Muktar and the Camels
Illustrator
Scott Mack
Publisher
Henry Holt and Co
Publication Year
2009
ISBN
9780805078343
Pages
32 pages
Genre
realism
Format
picture book
Item Type
Fiction
Annotation
Muktar lives in an orphanage on the border of Kenya and Somalia. He daydreams about his old life with his family and especially tending to camels. One day, visitors arrive bearing books, and Muktar's friend Ismail is excited; so is Muktar, but for a different reason—the visitors are riding on camels. Muktar quickly discovers that one of the animals is injured and realizes this is his chance to prove himself. If there is anything Muktar knows, it is camels. Through the eyes of an endearing protagonist whose love and respect for animals shines, this beautifully told story introduces young readers to another part of the world and way of life.
Grade Level
K-3; 3-5
Lexile Measure
AD670L
Diversity Topics
Family Relationships; Family member death; Homelessness; death of a mother; death of a father; death of parents; loss; displaced; refugee
Main Character
male child
Race/Ethnicities
Black (Kenyan; Somalian)
Family Formation
orphan
Awards
Smithsonian Magazine's Notable Books for Children, 2009 Middle Reader
Keywords
camels; Somalia; Kenya; homesickness; orphanage; drought; nomad; dreams; books; friendship; librarian
Diversity Impact
direct
STARS Citation
Graber, Janet, "Muktar and the Camels" (2009). Diverse Families. 1759.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/diversefamilies/1759