Children's Books and Family History: The Teacher of Nomad Land: A World War 2 Story

When we research our family history, it can be easy to think of world events as something that happened in history books. Yet our ancestors lived through those moments. They experienced wars, political unrest, economic hardship, and uncertainty while continuing to raise families, care for one another, and make difficult decisions. Learning about the world they lived in helps us better understand the choices they made and the people they became.

This is one of the reasons I chose to spotlight The Teacher of Nomad Land by Daniel Nayeri. Set in Iran during World War II and inspired by true events, the novel follows Babak and his younger sister after the death of their father. Fearing they will be separated, Babak takes up his father's work as a teacher to the nomadic tribes. With a chalkboard strapped to his back and his sister by his side, the two journey across the mountains searching for the tribes they are meant to teach.

Along the way, they meet a Jewish boy hiding from a Nazi spy, and their journey quickly becomes a race for survival. As soldiers, spies, and the realities of war surround them, Babak discovers that education is about far more than reading and writing. It is about offering hope, building trust, and helping people from different backgrounds find common ground. Filled with adventure, danger, and unforgettable characters, The Teacher of Nomad Land reminds readers that courage and kindness can endure even in the darkest times.

As I read The Teacher of Nomad Land, I found myself thinking about my Nan and the stories she shared about living through World War II. She spoke about being evacuated from London during the Blitz and the fear of hearing the air raid sirens. She remembered having to black out every window in the house so enemy planes could not use the lights below to find their targets. She also spoke with deep gratitude about the support Britain received from countries like Australia and Canada during the war.

I cannot imagine what it must have been like to live through those experiences as a child—to wonder if your home would still be standing tomorrow or whether your country could continue to endure. Those experiences undoubtedly shaped the person my Nan became and the stories she later shared with our family.

History didn't just happen around our ancestors—it helped shape the people they became. That is one of the reasons I love family history. It helps us move beyond simply knowing that an ancestor lived during a historical event. Instead, we begin to understand how those events influenced their character, their choices, and the way they viewed the world. Their stories help us see history not through the eyes of a textbook, but through the eyes of someone we love.

ACTIVITY: History Through Their Eyes

This week's activity invites children to see history through the eyes of someone they know and love. Ask a parent, grandparent, or another family member about an important event they experienced. It might be a world event like World War II, the September 11 attacks, the COVID-19 pandemic, or a major natural disaster. It could also be a family event, such as immigrating to a new country, serving in the military, or living through another significant moment in history.

As they share their memories, encourage your child to listen not only to what happened, but also to how the experience shaped the person they became. Their stories will help history come alive in a way no textbook ever could.

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