The Teacher of Nomad Land

Page-turning World War 2 hidden history masterfully told by award winner Daniel Nayeri—NOW IN PAPERBACK!

National Book Award · Newbery Honor · Named Amazon's #1 Children's Book of 2025

1941. The German armies are storming across Europe. Iran is a neutral country occupied by British forces on one side, Soviet forces on another. Soldiers fill the teahouses of Isfahan. Nazi spies roam the alleyways.

Babak and his little sister have just lost their father. Now orphans, fearing they will be separated, the two devise a plan. Babak will take up his father's old job as a teacher to the nomads. With a chalkboard strapped to Babak's back, and a satchel full of textbooks, the siblings set off to find the nomad tribes as they make their yearly trek across the mountains.

On the treacherous journey they meet a Jewish boy, hiding from a Nazi spy. And suddenly, they are all in a race for survival.

Against the backdrop of World War II comes an epic adventure in the faraway places. Through the cacophony of soldiers, tanks, and planes, can young hearts of different creeds and nations learn to find a common language?

Master storyteller Daniel Nayeri keeps you on the edge of your seat, uncertain to the very end.

W I N N E R

National Book Award
Newbery Honor
Malka Penn Award for Human Rights in Children's Literature
Common Sense Media Selection
JLG Gold Standard

P R A I S E

* "Heart-piercing… Lush details and taut plotting distinguish this immersive, profound offering." –Publishers Weekly (starred)

* "Gripping… Nayeri tells a remarkably intimate story… The novel’s richly drawn characters and evocative setting provide enough context about World War II and Iranian history without overwhelming young readers… A compelling testament to the power of education and empathy to light the way in even the most perilous circumstances." –Kirkus (starred)

* "The artfully detailed setting and strong values depicted through Babak’s endeavor to teach others will leave readers inspired. A powerful novel about an often-forgotten region and era that highlights the power of education through shared communication to create bonds." –School Library Journal (starred)

* "A tightly crafted odyssey about two siblings in...read more...