reach for this book when your child is starting to ask complex questions about why people are divided by borders or religion, or if they are processing a significant loss and searching for a sense of purpose. It is an extraordinary choice for middle grade readers who enjoy high stakes history but are ready for deeper philosophical questions about our shared humanity. Set in 1941 Iran, the story follows orphaned Babak and his sister Sana as they flee to the mountains. Babak attempts to honor his late father by becoming a teacher to nomadic tribes, only to find himself protecting a Jewish refugee from a Nazi spy. While it deals with the heavy realities of war and grief, the book focuses on the bridge building power of education and the unexpected bonds formed between children of different backgrounds. It offers a sophisticated but accessible look at a rarely taught side of World War II, emphasizing resilience and empathy over trauma.
Depicts the recent death of a father and the fear of siblings being separated.
Reference to war and soldiers; brief moments of physical confrontation.
The book deals directly with the death of a parent and the threat of the Holocaust. The approach is deeply humanistic and secular. The resolution is realistic and bittersweet, emphasizing survival and connection rather than a perfect 'happily ever after.'
A 10 to 14 year old who feels like an outsider or who has a strong sense of justice. It is perfect for the child who loved Everything Sad Is Untrue and wants a more traditional, yet equally lyrical, adventure story.
Parents should be aware that the book contains scenes of antisemitism and persecution by a Nazi operative. Be prepared to discuss the Holocaust and the dangers of prejudice. It may be helpful to provide a brief map of 1940s Iran to help the child visualize the setting of the story. A child expressing that the world is too 'broken' to fix, or a child who is struggling to find their own 'voice' or role within their family or community.
Younger readers will focus on the 'race against time' adventure and the sibling bond. Older readers will grasp the nuance of the 'common language' theme and the tragic irony of a neutral country being occupied.
Unlike most WWII fiction centered on Europe, this highlights the 'hidden history' of Iran and the Bakhtiari people, using a blackboard as a symbol of resistance and connection.
In 1941 Iran, Babak and his sister Sana are orphaned and facing separation. Babak takes his father's blackboard and textbooks, intent on serving as a teacher for the Bakhtiari nomads in the Zagros Mountains. After a failed initial attempt to teach, they encounter Ben, a Jewish boy fleeing a Nazi operative. The trio must navigate treacherous terrain and political peril to reach safety in Tehran, using Babak's teaching tools as a literal and figurative means of communication.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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