The Teacher of Nomad Land: A World War II Story
by Daniel Nayeri
Intermediate, Middle School    Levine/Levine Querido    192 pp.
9/25    9781646145669    $18.99

Nayeri’s stirring historical novel—emotionally rich, suspenseful, and profound—sheds light on a lesser-known front of World War II: Iran, a neutral country occupied by both British and Soviet forces. Thirteen-year-old Babak and his younger sister, Sana, have been recently orphaned and are facing separation. Their bold decision to escape this fate propels them into a gripping tale of resilience and survival. The two first attempt to join a group of Bakhtiari nomads but are soon turned away. As they journey across the Zagros Mountains, the siblings encounter a threatening German spy and a prickly Jewish boy who is fleeing the Nazis, and their fates intertwine. Nayeri’s prose is lush and evocative, capturing the stark beauty of Iran’s mountainous landscapes as well as the traditions, languages, and beliefs that define its people. Along with vivid characterization, the novel balances action and introspection, weaving in issues of faith, identity, and empathy without slowing momentum. This poignant, often heart-wrenching narrative (despite occasional historical inaccuracies) offers readers a profound lesson in the power of communication, cross-cultural and cross-lingual understanding, and kindness. With a blackboard strapped to his back and a satchel full of books, Babak becomes a meaningful symbol of education as a bridge between people and cultures. Timely and unforgettable.

From the January/February 2026 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.