Home Away from Home

3.5

0.0 (0)

234 0

Write Review Add to favorites

Author(s)

Nazneen Akbari

Co-Authors / Illustrators

Rashin Kheiriyeh

Publisher Name

Barefoot Books

Genre(s)

Age Range

Release Date

February 03, 2026

ISBN13

979-8888598962

ISBN10 or ASIN

Nuha is already worried about spending the summer in Oman. When she leaves behind her dearest doll, how will she possibly feel at home in Oman now?

“Oman is your home away from home,” Mama said softly. “Your Jadda hasn’t seen you in three years and she’s excited to spend the summer with you. You’ll have fun together.”

This summer, Nuha and Mama are traveling to Oman to visit her Jadda. Mama is excited to visit home, but Oman doesn’t feel like home to Nuha. The air is warm and sticky, people wear different clothes, and a language she barely understands swirls around her. At least she has her dearest doll, Mary, to keep her company.

When Nuha accidentally leaves Mary behind, the thought of staying in Oman all summer feels impossible. Until Jadda ushers her into the wonderful sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the souk (market) to look for a new doll. Little by little, Nuha begins to realize Oman is special in its own way, and even finds glimpses of home.

A sweet story about reconnecting with faraway grandparents and rediscovering cultural identity.
Based on the author’s own experience moving from India to Oman as a kid
Endnotes provide further information about Oman and the souk in the story

Editor review

1 review

Embracing New Places and Cultures

April 02, 2026 (Updated: June 03, 2026)

Overall rating

3.5

Plot

3.0

Characters

4.0

Writing Style

3.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

4.0

Nuha and her mom are to visit her Jadda, and Mama is excited for this trip. Things are very different for Nuha though, the air is warm and sticky, the clothes is different, and she doesn’t understand the language. Nuha doesn’t feel at home in Oman and to make matters worst she forgot her favorite doll. Jadda takes Nuha to the market to look for a new doll where Nuha starts to recognize that Oman has its own beauty and she finds things that feel like home.

What I Liked: This book does a great job at showing how fear can be transformed by an experience. It highlights how patience goes a long way as Nuha’s mom tries many times to incorporate Nuha into her excitement at being in Oman.

The illustrations throughout this book do a fantastic job at providing visuals to show the different clothing options in Oman, and what shopping looks like there. The illustrations are able to show the contrast between Nuha’s home and Oman to showcase why she might not feel at home immediately in this new place.

The closing of this book provides you with a glossary explaining some of the terms that are used throughout the book, it also provides an explanation for the names that Nuha has given both of her dolls. The closing of this book also provides brief descriptions of the things that Nuha is introduced to in Oman for children to get introduced to various things from other cultures.

Final Verdict: Home Away from Home highlights the fear that comes with traveling to a new place, and how to embrace new cultures. Children ages 3 and up will enjoy going along with Nuha on her new journey and seeing the different things she finds at the market. This book is great for introducing children to another culture and phrases in Arabic.