Sadiq and the Desert Star - by Siman Nuurali (Paperback)

About the Book

Sadiq's father is going on a business trip, but before he goes he tells Sadiq a story of the Desert Star, which fits in perfectly with Sadiq's third grade class field trip to the planetarium, and inspires Sadiq to build a simple telescope to study the stars when his father returns.

Book Synopsis

When Sadiq's father leaves on a business trip, he worries he'll miss his baba too much. But Baba has a story for Sadiq: the story of the Desert Star. Learning about Baba's passion for the stars sparks Sadiq's interest in outer space. But can Sadiq find others who are willing to help him start the space club of his dreams?

Review Quotes

From Siman Nuurali comes fun-loving third grader, Sadiq, and his lively Somali American family. . . .This series is ideal for emergent readers.-- "Booksource Banter"

In this easy chapter book with friendly cartoony illustrations, a Minnesotan boy falls in love with astronomy on a field trip to a planetarium. He and some of his classmates establish a school Space Club then and there. . . .In and out of the story are woven references to the boy's Somali culture; his father tells stories of caravans navigating by the stars, and his mother and sister make and sell sambuus (samosas) for the bake sale.-- "The Planetary Society"

My daughter read the story, and had lots of questions about Berbera, Somalia, where Sadiq was from. . . .My daughter did love the facts about Somalia that was included, as well as the new Somali terms she got to practice. For example, in Somali, a grandfather is awoowe, but in Libyan we use jidu. I also loved the glossary in the back for the astronomy terms, plus the sections that encouraged kids to talk about and write down their thoughts about the book.-- "A Crafty Arab"

Sadiq's family is from Somalia, and references to the country, language, and traditions are blended into the text. . . .A pleasant, informative read that blends family and STEM themes; recommended for general purchase.-- "School Library Journal"

This new series, featuring a Somali American Minnesota kid, was an instant hit at my school. HUGE need for this series to exist.-- "Teen Librarian Toolbox"