About This Book
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.
